The alternative meat movement is growing and quite literally for some companies. Companies like Bond see lab-grown meat as a sustainable and nutritious resource of the future. We’ve talked about lab-grown meat before, but Bond isn’t growing your next hamburger in their labs, they’re focusing on food for your pets!

Bond is crafting animal-free chicken protein treats and kibble to make your pet’s diet more sustainable without sacrificing nutrition. While switching to an entirely plant-based diet is a feasible option for humans, Bond CEO Rich Kelleman points out that many plant-based options pose nutritional challenges for cats and dogs. 

Fortunately, while humans are looking for alternative meats that taste, smell, and feel like the “real deal,” pets are generally less picky. For this reason, Bond is focusing on the protein and nutrient levels of the grown meats, rather than the experience. As long as it tastes good, most animals will eat it up. 

The company uses microbial fermentation to produce chicken protein. The process is derived from a blood sample from an actual chicken to produce a product that looks somewhat like diced poultry. This can then be dried and used as a protein base in treats and food. 

The prototype treat has all the nutrients of real chicken protein, without the large-scale animal farming, and in trials, dogs seem to love the taste. The company is perfecting the recipe and will soon seek out FDA approval of its innovative ingestibles. 

Humans are picky about what we put into our own bodies, but when it comes to our furry companions, some of us are even more particular. We all want the best for our pets, but for those concerned about the ethics and sustainability of animal farming, meat-based dog food can be a tough pill to swallow. Fortunately, companies like Bond are offering a solution to provide the nutrients your pet needs in a more sustainable manner!