Omni vegan dog food range

Image: ProVeg International

Omni: What’s Next for the Plant-Based Pet Food Company?

Three years ago, Omni launched as a ProVeg Incubator start-up selling plant-based pet food. In 2023, the company grew by over 100% and boasted seven-figure annual sales. Building a health-first brand based on veterinary knowledge and scientific credibility, Omni is the only plant-based pet food company in the UK to have peer-reviewed scientific research supporting its products. Its product line includes nutritionally complete kibble, wet-food cans and toppers to increase palatability with a meaty taste and texture, and a newly launched range of supplements with functional benefits. Amid teases of a ‘world-first’ cultivated pet food product launch, ProVeg International’s New Food Hub speaks to Co-Founder and Co-CEO Shiv Sivakumar about Omni’s rise to market leadership and the future of pet food from plant-based and novel …

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Cultivated pet food company Meatly, previously Good Dog Food, has revealed what it claims to be the world's first cultivated meat product for cats.

© Meatly

Meatly and Omni Unveil UK’s First Cultivated Meat Product for Cats

UK cultivated pet food company Meatly, previously Good Dog Food, has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first cans of cat food made with cultivated chicken. The first batch, manufactured with its first commercial partner, Omni, a leader in the UK plant-based pet food scene, is a chicken pâté that blends Omni’s plant, yeast, and algae proteins with Meatly’s cruelty-free meat grown from chicken egg cells. Pets at Home, an early investor in Meatly, will be the first retailer to sell Omni Feast Chicken Revolution presented in 150g tins (enough for a single meal) at roughly £1, according to the announcement. “Owen Ensor, co-founder and CEO of Meatly, said, “It is incredibly exciting to see the first ever cans of cultivated pet food fly off the production …

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PawCo raises funding for plant-based dog food

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PawCo Foods Raises $2M for Plant-Based Dog Food Made With AI Technology

PawCo Foods, the plant-based dog food brand founded by former Impossible Foods scientist Dr. Mahsa Vazin, has raised $2 million in seed funding. The round was led by Elevate Ventures, with participation from angel investors such as Dropbox co-founder Arash Ferdowsi. The company will use some of the funding to open a second production facility in the Midwest, adding to its existing Californian facility. The remainder will be invested in growth, R&D, new recipes, and marketing. PawCo claims to be the first plant-based dog food brand using AI technology to improve the nutrition and palatability of its products. The company has developed GreenMeat, a fresh plant-based meat for dogs which is used in all its recipes. As reported by Axios, PawCo plans to start raising …

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HOWND Pumpkin, Quinoa and Moringa Superfood

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HOWND Launches Allergy-Friendly Pumpkin, Quinoa and Moringa Superfood for Dogs

UK-based vegan dog food brand HOWND has expanded its Plant Powered Superfood range with a new dry food in the flavour Pumpkin, Quinoa and Moringa. The food also contains ingredients such as sweet potato, cranberry, and Phytodroitin; the latter is an innovative algae-based alternative to chondroitin, a supplement that supports joint health. The recipe is high in protein and low in fat and purines. The nutritionally-complete food is said to provide a “digestive reset” for dogs who have upset stomachs or are recovering from illness. It is also designed to be suitable for dogs with allergies and intolerances, and is free of soy, gluten, dairy, and GMOs. The product is vet-approved and sold in fully recyclable 2kg and 10kg packages. It is available to UK …

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Bond Pet Food Founders

Tony Day, CTO, Rich Kelleman, CEO, and Pernilla Audibert, CSO©Bond Pet Food

Bond Pet Foods and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Mark Milestone in Fermented Meat Proteins for Pet Food

Colorado-based fermented protein producer Bond Pet Foods has reached a significant milestone in its partnership with global pet food manufacturer Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The company has officially shipped its first two metric tons of animal protein produced via fermentation, enabling Hill’s to begin formulating prototypes for regulatory review and market assessment. Bond Pet Foods’ proprietary protein ingredient is made specifically for applications in pet food, using a similar process to brewing beer. The fermented proteins mirror the nutritional profile of conventional meat but without the environmental drawbacks. The collaboration between the two companies was originally initiated in late 2021 to develop an alternative to one of Hill’s most used meat proteins. And today, the companies have announced a second joint development agreement to explore additional …

