SAN MATEO, CALIF. — Calysta, a biotechnology company, is focusing on the significant growth of the pet food market in Europe as the first major shipment of its Feedkind Pet protein has arrived at its warehouse in Poland. The protein will now be available to pet food manufacturers throughout Europe, in addition to already being available in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Feedkind Pet is a non-GMO protein ingredient that is produced without the use of animal- or plant-based ingredients. The company explained the protein is made using very little water and no agricultural land by fermenting low-cost, land-free carbon sources. The protein can be used in dry kibble, canned food or treats.
“For the first time, Europe’s pet food sector has the option to choose a fermented protein that is nutritious and kind to the environment,” said Herman Sloot, vice president of commercial development at Calysta. “Starting today, FeedKind Pet will be available globally at commercial scale.”
The fermented protein was produced by Calysseo, Calysta’s joint venture with Adisseo to produce FeedKind on a commercial scale. Earlier this year, Calysseo received MARA approval from China for use in aquaculture feed and an export permit granted this spring enabled it to commence shipping internationally. Additionally, Calysta achieved GRAS status for FeedKind for salmon feed in the United States.
“In the last decade, the number of pet-owning households has increased by approximately 20 million, with few indications it will slow any time soon. There is a growing appetite for high-quality, animal-free protein in pet diets, and pet parents want ingredients that will benefit their pet’s health in the long run. FeedKind Pet uniquely meets that demand,” Sloot added.
According to Calysta, FeedKind Pet is vegetarian and nutrient dense, with a complete amino acid profile featuring postbiotic properties to help maintain a healthy gut. The company added that the ingredient has high palatability with dogs and cats despite being a vegetarian protein source. Calysta recently partnered with Dr. Clauder’s to release a dog snack made with the ingredient.
“Calysta and its partners have now established a robust international supply chain with global reach. FeedKind protein is the culmination of 10 years of hard work and brings a disruptive innovation to both the aquaculture and pet food industries at a scale that matters,” said Alan Shaw, chief executive officer and co-founder of Calysta. “We are making protein for feed and food with a small fraction of the resources required by traditional practices. FeedKind is the best kind of innovation — a partnership between nature and human ingenuity.”
In addition to its use in pet food, the protein is also approved for use in aquaculture and livestock feeds, offering a healthy feed ingredient that helps protect biodiversity and improve global food security.
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