Ivy Farm Technologies has obtained regulatory approval in the UK to use its cultured Wagyu beef as an ingredient in pet food and snacks, a milestone that opens up a new commercial avenue for the cultured protein industry and for premium pet food manufacturers.
The British company, which specialises in producing cultured meat from animal cells, has announced that it is now ready to supply its ingredient on a commercial scale. The authorisation allows its cultured Wagyu to be incorporated into various product categories for dogs and cats, ranging from wet and dry food to fresh diets, nutritional supplements, meal toppers and functional snacks.
According to the company, the new ingredient meets the same quality standards and specifications as cultured Wagyu beef intended for human consumption. The only difference lies in its end use, as the product is now also positioned as a premium alternative for pet food manufacturers seeking to differentiate their formulations.
One of Ivy Farm’s key selling points is the nutritional profile of its cultured Wagyu. The company highlights a protein-to-fat ratio of around 10:1, high levels of vitamin B12, iron and choline, as well as an energy content of just 50 kcal per 100 grams. Furthermore, the ingredient is 100 per cent British in origin and is fully traceable back to the Wagyu cattle from which the original cells were sourced.
The company has also presented digestibility data obtained through independent in vitro analyses. According to these results, its cultured Wagyu achieved 98 per cent digestibility, compared with 91 per cent for conventional beef and 72 per cent for conventional chicken. Ivy Farm believes that these characteristics could be of particular interest for formulations aimed at senior animals or veterinary nutrition applications.
Beyond its nutritional attributes, the company emphasises the value of its offering from an animal welfare perspective. The production process begins with a small cell sample obtained without the need for slaughter and enables meat to be produced whilst maintaining a focus on reducing the use of animals in the production chain.
As part of its commercial strategy, Ivy Farm is already working with Fold Hill Foods, a UK-based pet food manufacturer, to develop new product concepts for brands and retailers interested in introducing innovative ingredients into the premium segment.
Regulatory approval marks an important step towards the standardisation of cultured proteins in animal feed and positions Ivy Farm as one of the first companies in the UK to bring cultured Wagyu meat to the pet food market. With consumers increasingly mindful of the origin, quality and sustainability of ingredients, the company is confident that this new category can become a key differentiator for brands seeking innovation in pet nutrition.
Learn more: Our Pets – Wagyu for Pets | Ivy Farm Technologies
