Alternative proteins and sustainability drivers
in pet food
As the pet food industry grows, so does the need to minimise its climate impact. Addressing the environmental footprint of feeding cats and dogs is crucial. We are looking at ways to ensure responsible sourcing of ingredients, such as marine raw materials certified by organisations like MarinTrust, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and the Marine Stewardship Council.
Alternative proteins, including insects, yeast, cultured meat, and microbial sources, present promising options, but their sustainability benefits need further exploration to ensure they can help reduce the environmental impacts of pet food.
This session is also exploring how impacts are measured, why they matter, and innovative solutions to create a more sustainable future for pet nutrition.
Alternative protein innovations in pet food are shaking up the industry, with cutting-edge developments like insect meal, cultivated meat, and fungi-based ingredients leading the charge.
In our startup pitch showcase, we feature three trailblazing pet food startups, each pioneering unique approaches to revolutionizing pet nutrition and sustainability.
- Simo Ellilä, CEO and cofounder of Finnish startup Enifer, is leveraging fermentation to produce fungi-based protein as a sustainable pet food ingredient.
- Harry Bremner, founder of UK startup Tuggs, a subscription pet food brand, will talk about how Tuggs is made with insect protein and uses algorithms to build tailored health plans and meals for dogs.
- Owen Ensor, CEO of UK-based Meatly, highlights their breakthrough in cultivated meat, now authorized for use in pet food following regulatory clearance in the UK.
These innovators are not only advancing the science behind alternative proteins but are also redefining how pet food can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Chair: Jane Byrne, Senior Editor, FeedNavigator
As consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious products grows, the pet food industry is embracing innovation to align with these values. This panel brings together leading voices from Mars Petcare, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and a research manager from MarketPlace to discuss the transformative role of alternative proteins in shaping the future of pet food.
Focusing on novel inputs like insect protein, fermentation technology, as well as plant-based ingredients and certified sustainable seafood, the panel will delve into how such ingredients address environmental concerns, reduce reliance on traditional protein sources, and maintain optimal nutrition for pets. Participants will explore market trends, including the increasing popularity of eco-conscious pet owners and the regulatory and supply chain challenges that come with integrating novel proteins.
Attendees will gain insights into the strategies global leaders like Mars Petcare and Hill’s Pet Nutrition are employing to innovate sustainably, while our pet food market research expert will provide data-backed analysis on consumer preferences and industry projections. This session promises to be an engaging dialogue on balancing nutritional quality, environmental responsibility, and market viability, offering actionable insights for stakeholders across the pet food ecosystem.
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