Scientists at the University of Illinois and Bond Pet Foods have developed a novel protein source through precision fermentation, combining yeast and chicken protein. The study aimed to assess the safety of this protein in pet food. The researchers inserted chicken DNA into yeast, cultivated it in large tanks, and then formulated it into dog kibble. A six-month feeding study found that the brewed chicken protein was safe and nutritious for dogs, with no differences in body weight, physical condition, or blood chemistry compared to a control group. The protein was also highly digestible and showed beneficial changes to the dogs’ gut microbes and metabolites. The study’s findings suggest that brewed chicken protein could be a sustainable pet food option. The researchers noted that the yeast product also provides complex B vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, and has been shown to have positive effects on pet health, such as elevating beneficial faecal bacteria and immunoglobulin A. The study’s results are promising for the potential use of brewed chicken protein as a sustainable pet food option.
Crafting a revolutionary new pet food through advanced precision fermentation techniques.
