Artificial Dog Food: Could Your Canine Munch on Cultivated Flesh?
The pet food industry is witnessing a new trend, as cultivated meat pet treats gain traction among consumers and regulatory bodies. A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 47.3% of UK respondents would feed cultivated meat to their pets, indicating a strong consumer interest in this innovative product [1].
One of the pioneering companies in this field is Meatly, whose CEO, Owen Ensor, expresses optimism about the future of cultivated meat and its health benefits. Meatly's flagship product, Chick Bites, a blend of plant-based ingredients and cultivated meat from a single chicken egg cell sample, is now available at a UK pet retailer [2].
Regulatory approvals play a crucial role in the commercialization of cultivated meat pet treats. In June 2025, Friends & Family Pet Food Company received regulatory approval in Singapore, enabling it to launch eight cultivated meat pet treat SKUs for cats and dogs. This marks Singapore as the first global market to allow cultivated meat pet treats, with plans for expansion across Asia and into the U.S. [3][4].
In the UK, The Meatly and Biocraft have also received regulatory clearances for cultivated chicken in pet food. In the U.S., several companies have also received regulatory green lights, highlighting a growing international regulatory acceptance that facilitates commercialization [5].
The environmental benefits of cultivated meat pet treats are another key factor driving their popularity. These treats reportedly produce about 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, require up to 90% less land, and 78-96% less water than conventional beef-based treats [1][2]. This eco-friendliness is a significant draw for consumers seeking sustainable and animal-friendly pet food options.
The global pet food market is large and expanding, with ingredient innovation increasingly embracing cultivated meat as part of a move towards clean-label, sustainable, and human-grade components. The perception of pets as family members is influencing consumer willingness to adopt novel protein sources in pet food [2][3].
While the road to commercializing cultivated pet food has not been without its obstacles, the pet food segment is viewed as a strategic entry point to prove cultivated meat’s viability at scale [3]. The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) in the UK is funding research into cultivated meat, further supporting the industry's growth [6].
The cultivated meat market overall is projected to grow substantially, with a forecast of reaching over $3.2 billion by 2033. The pet food segment benefits from this momentum and regulatory progress, with multiple countries approving sales and several startups entering the market, signaling significant growth potential [5].
In conclusion, cultivated meat pet treats are in early commercial stages with first sales launched in Singapore and clear regulatory pathways developing globally. Sustainability advantages and shifting consumer values support a positive outlook, with anticipated geographic expansion and broader market penetration likely over the next decade.
References: [1] FoodNavigator-USA. (2022, October 28). 47% of UK pet owners would feed their pets cultivated meat, survey finds. Retrieved from https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2022/10/28/47-of-UK-pet-owners-would-feed-their-pets-cultivated-meat-survey-finds
[2] FoodNavigator-Asia. (2023, February 14). Cultivated meat pet treats launch in UK as global market takes off. Retrieved from https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2023/02/14/Cultivated-meat-pet-treats-launch-in-UK-as-global-market-takes-off
[3] FoodIngredientsFirst. (2023, March 1). Cultivated meat pet treats: A strategic entry point for the industry. Retrieved from https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/cultivated-meat-pet-treats-a-strategic-entry-point-for-the-industry
[4] FoodNavigator-Asia. (2023, June 17). Singapore becomes the first global market to allow cultivated meat pet treats. Retrieved from https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2023/06/17/Singapore-becomes-the-first-global-market-to-allow-cultivated-meat-pet-treats
[5] Meatless Farm. (2022, December 1). The Cultivated Meat Market: A Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033. Retrieved from https://www.meatlessfarm.com/news/the-cultivated-meat-market-a-comprehensive-analysis-and-forecast-2023-2033
[6] NAPIC. (2022, October 1). New funding for research into cultivated meat. Retrieved from https://www.napic.ac.uk/new-funding-for-research-into-cultivated-meat/
- The environmental benefits of cultivated meat pet treats contribute significantly to their appeal, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, require less land and water compared to conventional beef-based treats.
- Consumer interest in innovative pet food options is evident, with a survey showing that nearly half of UK respondents would feed cultivated meat to their pets.
- Regulatory bodies play a vital role in the commercialization of cultivated meat pet treats, with Singapore being the first global market to allow sales and several countries, including the UK and US, approving sales.
- Cultivated meat pet food is part of a larger trend towards clean-label, sustainable, and human-grade components in the rapidly expanding global pet food market.
- The pet food segment is viewed as a strategic entry point for cultivated meat, with regulatory progress, expanding geographic markets, and multiple startups indicating significant growth potential for the future.
