NEW TECH FOODS

British animal-free pet food brand The Pack has teamed up with German biotech start-up MicroHarvest to launch Gut Bites, a microbial protein dog treat for the UK market.

The plant-based, oven-baked treats combine MicroHarvest’s proprietary microbial protein with The Pack’s allergy-friendly recipes, designed to be gut-friendly and suitable for dogs with sensitivities.

By pairing a highly digestible protein source with The Pack’s expertise in functional, plant-based nutrition, Gut Bites offer an alternative to traditional meat-based snacks, aimed at picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs.

MicroHarvest’s microbial protein, produced via sustainable fermentation technology, represents one of the first opportunities for UK pet owners to purchase a finished product containing this next-generation ingredient.

According to the company, a 2024 consumer study conducted with Wageningen University Masters students showed strong potential for adoption: 77.2% of UK and German dog owners said they would buy dog treats containing microbial protein, while 78.4% were open to purchasing complete dog food made with it.

Palatability tests also indicated dogs preferred meals containing MicroHarvest protein, with 58% of selective small dogs choosing the MPX replacement formula kibble first and consuming 44% more than the reference kibble.

Damien Clarkson, managing director of Prefera Pet Food UK, which operates The Pack, commented: “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. This launch demonstrates our commitment to bringing UK pet parents products that are innovative, healthy and sustainable.”

Katelijne Bekers, CEO of MicroHarvest, added: “36% of British households own a dog, and the UK cat and dog food market is worth approximately £3.9 billion 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."

MicroHarvest protein addresses significant sustainability challenges in pet food production. Currently, producing dry food for cats and dogs requires twice the land area of the UK and generates 106 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

The microbial protein uses agricultural side-streams, requires no additional farmland or fertilisers, and has a footprint over 90% lower than beef, while also outperforming plant proteins in digestibility and palatability.