THE PACK and MicroHarvest debut UK’s first microbial protein dog treats

British plant-based pet food brand THE PACK has partnered with German biotech startup MicroHarvest to launch Gut Bites, the UK’s first dog treat made with microbial protein. The oven-baked, allergy-friendly treats are designed for dogs with sensitivities, intolerances, or picky appetites and mark one of the first opportunities for British pet owners to purchase a finished product containing this next-generation protein source.

The launch brings together THE PACK’s expertise in functional, plant-based pet nutrition and MicroHarvest’s proprietary microbial protein, produced through sustainable fermentation technology. The result is a clean-label, highly digestible snack that offers a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional meat-based treats.

“Our community of dog owners often tells us they struggle with picky eaters and pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs,” commented Damien Clarkson, Managing Director of Prefera Pet Food UK, which operates THE PACK. “Gut Bites is our answer: a delicious, functional treat that’s also allergy-friendly. We’ve always been open to next-generation ingredients, and MicroHarvest’s microbial protein stood out as a game-changer. This launch demonstrates our commitment to bringing UK pet parents products that are innovative, healthy, and sustainable.”

A 2024 consumer study conducted in partnership with a Wageningen University Masters program found that 77.2% of UK and German dog owners would buy dog treats containing microbial protein, while 78.4% said they would consider complete dog food featuring the ingredient. The findings were reinforced by palatability tests showing that even selective small dogs consistently preferred food containing MicroHarvest’s protein. In tests comparing MicroHarvest’s MPX kibble to a standard reference formula, 58% of dogs chose the MPX meal first and consumed an average of 44% more (66.3g versus 46.8g).

For MicroHarvest, the UK debut represents both an expansion milestone and a key validation step for its technology. “Thirty-six percent of British households own a dog, and the UK cat and dog food market is worth about £3.9 billion (US$5 billion) annually, so entering this market is a major step in our expansion journey,” said Katelijne Bekers, CEO of MicroHarvest. “But for us, this collaboration is about more than scaling; it’s about validation. By working with THE PACK, we’re showing that microbial protein isn’t just a sustainable solution, but one that dogs truly enjoy. Gut Bites is a perfect example of that. After a successful market entry in Germany with another partner, we’re excited to now bring our protein to the UK – a market where pet owners are even more open to innovative new product options.”

MicroHarvest’s microbial protein is produced via fermentation using agricultural side-streams, eliminating the need for farmland, pesticides, or fertilizers. The process has a footprint more than 90% lower than beef and significantly smaller than plant protein. As pet ownership continues to grow globally, this innovation could have a major impact on sustainability. Feeding the world’s cats and dogs currently requires land twice the size of the UK and generates an estimated 106 million tonnes of CO₂ every year.

Gut Bites are the second commercial product to feature MicroHarvest’s protein, following the company’s 2024 collaboration with German vegan pet food brand VEGDOG. That partnership produced Pure Bites, Europe’s first dog treat to include microbial protein. With THE PACK now launching Gut Bites in the UK, the two companies aim to make microbial protein more accessible to mainstream consumers.

The collaboration also highlights a growing shift in the pet food sector toward alternative proteins that meet both nutritional and environmental standards. Microbial protein offers a compelling balance of high-quality nutrition, digestibility, and palatability, while dramatically reducing environmental impact.

For THE PACK, Gut Bites also reinforce its position at the forefront of plant-based and sustainable pet nutrition. Founded to offer healthy, planet-friendly alternatives to traditional meat-based pet food, the company has built a strong following among UK dog owners seeking options tailored to pets with food sensitivities.

MicroHarvest, founded in Hamburg in 2021, has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s leading biotech startups focused on scaling sustainable protein production. The company has secured multiple innovation awards and established partnerships spanning human food, animal feed, and pet food applications. Its proprietary technology can produce high-quality protein in as little as 24 hours, making it one of the fastest and most resource-efficient protein production systems in the world.

By combining that technology with THE PACK’s consumer reach and brand trust, Gut Bites represents a tangible step forward in bringing microbial protein from the lab to the kitchen. The companies describe it as a milestone not just for the UK pet food industry, but for a broader movement toward sustainable, science-driven solutions that deliver on taste, health, and ethics alike.

As Bekers noted, “Gut Bites shows what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. Pet parents want products that are better for their dogs and the planet. Now, thanks to partners like THE PACK, they can have both.”