According to a new report by the World Wildlife Fund, invasive carp offer a practical alternative. With protein content and omega-3 levels that rival more expensive ingredients like wild-caught salmon, these fish meet nutritional standards for premium pet formulations. They’re also highly digestible and naturally low in contaminants, helping brands maintain product safety without over-relying on additives or synthetic nutrients.
What sets carp apart from other protein options is scalability. Their populations are well-established across major U.S. waterways, eliminating the need for the costly infrastructure and long lead times tied to livestock production. With harvesting operations already underway in regions like the Mississippi River Basin, a dependable, lower-cost supply chain is within reach for manufacturers ready to invest in alternative sourcing.
The business case for carp extends beyond nutritional and supply chain advantages. In the U.S., invasive carp species—such as silver and bighead carp—have overrun aquatic ecosystems, crowding out native fish and degrading water quality. Their unchecked growth in the Mississippi River Basin and risk of spread into the Great Lakes present a real ecological threat.
Creating commercial demand for these species not only supports long-term supply stability but also contributes to ecosystem restoration. Targeted harvesting reduces population pressure, allowing native species to rebound and water quality to improve. This environmental benefit is increasingly relevant as consumers—particularly Gen Z and millennials—seek products that align with their values around sustainability and social impact.
The economic ripple effect is also noteworthy. Building out a carp-based supply chain could revitalize Midwestern fishing communities and support domestic manufacturing. This angle enhances a brand’s U.S.-sourced credentials, which carry weight in a market where transparency and origin tracking matter more than ever.
