Austrian-based BioCraft Pet Nutrition, a biotechnology company developing animal cell-cultured ingredients for pet food, is partnering with Prefera Petfood, headquartered in Cluj, Romania, to commercialize a novel, hypoallergenic cat food made primarily from lab-grown mouse cells.
The product — a mousse-style cat food — is made almost entirely from BioCraft’s proprietary cell-cultured mouse, a protein source designed to be both nutritionally complete and better aligned with cats’ natural prey-based diets. According to the companies, the new formula delivers essential nutrients while also offering a favorable omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio and avoiding common allergens found in conventional meats.
“Achieving a near 100% inclusion level of an animal cell-cultured ingredient for a final product is a game-changer for the pet food industry,” said Dr. Shannon Falconer, founder and CEO of BioCraft. “Most cellular agriculture initiatives struggle to reach high inclusion levels of their ingredient in a final product; however, low inclusion levels don’t accomplish the objective of reducing our reliance on intensive animal agriculture. Prefera understands this, and with BioCraft’s cell-cultured ingredient has overcome this challenge.”
Prefera Petfood, launched in early 2024 by a group of industry veterans, specializes in premium natural wet pet food. General manager Nicola Magalini said the company’s values aligned with BioCraft’s mission.
“As a company committed to the highest standards of safety and quality, using only real, identifiable ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives, our partnership with BioCraft helps us innovate in ways that benefit both pets and the environment,” said Magalini. “This innovative collaboration marks a significant milestone in functional, sustainable and ancestrally-appropriate pet nutrition.”
Palatability testing shows strong preference for cell-based nutrition
Early palatability testing has shown strong acceptance among cats, with preference rates reportedly higher than those for traditional products, noted the companies.
“Cats are notoriously selective eaters, so we're thrilled with the enthusiastic reception,” Magalini said. “It's clear that our feline friends can't tell the difference — except perhaps that they prefer it.”
The companies will debut samples of the product at Zoomark International, taking place May 5–7 in Bologna, Italy. Attendees can visit Prefera in Pad. 36 Stand D47 - C48 to learn more.
Independent nutrient profiling of BioCraft’s cell-cultured mouse confirms nutritional similarity to conventional meat slurries used in pet food, including essential nutrients such as taurine, lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. The ingredients are produced using stable, non-immortalized, non-genetically modified animal cells, and are free of bacterial pathogens, viruses, heavy metals, molds, and biogenic amines.
BioCraft plans to begin commercial production of its ingredient by the end of 2025. Prefera’s products, including the new mousse, will primarily be available in European markets.
Adapted from a press release.
