MicroHarvest and VEGDOG launch fermented-protein breakthrough with hypoallergenic vegetarian cat snack

MicroHarvest and VEGDOG have expanded their collaboration with the launch of VEGCAT Pure Bites, a new fermented-protein cat snack designed to meet rising demand for hypoallergenic and sustainable pet nutrition. Announced in Hamburg on 27 November, the product marked the first time MicroHarvest’s microbial protein ingredient, produced through natural fermentation, had been used in a ready-to-buy cat treat.

The move followed the companies’ earlier success with Pure Bites for Dogs, introduced in 2024 as Europe’s first microbial protein dog treat. VEGDOG, known for its plant-based dog food range, and MicroHarvest, a biotechnology company focused on highly efficient fermentation techniques, said the expanded partnership aimed to bring new levels of digestibility, tolerability and consistency to the cat food market.

VEGCAT Pure Bites was developed as a fully vegetarian, high-protein treat intended to appeal to cats without relying on animal ingredients. The recipe contained 60% protein, including 10% microbial protein produced by MicroHarvest, combined with plant-based ingredients chosen for their nutritional simplicity and low allergenicity. With 4,000 mg/kg taurine and a formulation free from animal proteins, artificial colorings and flavorings, the product was positioned as an option for both ingredient-conscious consumers and veterinary practices seeking reliable solutions for sensitive cats.

MicroHarvest’s fermentation-derived ingredient carried a markedly low carbon footprint, comparable to insect proteins and significantly lower than many commonly used plant-based proteins. The company used traditional fermentation methods enhanced by modern bioprocessing technologies. Similar to familiar fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir and sauerkraut, MicroHarvest grew microorganisms and harvested their biomass to create a complete, high-quality protein. VEGCAT Pure Bites became the first commercially available cat snack to feature this ingredient.

Katelijne Bekers, Co-founder & CEO of MicroHarvest, said the launch demonstrated the versatility of the company’s protein platform. “We are incredibly excited to take this next step with VEGDOG and to prove that our microbial protein doesn’t just work for dogs, but wins over cats too. Delivering a fully vegetarian cat treat with genuine palatability is a huge achievement for our team and a breakthrough for the industry. As Germany’s €4.3 billion (US$4.72 billion) pet food market grows and shifts toward hypoallergenic, functional and sustainable solutions, our microbial protein stood out: naturally tasty, highly digestible, and produced through a fast, scalable fermentation process that helps brands lead the way toward more responsible nutrition.”

Bekers said the ingredient’s speed of production was central to its potential impact. MicroHarvest could produce tons of protein in 24 hours, offering a highly scalable approach at a time when global protein demand was forecasted to increase 50% by 2050.

For VEGDOG, the launch marked a strategic extension from dog nutrition into the broader pet category. Founder & CEO Tessa Zaune-Figlar said the company viewed VEGCAT Pure Bites as part of a long-term commitment to reducing reliance on animal-derived ingredients. “Having already grown VEGDOG into the leading brand for vegan dog food in Europe, we were now taking the next step with VEGCAT. From the very beginning, our vision was to replace meat-based products in the pet food sector with healthy plant-based alternatives. Thanks to new, innovative raw materials and scientific advances, it was now possible to feed cats a balanced plant-based diet. This opened up completely new opportunities: for greater sustainability and for a future in which love for animals does not come at the expense of other animals.”

Valerie Henssen, Co-founder & CEO of VEGDOG, said the product represented a shift toward more responsible and allergen-friendly cat nutrition. “Our VEGCAT Pure Bites were proof that modern cat nutrition could combine taste and responsibility. With VEGCAT, we were creating a new generation of cat snacks that were hypoallergenic, nutrient-rich and resource-efficient.”

Both partners emphasized the potential for fermented protein to address long-standing formulation challenges within the cat food sector. Cats, as obligate carnivores, were traditionally considered difficult to satisfy using non-animal protein sources. The companies said the natural palatability and digestibility of MicroHarvest’s ingredient allowed for the development of a treat that met cats’ expectations while avoiding common allergens found in conventional animal-based proteins.

The partnership also reflected broader trends in the European pet food market, where demand for functional, allergen-friendly and environmentally responsible products continued to rise. VEGCAT Pure Bites provided a new option for cats with digestive sensitivities or allergies and offered a consistent nutritional profile at a time when variability in many plant-based protein sources created formulation challenges for manufacturers.

The launch underscored how biotechnology and fermentation were playing a growing role in reshaping the pet nutrition landscape. By combining rapid, scalable production with a low environmental footprint, MicroHarvest’s ingredient offered a way to support both sustainability ambitions and evolving consumer expectations. For VEGDOG, VEGCAT Pure Bites represented the beginning of a broader effort to expand plant-based nutrition across multiple pet categories, with microbial protein emerging as a key enabler.