BioCraft Pet Nutrition, formerly known as Because Animals, has made significant strides in its production process, enabling it to offer cultivated mouse meat for dogs and cats at competitive prices comparable to premium pet food. As reported by Green Queen, the company now prices its cultivated meat between $2 and $2.50 per pound, aligning with the cost of premium meat used in pet food. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for the pet food industry, with BioCraft revolutionizing the use of growth media to reduce expenses while enhancing the nutritional value of its products.
Shannon Falconer, the founder and CEO of BioCraft, expressed excitement over this breakthrough, stating, “Achieving price parity and ensuring a robust nutritional profile for pets were the primary obstacles hindering the adoption of cultivated meat in the pet food sector, and BioCraft has successfully addressed both.”
With its newfound affordability and nutritional benefits, BioCraft is now gearing up to introduce its cultivated meat into branded pet food offerings, with plans to hit store shelves by early 2026.
A key aspect of BioCraft’s cost reduction strategy involves shifting away from animal-derived materials and instead utilizing nutrients sourced from crops. The company has developed a nutrient medium comprised of plant-based ingredients commonly used in pet food applications, already approved by food safety regulators. This innovative approach underscores BioCraft’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
In addition to its breakthrough with mouse meat, BioCraft introduced a chicken cell line for cat and dog foods in June 2023. This cell-cultured chicken, delivered in a meat slurry format similar to industry standards, represents another milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify its product offerings. Leveraging their expertise in genetic research, BioCraft initially developed mouse tissue in vitro, capitalizing on the extensive knowledge of mouse DNA to create cell-cultured mouse meat for novel cat treats.
Beyond BioCraft, other players in the pet food industry are also making strides in the realm of cultivated meat. Meatly, a UK-based company, recently unveiled the world’s first cans of pet food utilizing cultivated chicken as the protein source. By developing a protein-free culture medium, Meatly has achieved significant cost reductions, making industrial-scale production economically viable.
Similarly, Bond Pet Foods has partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to deliver cell-cultured animal protein for pet food formulations. This collaboration aims to provide valuable data for regulatory approval and market evaluation, signaling a growing interest in alternative protein sources within the pet food sector.
Furthermore, startups like CULT Food Science and Bene Meat Technologies are gaining traction with their innovative approaches to pet food production. From freeze-dried, nutrient-rich treats to EU-approved cultured meat, these companies are reshaping the landscape of pet nutrition, offering sustainable and health-conscious alternatives to traditional pet food.
As the demand for ethical and sustainable pet food options continues to rise, BioCraft and its counterparts are poised to lead the charge in providing high-quality, environmentally friendly alternatives for furry companions worldwide.
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