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HOWND named one of the world's most ethical businesses

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Vegan Dog Food Brand HOWND Named One of the World’s Most Ethical Businesses

HOWND, a vegan dog food brand based in the UK, has been named one of the world’s most ethical businesses by the Good Shopping Guide. HOWND was rated in categories such as environmental impact, animal welfare, and public record, becoming independently certified through Ethical Accreditation by The Good Shopping Guide. The company received an outstanding rating of 98/100, and has been included in the Guide’s list of the Top 200 Ethical Companies. “We’re over the moon about this recognition from The Good Shopping Guide,” said Jo Amit, co-founder at HOWND. “Being named one of the Top 200 Ethical Companies with a rating of 98 out of 100 is a reflection of the heart and soul we pour into being ethical in our choices every day. …

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PawCo-Plant-Based Dog Food

© PawCo Foods

Ex Impossible Foods’ PawCo Foods Launches “Very First” Fresh Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Dog Food

PawCo Foods, founded by former Impossible Foods employee Dr. Mahsa Vazin, recently launched two new plant-based dog food products based on GreenMeat™, which it describes as the first fully plant-based meat tailored specifically for pet food. Developed using AI for nutrition optimization and palatability improvement, the two new lines are InstaBites and LuxBites. PawCo claims that InstaBites is the very first fresh shelf-stable plant-based dog food, while LuxBites is a premium fresh dog food formulated with powerful postbiotics and fermented protein to enhance gut health, boost immunity, and ensure optimal nutrient absorption. A recent market report found that the global vegan dog food market will see rapid growth, increasing from $12.27 billion in 2021 to $31.48 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 12.5%. “Our …

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Vegan Dog Food Market Poised for Explosive Growth, Reaching $31.48Bn by 2029

According to a report by Data Bridge Market Research, the global vegan dog food market will see rapid growth in the coming years, with its value increasing from $12.27 billion in 2021 to $31.48 billion by 2029. This represents a CAGR of 12.5%. The market will be driven by the increased “humanization” of pets, where people see pets as part of their family and demand high-quality, nutritious, and digestible foods. Additionally, as more consumers adopt vegan diets with the belief that they are healthier and more sustainable, many are looking to feed their pets a plant-based diet too. Rise in pet ownership Worldwide, having a pet is becoming increasingly popular, driven by rising incomes and the impact of the pandemic. This is increasing the demand …

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Dog Plant-Based Treats

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Further Information on “Approval” of Cultivated Meat for Pet Food, the Story Continues

Three weeks ago, we published a report describing the events surrounding Czech startup Bene Meat’s self-reported regulatory approval of cultivated meat for pet food. Following the article’s publication, Bene Meat reached out to provide further clarification into the matter, requesting that we publish a provided Q&A on the subject (as below). So, in the week that saw interesting moves in the world of alt pet food including: Biocraft Pet Nutrition posting a video on social channels of Oliver the cat making history by sampling a recipe containing cultivated mouse meat; and Paleo announcing the “world-first” patent application for animal-free heme in pet food, to effectively make plants taste like meat; here we provide an update to the complicated story of Bene Meat and the race …

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Precision fermentation startup Paleo expands into the plant-based pet food market with an animal-free heme ingredient.

Image courtesy of Paleo

Bleeding Burgers for Vegan Dogs? Paleo Files World’s First Patent for Animal-Free Heme for Pet Food

Paleo, a precision fermentation startup from Belgium that produces alternative proteins for plant-based foods, is venturing into the plant-based pet food market with an animal-free heme ingredient. Today, the company announces that it has filed and published what it claims is the “world-first” patent application for using its animal-free heme in pet food formulations.  Paleo’s portfolio of heme includes the animal myoglobins found in beef, chicken, pork, lamb, tuna, and mammoth. However, Paleo tells vegconomist, that it is considering developing common preys for cats and dogs, including rat, mouse, and rabbit proteins. The biotech’s proteins are said to be highly pure, 100% GMO-free, and bioidentical to animal myoglobin. Initially, the product could be presented as a protein powder, but the company says it is considering the advantages …

