EU Approves First Cultured Meat for Pet Food in Historic Move

BioCraft Pet Nutrition has become the first company in the European Union to gain approval for using cultured animal cells in pet food. The Austrian authorities registered its ingredients under Category 3 Animal Byproducts (ABP), allowing production to move forward. This marks a key development for sustainable pet nutrition in Europe. The registration permits BioCraft to multiply animal cells for pet food manufacturing. Its first product comes from mouse cells, matching the natural prey diet of cats and dogs. The company uses non-immortalized, non-genetically modified cells to create its ingredients.

BioCraft’s cultured protein can replace traditional meat slurry directly in both wet and dry pet foods. The ingredients provide a nutrient profile similar to conventional meat but with a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. They also contain no biogenic amines, which can harm pets in high amounts.

The product is free from bacterial pathogens, viruses, mycotoxins, moulds, yeasts, and heavy metals. This ensures a safer alternative that meets strict EU regulatory and nutritional standards. With this approval, BioCraft offers pet food manufacturers a sustainable and regulated option for meat alternatives. The company’s ingredients are now cleared for use across the EU, providing a cleaner and nutritionally balanced choice for pet diets. This move could encourage wider adoption of cell-cultured proteins in the industry.