On July 17, Friends & Family Pet Food Co. and UMAMI Bioworks announced their partnership to develop what is reportedly the world’s first-ever cat treat made from cultivated fish. The partnership aims to target the market’s current sustainability needs while ensuring that owners have access to nutritious pet food.
UMAMI Bioworks teams up with Friends & Family Pet Food for cat treats made from cultivated fish
UMAMI Bioworks announced its partnership with Friends & Family Pet Food on Wednesday. The organizations will co-develop and launch the world’s first cultivated fish cat treats. They aim for an early 2025 launch in San Francisco and Singapore. The main focus of the venture is sustainable pet nutrition.
Friends & Family will launch a new line of cat treats that uses UMAMI Bioworks’ advanced technology. Since resources are dwindling, the innovative venture addresses environmental concerns by lessening the strain on our oceans and seas. With more and more people looking for sustainable alternatives for their furry companions, these cat treats with cultivated fish meet pet owners’ demands.
Moreover, the treats are packed with microalgae, which is a blend of essential nutrients and cultured proteins. This will ensure pets receive optimal nutrition without their food products putting pressure on the environment. Along with being high in protein, they are also high in fiber for better digestion and immunity for felines.
Mihir Pershad, the CEO of UMAMI Bioworks, stated, “These novel cat treats embody our mission to provide high-quality, sustainable protein sources while alleviating the ecological pressure on our oceans.” Cat treats made from cultivated fish reduce the industry’s reliance on traditional fishing methods, which can often lead to ocean depletion and overfishing. Cultivated fish production also uses fewer resources, such as water and feed.
Joshua Errett, the CEO and founder of Friends & Family, noted, “…we have created a breakthrough product that puts pet health and sustainability at the forefront…a perfect example of how science and technology can be harnessed to create positive change in the pet food industry.”