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Omni Puppy food

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Vegan Dog Food Brand Omni Launches at Europe’s Largest Pet Food Retailer Fressnapf

Omni, a leader in the UK plant-based pet food scene, this week announces its collaboration with Fressnapf, a leading German pet retailer and one of the largest globally. Boasting over 1400 stores and with a workforce of approximately 8000 employees across 12 European countries, Fressnapf states it is the largest pet product retailer in Europe. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Omni, as its innovative dog food products, made from plant, yeast, and algae proteins, will now be accessible to Fressnapf’s extensive online customer base. This represents a significant endorsement and a leap into mainstream recognition for Omni’s commitment to health-first and sustainable practices, a notable achievement for the British brand. The range of products to be featured on Fressnapf includes Omni’s specialized dry …

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dog with food

Image courtesy ProVeg International

CULT Food Science Releases Third Proprietary Ingredient for Alternative Pet Food

Canada-based cell-ag investor CULT Food Science has released details and commercialization plans for its latest proprietary ingredient for alternative pet food, Bmeaty. This marks the third proprietary ingredient from the company, offering a savory, umami flavor appealing to cats and dogs. Made through a fermentation and fractionation process, Bmeaty is a blend of yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, and carrier yeast, which contains about 40% protein, along with fiber and B vitamins, helping to support digestion, cognitive health, and heart health. Bmeaty joins CULT’s lineup of patented ingredients for pet food, including Bmmune and Bflora. The CEO of CULT Food Science, Mitchell Scott (previously of The Very Good Food Co / The Very Good Butchers), who was appointed at the beginning of this month, commented, “We …

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Herbie Wilde plant-based superfood for dogs

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Herbie Wilde Launches Plant-Based Superfood for Dogs With 39 Natural Ingredients

Herbie Wilde is a new British pet food brand that has developed a nutritionally complete plant-based superfood for dogs, featuring 39 ingredients such as sweet potato, fruits, greens, ancient grains, herbs, and botanicals. The company was founded by former film production manager Ella Daines-Smith, who has worked on films such as Beauty and The Beast, Winnie the Pooh, Fast and Furious, and Jurassic Park. After trying to figure out why her dog, Bertie, was suffering from digestive issues, Ella discovered that the culprit was food. As pet food standards are lower than those for human food, manufacturers can include meat industry byproducts such as hair, feathers, hooves, bones, connective tissues, and beaks. While these are often high in protein, they are very difficult to digest, …

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Czech startup Bene Meat Technologies (BMT) has become the first company in the world to obtain EU Certification to produce and sell cultivated meat for pet food.

© Bene Meat Technologies (BMT)

Has Cultivated Meat for Pet Food Really Been Approved in EU? The Complicated Story of Bene Meat (and Others in the Space)

Two weeks ago, a press release was widely distributed by Czech startup Bene Meat Technologies, titled “Bene Meat Technologies is the first company in the world to be licensed to produce and sell cultured meat as dog and cat food” The release stated, ” On 7.11.2023, the Czech startup Bene Meat Technologies (BMT) won the world championship to produce and sell cultured meat for PET FOOD needs. With the certification obtained from the European Feed Materials Register, it becomes the only entity in the world that can produce and sell this product for PET FOOD needs.[…] Bene Meat Technologies is thus the first entity in the world to be authorised to produce and sell cultured meat for PET FOOD.”  This apparently groundbreaking news was covered …

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Cultivated pet food company Good Dog Food rebrands as Meatly.

© Meatly

Good Dog Food Rebrands as Meatly Ahead of Cultivated Chicken Product Launch in the UK

UK cultivated pet food company Good Dog Food announces its new identity and the launch of a new consumer-facing website: Meatly. As part of the announcement, the company revealed that it has secured key partnerships with manufacturers and is preparing for an “upcoming” UK product launch. Meatly explains that it’s collaborating with the UK’s Food Standards Agency and the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs to obtain approval to commercialise its cultivated chicken for the pet food industry. Owen Ensor, CEO of Meatly, says: “We’re thrilled to announce our rebrand to Meatly, in what marks an exciting new chapter for us as a team and brand. We chose the name ‘Meatly’ because we wanted to celebrate the fact that it is real meat, made the …

