Mycoprotein not only addresses the growing demand for natural and environmentally friendly ingredients but also significantly boosts the gut health in dogs and is well digested, making it a win-win for pet health and the planet.
Co-founder and Business Development Manager
Enifer
Pet food manufacturers are facing multiple challenges on different fronts. Pet owners are changing both their own and their pets’ eating habits and preferences. Dog owners are increasingly drawn to pet diets that reflect their own personal values and lifestyle choices, which is leading to a surge in demand for alternative approaches to pet food as concerns about the sustainability of animal protein ingredients grow.
For example, pet owners are increasingly looking for pet food that contains natural and easy-to-understand ingredients and fewer cereal grains and high-carbohydrate ingredients, which have been linked to chronic systemic inflammation in dogs and can lead to a range of degenerative disease states, including cancer.
Also, locally sourced and meat-free protein sources are becoming more popular for furry and non-furry family members alike. The pet industry as a whole is slowly adapting to the growing consumer needs and ending its opposition to vegan diets as long as the food provides sufficient nutrients for a balanced and healthy diet.
As more and more studies show that vegan diets can actually benefit the health of pets, arguments for using animal-derived proteins lack a solid punch. The big shift in eating habits is also showing in the amounts of slaughterhouse sidestreams, which have previously been the go-to source of protein for pet food manufacturers.
This is where mycoproteins can step into the spotlight. Mycoproteins can be produced locally, with some companies even utilizing a variety of agriculture, forestry, food, and feed industry sidestreams. This not only repurposes materials that would otherwise go to waste but also minimizes the need for global transportation of raw materials, helping to reduce additional CO2 emissions
Mycoproteins such as PEKILO®Pet contain 60% protein, with up to 15% fungal beta-glucan, which is a good quality fiber that can enhance the gut health of pets. Additionally, research has shown that significant increases in gut microbiome diversity occurred in dogs with PEKILO®Pet inclusion in their diet. Even using the smallest inclusion rate (4%), PEKILO®Pet has been shown to increase the health-beneficial microbes in the dog’s gut and decrease harmful bacteria.
Previous research shows that the gut plays an important role in animal health. In particular, the microbiome in the gut is known to affect both the absorption and metabolism of nutrients and the dog’s protective functions. Prebiotics have beneficial effects on pets, such as modulating the immune system, helping to reduce stress, protecting against pathogenic bacteria, and supporting healthy growth.
Mycoprotein, like PEKILO®Pet, also contains high amounts of gut-health-enhancing biogenic polyamine called spermidine. When pets age, the amount of good polyamines decreases – therefore, senior pets would benefit hugely from extra spermidine. The digestibility of mycoprotein is over 80%, ensuring that our beloved pets actually benefit from the diet they consume.
Besides being conscious of the CO2 pawprint of the kibble, dog owners also struggle with soaring numbers of dog allergies. As the industry continues to produce kibble made with animal-based protein, finding the right hypoallergenic kibble can be a challenge for owners – and often comes as a significant cost. PEKILO®Pet is hypoallergenic for pets, making it the perfect solution for dogs with various allergies – without making the kilo price unsustainable for pet owners and feed producers alike.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, early studies also show that the palatability of food with fungi-based food is excellent and doesn’t change the fecal quality of dogs, so it seems like our pets don’t mind the responsible and sustainable protein source!
IN SHORT…
Pet food manufacturers should seriously consider fungi-based proteins when planning their next winning kibble brands. Mycoprotein is a sustainable protein source with basically bottomless possibilities for local production, hypoallergenic qualities, and compounds that enhance pet health in various ways, particularly by promoting gut health. This could be the winning formula in navigating the significant global shift in human and pet food consumption habits.
About Heikki Keskitalo
Heikki Keskitalo is the Co-founder and Business Development Manager at Enifer. He is a molecular biologist, plumber, guerrilla (Lapland’s Border Guard), and firefighter by training. He has ten years of experience in protein chemistry and fermentation.
