What animal is most eaten by humans?

What Animal Do Humans Eat the Most?

When it comes to global meat consumption, one animal stands out above the rest: the pig. According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, pork is the most consumed meat worldwide, accounting for about 36% of total meat intake. That's nearly a third of every meat meal eaten on the planet.

Why pork? The reasons are cultural, economic, and practical. In countries like China—which alone consumes nearly half the world's pork—pigs have been a dietary staple for thousands of years. They are efficient to raise, reproduce quickly, and provide a high yield of meat. Plus, pork is incredibly versatile: it can be fresh, cured, smoked, or turned into products like sausages and bacon.

It’s followed closely by poultry at 33%, a number that’s been rising steadily thanks to lower production costs and growing health perceptions compared to red meat. Chicken, in particular, dominates tables from Brazil to Bangladesh. Beef comes in third at 24%, popular in regions like Argentina and the United States, where cattle ranching is deeply rooted in tradition and economy. Finally, meat from goats and sheep makes up about 5%, with strong regional importance in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of South Asia.

While tastes vary widely across cultures, the global appetite for pork remains unmatched. From dumplings to hams, stir-fries to sausages, pigs feed the world more than any other animal. It’s not just about preference—it’s about availability, affordability, and centuries of culinary habit shaping what ends up on our plates.