The idea of lab-grown dog food might sound like something from the latest science fiction blockbuster.
But it has become a reality here in the UK, where the world’s first cultivated dog treat has gone on sale this week.
Experts at London-based startup, Meatly, have teamed up with plant-based dog food brand, THE PACK, to create ‘Chick Bites’.
The meat is made using cells from chicken eggs, before being combined with a range of ingredients including chickpea flour, dried fruits, and yeast extract.
Despite being grown in the lab, Meatly claims the treat is ‘just as tasty and nutritious as traditional chicken breast’.
Unsurprisingly, the lab-grown version is much more expensive than the real deal.
Chick Bites will go on sale on Friday, priced at £3.49 for 50g – around twice the price of rival brands!
So, would you feed them to your dog?
The idea of lab-grown dog food might sound like something from the latest science fiction blockbuster. But it has become a reality here in the UK, where the world’s first cultivated dog treat has gone on sale this week
The meat is made using cells from chicken eggs, before being combined with a range of ingredients including chickpea flour, dried fruits, and yeast extract
The lab-grown dog food is created through a three-step process, which begins with a small sample of cells taken from a chicken egg.
‘After this, we never use another animal product in our production, ever,’ Meatly explains.
The cells are cultured in the lab, where scientists provide them with the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed for them to grow into meat.
Finally, the cells are nurtured in a container that controls temperature and acidity, which Meatly compares to the process used to make yoghurt or beer.
‘When our meat is ready, we work with the world’s leading pet food manufacturers to make delicious meals for pets,’ it added.
For the lab-grown dog treats, Meatly partnered with THE PACK, although it has previously partnered with other brands on products for cats.
Owen Ensor, Founding CEO of Meatly, said: ‘We’re incredibly excited to introduce cultivated meat to the pet world.
‘Just two years ago this felt like a moon shot. Today we take off.
The lab-grown dog food is created through a three-step process, which begins with a small sample of cells taken from a chicken egg
‘It’s a giant leap forward – toward a significant market for meat which is healthy, sustainable and kind to our planet and other animals.’
A limited-release of the treats will go on sale at Pets at Home Brentford on Friday 7. February.
A 50g pack of Chick Bites is priced at £3.49, which is considerably more expensive than options from rivals.
For example, on Pets At Home’s website, The Deli Dog Chicken Bites with Apple Dog Treats are £3.49 for a 100g pack, while Lily’s Kitchen Chomp Away Chicken Bites Dog Treats are £3.99 for a 70g pack.
Despite this, Pets at Home hopes the lab-grown treats will appeal to environmentally conscious dog owners.
Anja Madsen, Chief Operating Officer, Pets at Home said: ‘At Pets at Home, we’re guided by our purpose to create a better world for pets and the people who love them, and that includes looking after our planet.
‘We’re also always looking to the future of pet care, and to make sure we’re developing and providing the products that matter to our customers.
‘This mindset is best demonstrated by our investment in Meatly.
‘We are thrilled to be working with Owen and the team to provide cultivated meat pet food products to our customers for the first time in the world.
‘This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of pet food and will be a game-changer for the industry.’
Just 750 packs will be available at launch, although Meatly hopes to make its product more widely available soon.
‘We’re just getting started. Next we’ll scale our production and make products more widely available to consumers,’ Mr Ensor added.