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Clif Pet Dog Eating Carrot/ Veggies

©Clif Bar

Study Finds Good Health Outcomes in Dogs Fed a Plant-Based Diet

A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has found equally good health outcomes in dogs eating plant-based and meat-based diets. For three months, the study (conducted at Canada’s University of Guelph) fed 31 dogs an experimental extruded vegan food, while 30 dogs received a commercial extruded meat-based food. Comprehensive tests were then conducted using blood and urine tests, x-rays, and veterinary examinations. The results showed that all dogs maintained their health parameters and body weight throughout the three-month period. In particular, the study examined whether vitamin D2 (found in plants) would be as beneficial as vitamin D3 (found in meat). The study concluded that vitamin D2 is efficacious in maintaining dogs’ total vitamin D levels. There was no impact on bone mineral …

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Czech startup Bene Meat Technologies (BMT) has become the first company in the world to obtain EU Certification to produce and sell cultivated meat for pet food.

© Bene Meat Technologies (BMT)

Bene Meat Technologies Receives First-Ever EU Approval for Cultivated Meat for Pet Food 

Article amendment 21st November: please refer to the situation in full as described here, with the series of events updated with further developments since this story was first published on 8th November. Czech startup Bene Meat Technologies (BMT) claims it has become the first company in the world to receive EU Certification to produce and sell cultivated meat for pet food. It was only this January that the startup announced it was developing animal cell lines to produce cultivated meat ingredients for the pet food industry. Nonetheless, today, BMT announces that it has received a license from the European Feed Materials Register to commercialise its products. This organization oversees the authorization of additives and covers for animal feed in the EU and EEA markets.   …

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THE PACK plant-based pet food becomes a certified B Corp

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THE PACK Becomes “Europe’s First” Plant-Based Pet Food B Corp

Coinciding with World Vegan Day 2023, British plant-based pet food startup THE PACK announces it has received B Corp certification in recognition of its high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. THE PACK claims to be the first fully plant-based pet food brand in Europe to receive the certification, noting that it scored particularly highly in the area of environment. THE PACK has also recently launched its nutritionally complete oven-baked plant-based pet food for dogs, which is claimed to be another European first. The food has been shown to outperform meat-based competitors in home-feeding trials, with 78% of dogs reportedly choosing it over organic chicken kibble. The food contains functional ingredients, five sources of plant-based protein, and pre & post-biotics. It is …

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Noochies! freeze-dried cat snacks and dog snacks

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CULT Food Science Launches North America’s “First” Vegan Cat Treats: Noochies!

Food technology investment platform CULT Food Science announces the launch of Noochies! Freeze-Dried Cat Snacks, North America’s “first” vegan cat treats. This new product challenges the conventional belief that cats are obligate carnivores and showcases the potential of a vegan cat diet when supplemented with essential nutrients. Cats have long been considered “true” carnivores, requiring nutrients primarily found in animal tissue for their survival, but recent studies have shown that a plant-based diet can promote better health in cats. Noochies! Freeze-Dried Cat Snacks are enriched with fiber and B vitamins, which are typically lacking in traditional meat-based diets. In addition, Noochies! offers a high protein content that the company says is on par with premium cuts of chicken or lamb. Joshua Errett, the founder of …

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Biocraft Cat food in dish

Cat food © Biocraft Pet Nutrition

BioCraft Pioneers AI to Streamline Production of Cultivated Meat for Pets

BioCraft Pet Nutrition, formerly Because, Animals, states it is pioneering AI to reduce costs and accelerate the development of cultivated meat for the pet food market.  BioCraft claims to have developed a new proprietary AI tool that supports R&D in finding nutrient inputs, giving it an edge in achieving optimal cell proliferation, thus expediting production. Using AI, the company conducts fewer and more focused experiments to improve cell growth and enhance the nutritional value of cultivated meat.  “The main costs and time sinks on the way to commercialization are R&D-related, and our AI has substantially streamlined this process, accelerated our progress, and reduced costs,” said BioCraft founder and CEO Dr. Shannon Falconer.  BioCraft’s AI collects and processes data from publicly available scientific papers and databases. Subsequently, …

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