Collaboration between a British animal-free pet food brand and a trailblazing German biotech startup has seen the launch of a first-of-its-kind microbial protein dog treat for the UK market.
The novel, plant-based Gut Bites product from pet food pioneer THE PACK employs the proprietary microbial protein ingredient from biotech innovator MicroHarvest in its allergy-friendly oven-baked recipe.
Using a clean and highly digestible protein source as a basis for functional nutrition, the treats are formulated to be gut-friendly and suitable for dogs with sensitivities and intolerances. Gut Bites aims to provide a healthier alternative to conventional meat-based treats for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs.
This collaboration marks one of the first opportunities for UK pet owners to purchase a finished product containing microbial protein, a breakthrough ingredient produced via sustainable fermentation technology.
Sustainable fermentation technology
Consumers look keen — as research shows 3 in 4 dog owners willing to try pet food with microbial protein.
A study conducted in partnership with a Wageningen University in 2024 revealed that 77.2% of UK and German dog owners would buy dog treats containing microbial protein, while 78.4% would consider purchasing complete dog food with the ingredient.
Complementing these results, palatability tests showed that even selective small dogs consistently preferred food containing MicroHarvest protein: 58% chose a meal of MPX replacement formula kibble first over the reference and ate an average of 44% more of the MPX kibble (66.3g vs 46.8g).
The demand is real, says Damien Clarkson, MD of Prefera Petfood UK, which operates THE PACK:
“Our community of dog owners often tells us they struggle with picky eaters and pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Gut Bites is our answer: a delicious, functional treat that’s also allergy-friendly. We’ve always been open to next-generation ingredients and MicroHarvest’s microbial protein stood out as a game-changer.”
The pet-loving UK also represents a major market, adds Katelijne Bekers, CEO of MicroHarvest:
“Some 36% of British households own a dog, and the UK cat and dog food market is worth around £3.9bn annually, so entering this market is a major step in our expansion journey. But for us, this collaboration is about more than scaling; it’s about validation. By working with THE PACK, we’re showing that microbial protein isn’t just a sustainable solution, but one that dogs truly enjoy. Gut Bites is a perfect example of that.”
Resource required to feed pets
Feeding the world’s pets requires vast resources — with an area of land twice the size of the UK currently used to produce dry food for cats and dogs, generating 106 million tonnes of CO2 each year.
MicroHarvest’s protein addresses this challenge: produced from agricultural side-streams via fermentation, it requires no additional farmland, pesticides, or fertilisers. Its footprint is more than 90% lower than beef, and significantly lower than plant protein.
For the pet food sector, Gut Bites represents not only a consumer-ready product but also a proof point that microbial protein can deliver on palatability, digestibility, and sustainability simultaneously.
The launch builds on the successful 2024 partnership between MicroHarvest and VEGDOG in Germany, where the Pure Bites treat became the first European dog snack to include microbial protein. With THE PACK, the UK now joins Germany as an early market for this next-generation protein solution.
Biotech innovation and natural healthcare
Founded in 2021, MicroHarvest is a biotechnology business working on accessible nutrition for a healthier planet. Utilising microbial fermentation and agricultural byproducts as feedstock, the company transforms raw materials into high-quality proteins within just 24 hours. Its proprietary technology not only speeds up production but also minimises the resource footprint compared to traditional protein sources. MicroHarvest products have applications across multiple industries, from aquaculture to pet and human food.
THE PACK creates nutritious, animal-free and allergy-friendly food and natural healthcare products for dogs, crafted to meet the needs of pets with sensitivities. Originally founded by Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel in 2020, THE PACK was acquired by Prefera Petfood UK earlier this year, marking a new chapter for the brand.
Further Reading:
- More about German biotech startup MicroHarvest;
- More about British animal-free pet food brand THE PACK; now owned by Prefera Petfood UK;
- Also on SustMeme, Green light for insect-based proteins in US pet food;
- Also on SustMeme, Pilot plant for sustainable protein from microbes;
- Also on SustMeme, Are pea, canola and oat the future for plant protein?
- Also on SustMeme, Divestment: Are meat and plastic the new coal?
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