NAICS 3111

Animal Food Manufacturing

Animal food manufacturing (NAICS 3111) produces prepared feeds for livestock, poultry, pets, and aquaculture. Learn about the industry, trends, and market dynamics.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 3111 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
65K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
1,914
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$4.5B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$68,915
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$74.7B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Animal food manufacturing (NAICS 3111) encompasses the production of prepared feeds and feed ingredients for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pet animals. This industry includes the mixing, grinding, and processing of raw materials such as grains, meat by-products, vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements into complete or supplemental animal feed products. The industry plays a critical role in supporting the broader agricultural economy by providing essential nutrition that impacts livestock productivity, animal health, and ultimately food production for human consumption.

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Industry Trends

01

Increasing demand for specialized and customized feed formulations tailored to specific livestock breeds, production stages, and performance metrics as producers seek competitive advantages.

02

Growing adoption of sustainable and plant-based feed ingredients driven by environmental concerns and livestock operation sustainability goals.

03

Rising investment in feed mill automation and digital monitoring systems to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance food safety compliance.

04

Expanding pet food premium and specialty segment with ingredient transparency, functional nutrition, and natural/organic certifications becoming key market differentiators.

05

Integration of advanced analytics and supply chain management technologies to optimize raw material sourcing and respond to commodity price volatility.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

2 specialty industriesavailable on request
▾
Dog & Cat Food Manufacturing
311111View →
Other Animal Food Manufacturing
311119View →

Industries

Browse deeper into the NAICS hierarchy.

311110 reports

Animal Food Manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 3111? ▾
NAICS 3111 is the industry classification for animal food manufacturing, which includes facilities that produce prepared animal feeds for all types of livestock, poultry, pets, and aquaculture. The industry encompasses the processing, mixing, and formulation of various feed ingredients into nutritionally balanced products designed to support animal health and productivity.
What raw materials are used in animal feed manufacturing? ▾
Animal feed manufacturers use a diverse range of raw materials including grains (corn, soybean meal, barley), meat and bone meal, fish meal, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, oils, and various pharmaceutical and feed additive ingredients. The specific formulation varies based on the target animal species, production stage, and nutritional requirements.
How do regulatory requirements impact animal food manufacturing? ▾
The industry operates under strict FDA regulations governing ingredient safety, labeling, quality control, and manufacturing practices. Manufacturers must maintain detailed production records, conduct regular testing for contaminants, and comply with specific standards for each animal type. These regulations ensure feed safety throughout the supply chain and protect animal health and food safety for human consumption.
What is the relationship between animal feed manufacturing and livestock productivity? ▾
Animal feed is fundamental to livestock productivity and efficiency. Well-formulated feeds optimize growth rates, milk production, egg production, and overall animal health while minimizing disease and mortality. Manufacturers continuously innovate feed formulations to help producers achieve better feed conversion ratios and production economics.
How is the pet food segment different from livestock feed? ▾
Pet food manufacturing under NAICS 3111 focuses on companion animals with formulations emphasizing palatability, digestibility, and balanced nutrition for health and longevity. This segment has seen significant growth in premium, organic, and functional products, while livestock feeds prioritize production efficiency and cost-effectiveness for commercial operations.

Related Industries

Grain & Oilseed Milling 3112Other Food Manufacturing 3119Grocery & Related Product Merchant Wholesalers 4244

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