Poland-based Proteine Resources has announced it has developed the world’s first scalable beef analog for pets that matches real beef’s nutritional profile 1:1 – while cutting production costs by up to 50%. Unlike other alternative protein approaches, Proteine points out its proprietary technology is uniquely positioned for rapid market adoption.
Proteine Resources, the creator of a groundbreaking protein technology, has announced it has developed the world’s first scalable beef analog with a 1:1 nutritional profile to real beef, cutting production costs by up to 50% – is ready to launch sales. Unlike other alt-protein approaches—cultivated meat, plant-based substitutes, and precision fermentation, which have attracted over USD 14 billion in investments yet remain costly or lower in quality, Proteine’s technology is quickly approaching market readiness.
Industrial meat production drives global warming, with beef alone emitting up to 375 kg of CO₂ equivalent per 1 kg of protein — the highest rates in the livestock sector. This impact grows in developed countries, where both humans and pets consume more beef, fueled by the trend of feeding pets human-grade meat. Intensive farming depletes resources, relies heavily on antibiotics, pesticides, and growth hormones, and subjects animals to harsh conditions. Additionally, many dogs and cats could be allergic to beef, highlighting the need for safer, more sustainable alternatives to address environmental, ethical, and health concerns.
For many years, the world has been searching for a nutritious, scalable, and eco-friendly protein alternative – without success. Cultivated meat, plant-based substitutes, and precision fermentation are still 2-3 times more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and it is predicted that by 2035, these alternatives will not reach price parity with traditional ingredients. In many parts of the world, they also face regulatory barriers.
Proteine Resources explained it is making fast progress in developing and perfecting a groundbreaking insect-based production method that addresses all these issues, and its scaling model is aimed at wide implementation in nearly every corner of the world. Stating that the market has welcomed this biotech solution with enthusiasm, Proteine Resources pointed out that it has already received strong interest from pet food producers and signed its first letters of intent.
A PREMIUM-QUALITY PRODUCT
According to the announcement, Proteine Resources is working on a revolutionary beef substitute for pet food – a high-quality, stable 1:1 beef meat replacement, rich in 70% protein in dry granule form (16.4% in wet form vs. 17% in beef). It provides all essential amino acids, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, without chemicals and GMOs. It is also hypoallergenic and prebiotic, supporting animal gut health. In terms of pet welfare, it offers an attractive taste, aromatic scent and customizable texture thanks to advanced structural technology. By using the base product, it will be possible to create products for both animals and, in the future, for the wellness, pharmaceutical, and cosmetology industries.
A TRULY SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
Proteine Resources pushes insect farming further – by running its entire breeding cycle in the dark, cutting the production time to just four weeks, and automating facilities. The company points out that this slashes resource consumption and lowers greenhouse emissions well beyond typical insect or plant-based proteins. In a market struggling with high costs and energy-intensive processes, this innovation, once it is ready to use, will offer a truly scalable, eco-friendly alternative.
This breakthrough stems from years of intensive R&D and delivers a fully functional 100% beef analog based on entoproteins—not mycoproteins. Unlike lab-cultured meat or precision fermentation, it can rapidly scale to mass production, promising real impact on global food security without compromising nutrition or affordability.
A NEW ERA IN PET FOOD PRODUCTION
Proteine Resources stated it envisions over 40 potential applications of its technology—both for humans and animals—but chose the pet food market first due to lower regulatory barriers, and a fast-growing market facing high raw material costs and widespread pet health issues.
Studies show that nearly one in three dogs and 15% of cats suffer from food allergies, with beef causing 34% of cases in dogs, and chicken affecting 15%. The company’s internal tests are promising in terms of reducing this common issue.
“We went beyond a simple beef analog to add real functional value. By replacing just 20% of traditional meat with our analog, we can eliminate allergies in many animals. Consumers still get the familiar beef or lamb product, only healthier, while pet food producers benefit from higher margins and lower costs.” explains Konrad Włodarczyk, co-founder & co-CEO of Proteine Resources.
Potential partnering with Polish biotech pioneer can help pet food manufacturers boost margins (thanks to lower production costs versus beef), cut carbon footprint, and seamlessly integrate the technology into existing production lines, Proteine Resources explained.
Strong demand for the company’s products has reportedly led to tripling production capacity at its Masłomiąca facility near Krakow. With the pet wellness market in the USA, Canada, and EU alone valued at €93 billion — and expected rapid growth driven by the phenomenon of the humanization of animals — the company is set to transform pet nutrition.
BREAKTHROUGHS DRIVEN BY FUNDING
Proteine Resources has raised €1.82 million to date, including €1.36 million from VC funds Bitspiration Booster and SMOK Ventures in August 2024, driving operational breakthroughs. The funds boosted production, supported investments in extraction and processing, and expanded marketing initiatives.
“Biotech/deeptech projects require time and significant investment in development and commercialization. Last year’s round accelerated our growth, enabling us to achieve over 80% of our goals quickly. We aim for the next round to propel us even further.” expresses Bart Roszkowski, co-CEO of Protein Resources.
WHAT’S NEXT?
After a groundbreaking 2024, Proteine Resources explained it is building its first full-scale pilot factory in Poland and expanding R&D in Krakow. With 5 letters of intent signed and declared demand for annual production, the company aims to sign its first contracts soon and secure €3 million in off-take agreements by mid-2026.
