A new pet food product incorporating cell-cultivated meat has entered the UK market, marking a shift in how pet nutrition is approached. Meatly, a UK-based company specializing in cultivated meat, has released Chick Bites in collaboration with THE PACK, a plant-based pet food brand. The treats, now available at Pets at Home Brentford, London, combine cultivated chicken with plant-based ingredients. The initiative aims to provide a protein-rich alternative to conventional pet treats while addressing concerns related to sustainability and animal welfare.
Similar attempts to introduce alternative protein sources in pet food have faced varying levels of acceptance. While plant-based and insect-based pet foods have been introduced by multiple brands, they have not achieved widespread market penetration. Meatly’s approach differs by using cell-cultivated meat, which has previously been explored primarily for human consumption. Until now, cultivated meat products have been limited in availability, with regulatory hurdles and production costs slowing their expansion. This release marks a notable entry of cultivated meat into the pet food sector.
What Makes Chick Bites Different?
Chick Bites are formulated to offer pets the same taste and nutritional benefits as traditional meat-based treats. The cultivated chicken is derived from a single egg sample, allowing for continuous production without requiring further animal involvement. Meatly states that its product contains essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins necessary for pets’ health. Additionally, the treats are free from steroids, hormones, and antibiotics.
“The product is healthier and free from steroids, hormones, and antibiotics. But it’s also tasty. Feeding trials on dogs so far showed many of them preferred it to their baseline diets,” said Owen Ensor, CEO of Meatly.
How Is the Product Entering the Market?
Pets at Home, the UK’s largest pet retailer, is the first company to offer pet food containing cultivated meat. The company has invested in Meatly and is making the product available in select locations. The initial launch is limited, with approximately 750 units of 50g pouches available for £3.49 each. Further small-scale releases are expected before Meatly increases production in the coming years.
“We are thrilled to be working with Owen and the team to provide our customers with cultivated meat pet food products for the first time in the world,” said Anja Madsen, Chief Operating Officer at Pets at Home.
Ensor expressed confidence in the product’s viability, citing growing interest in alternative protein sources. He emphasized that Meatly’s approach integrates effectively with existing pet food manufacturing processes, making it easier for retailers to adopt.
The collaboration with THE PACK aligns with a broader trend of companies exploring new protein sources for pet nutrition. While plant-based options have gained some traction, cultivated meat may present an alternative for consumers who seek traditional meat-based meals without the associated environmental impact.
Meatly’s release of Chick Bites represents an effort to introduce cultivated meat into mainstream pet food supply chains. While cultivated meat for human consumption remains in early stages, the pet food industry could provide a pathway for wider acceptance. The success of this initiative depends on consumer reception, pricing strategies, and future regulatory developments. If the demand for such products grows, more companies may enter the market, leading to increased competition and potentially lower production costs over time.
