In a groundbreaking development heralded as a ‘world first’, the United Kingdom has recently made it possible for pet owners to purchase a unique pet treat crafted from lab-grown meat. This innovative product is part of a progressive movement towards more sustainable food sources and reflects a growing interest in alternative protein options in the consumer market.
The pet treat, marketed under the name “Chick Bites”, comprises not only plant-based components but also incorporates 4% chicken meat that has been cultivated in a laboratory setting. The company behind this offering, Meatly, is a London-based startup that made headlines in 2022 by securing the first regulatory approval for the incorporation of lab-grown meat into pet food. This makes the UK the first region in Europe to allow the sale of cultivated meat products for both human and animal consumption.
Cultivated meat, also known as lab-grown meat, is produced through the delicate process of harvesting a small sample of animal cells, in this case, chicken cells taken from an egg. These cells are then cultured within a bioreactor – a large steel container designed to provide the necessary nutrients and environment for growth. In a matter of weeks, the cells proliferate to form a protein mass. This innovative production process consumes significantly fewer natural resources compared to traditional livestock farming, resulting in reduced land and water usage, as well as decreased carbon emissions. Notably, the approach eliminates the need to slaughter any animals, which appeals to the ethical concerns of many consumers.
Owen Ensor, the founder of Meatly, emphasized the historic nature of this product launch, stating that “it’s the first time ever a consumer has been able to buy a product made from cultivated meat for their pet.” This initiative recognizes the substantial role pets play in global meat consumption, with a striking statistic noting that approximately 20% of the world’s meat is consumed by pets. Moreover, in an ironic twist, certain breeds of dogs, such as Labradors, can consume more meat than their human counterparts.
Currently, “Chick Bites” is available exclusively in a single outlet in London of the nationwide pet retailer, Pets at Home. The price for this innovative treat is set at £3.49 (approximately $4.30) for a 50-gram package. While there has been notable consumer interest in meat alternatives in recent years, it is important to recognize that cultivated meat products differ significantly from both plant-based proteins and those derived from microbial fermentation. Cultivated meat is still in the nascent stage of market availability, with only a few countries, such as Singapore, the United States, and Israel, having granted approval for lab-grown meat sales.
Despite its promise, the cultivated meat sector continues to face challenges. Financially, it remains costly to produce, with current production costs hovering around £30 (roughly $37) per kilogram. Meatly aims to reduce these expenses to between £5 and £10 (between $6.20 and $12.40) per kilogram in the future. Ensor notes that while improvements have been made to lower the costs associated with nutrient inputs in the production process, scaling up remains a significant hurdle.
To facilitate its growth, Meatly is transitioning from smaller, 50-liter bioreactors to much larger 20,000-liter bioreactors, which are essential for mass production and commercialization. In preliminary trials with dogs, the reaction to “Chick Bites” has been positive, with many dogs preferring it to their usual diet.
The reception amongst the pet owners has also been encouraging, and as Ensor conveys, once people understand that the production process shares similarities with established industries, such as beer brewing, interest grows. Furthermore, the nutritional profile of lab-grown meat promises to be akin to traditional animal meat, devoid of harmful substances like steroids or antibiotics.
Experts in the field, including biomanufacturing professors and consumer behavior psychologists, emphasize the significance of familiarizing consumers with lab-grown meat products through existing applications like pet food. Continued advancements in technology are expected to decrease production costs and promote sustainability. Ultimately, Meatly harbors ambitions beyond pet nutrition, aspiring to introduce cultivated meat options for human consumption once the necessary regulatory frameworks are established. The company is committed to contributing to a shift towards healthier and more sustainable food practices for both pets and humans alike.