Hamburg, Germany-based biotech company MicroHarvest has released results from a palatability study showing strong acceptance of its MPX microbial protein among cats and small dogs, in what it said marks a potential breakthrough for alternative proteins in pet food.
The study, conducted with 60 companion animals (30 cats and 30 small dogs), compared a kibble partially formulated with MPX against a standard commercial control. Results showed 68% of cats and 58% of dogs chose the MPX-based kibble first. Cats consumed 37 grams of the MPX food on average, compared to 25.3 grams of the control, and nearly three-quarters of cat owners reported typical or increased portion consumption. Among small dogs, 91% of owners reported typical or higher consumption, with dogs eating 44% more of the MPX-based kibble than the control.
“These results mark a significant milestone for alternative proteins in the pet food industry,” said Ally Motta, application specialist at MicroHarvest. “Palatability is a non-negotiable factor, and the fact that both cats and dogs not only preferred MPX but consumed more of it proves that microbial protein can compete on taste — not just sustainability or nutrition.”
The kibble was co-developed with a Portuguese animal nutrition partner, modifying an existing commercial formula to include 10% MPX while maintaining key product variables. Nutritional values for the MPX-containing kibble included 30% crude protein and 13% crude fat.
MicroHarvest’s protein is produced via a fermentation process using agricultural sidestreams. While current applications focus on animal nutrition, the company is also exploring human food uses as global protein demand increases.
Adapted from a press release.
