Friends & Family Pet Food Company has made a significant leap in pet nutrition by becoming the first in Asia to secure approval for cultivated meat-based pet food from Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Services (AVS). Starting this fall, they will produce freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats using cultivated poultry.
This approval, granted in June, allows the company to launch eight different products tailored for the Singapore pet food market, with more in development. All production will take place locally, ensuring fresh and accessible options for pet owners in Singapore.
The new treats will feature human-grade poultry as the main ingredient and will be free from antibiotics, hormones, and other additives common in traditional farming. Joshua Errett, CEO of Friends & Family, emphasizes their mission, explaining that they aim to not just replace traditional protein sources, but to enhance the nutrition pets receive. He mentions that cultivated meat can be fine-tuned to provide higher nutrient levels and better digestibility.
The products are inspired by Kampung birds, a type of free-range poultry traditionally found in Southeast Asia. This connection not only honors local heritage but also includes nutritional benefits, such as prebiotic fibers for gut health and essential trace minerals.
Maurice Yeo, the COO, points out that this development is a huge milestone for both the cultivated meat industry and Singapore. Soon, Singapore will be the only place worldwide where pet owners can buy these innovative treats.
Recent research supports the growing trend toward cultivated meat, showing that these products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional beef-based treats. They also require significantly less land and water, contributing to an eco-friendlier pet food option.
As pet owners become more mindful of their pets’ diets and environmental impact, there’s a shift towards healthier, sustainable alternatives in pet nutrition. Friends & Family aims to expand into Asian markets and the U.S. after launching in Singapore, reflecting a growing interest in responsible pet food options.
This innovation highlights a broader change in how we think about food—both for ourselves and our pets. With environmental considerations and health benefits at the forefront, cultivated pet food could reshape the future of the industry.
For more insights on cultivated meat and its impact on pet nutrition, you can explore reports from The Good Food Institute.