Farmed Salmon Increasingly Fed Poultry Byproducts
Labeling rules do not require retailers to disclose that your salmon may have been raised on poultry-based feed.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Organic Food
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European salmon farmers are increasingly substituting traditional fishmeal with feed made from poultry byproducts like bones and organs. As fishmeal prices climb, consumers may find that the salmon they purchase was raised on this alternative diet, though ingredient disclosure is not required by current labeling regulations.
Why it matters
Rising fishmeal costs have pushed producers to seek cheaper alternatives, significantly changing the diet of farmed salmon. Because regulations do not mandate the disclosure of feed ingredients, consumers remain largely unaware of the shift toward poultry-based inputs in their seafood supply.
Recent industry findings show that poultry-based feed costs less than 50% of the price of traditional fishmeal, a pivot driven by the fact that fishmeal prices have nearly doubled. The impact of this feed substitution on salmon nutritional quality remains under investigation.
The players
Lerøy Seafood Group
A major Norwegian seafood producer currently utilizing poultry-based components in its salmon feed operations.
Mowi
A prominent Norwegian aquaculture firm expected to introduce poultry-based feed to its salmon farming operations.
The details
Producers are integrating chicken bones, organs, and other poultry leftovers into feed mixtures to replace traditional fish-based proteins. This shift aims to mitigate the high costs associated with declining fish stocks and increased global demand. Because labeling laws do not mandate the disclosure of these feed components, retailers currently set their own internal standards for transparency rather than following a universal requirement.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Industry reporting highlights the shift in salmon feed composition.
Health Landscape
The aquaculture industry is increasingly moving away from traditional fishmeal as the cost of this input has nearly doubled due to declining fish stocks. This shift toward poultry byproducts represents a major change in the standard production model for farmed seafood.
Consumers looking for transparency regarding the farming practices of their seafood should check for certifications from specific retailers that maintain strict standards. Since feed ingredients are not required on labels, those interested in sourcing should discuss specific standards with their preferred fishmonger.
The takeaway
The move to poultry-based feed is a response to soaring costs in the aquaculture sector that impacts how farmed fish are raised. When purchasing salmon, consider looking for retailer-specific labels if you prioritize knowing the source of ingredients used in the animal's diet.
Further reading
To better understand the complexities of the supply chain, read more in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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Should food producers be required to disclose the specific feed used to raise farmed seafood?
