Could this ethical protein revolution be coming to your dog’s bowl? Let’s dig in…
Imagine feeding your dog real meat—without a single animal harmed, and with a fraction of the environmental impact. It might sound like something from a sci-fi film, but lab-grown meat (also known as cultivated meat) is already making headlines. And while it's gaining traction for human plates, the pet food world is watching closely.
Here at The Pets Larder, we’ve got our paws on the pulse of ethical eating, so we’re diving into what lab-grown meat could mean for sustainable, cruelty-free pet nutrition in the UK.
Lab-grown meat is real meat, but it’s grown from animal cells in a lab instead of coming from a farmed animal.
It starts with a small sample of animal cells—no slaughter involved. These cells are then fed nutrients and allowed to grow in a controlled environment until they become muscle tissue… aka meat.
And yes—dogs can eat it too.
Let’s break it down:
Pet food accounts for an estimated 20% of global meat and fish production.
That’s not small potatoes!
Traditional meat production is linked to:
Deforestation
Methane emissions
Water use (one beef burger = 1,500 litres of water)
Biodiversity loss
In contrast, cultivated meat uses up to 96% less water, 99% less land, and produces up to 96% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, according to Oxford University and the Good Food Institute.
For ethical pet parents, lab-grown meat offers an alternative to industrial farming and slaughter, without forcing a dog to go fully vegan, which can be controversial for carnivorous species.
Cultivated meat is grown in a sterile environment, so the risks of salmonella, E. coli, or antibiotic resistance are massively reduced. That’s a big win for both dogs and the people handling their food.
Here’s the catch: nutritional suitability is key.
Dogs need:
High-quality protein
Essential amino acids
Fats and omega-3s
Vitamins and minerals (like taurine, zinc, calcium)
Lab-grown meat has the potential to meet these needs, especially if it's enhanced with functional ingredients. But until it's available and thoroughly tested for long-term canine health, we recommend watching the space carefully.
🧠 Did you know? The first lab-grown meat product for pets was launched in the US by Because Animals in 2021—a mouse meat-based cat treat!
Not yet—but it's getting close.
The UK government invested £12 million in cultivated meat research in 2023, and the Food Standards Agency is working on approval frameworks. Human-grade cultivated meat is being reviewed for market entry, and pet food won’t be far behind.
Several British and European companies (like Hoxton Farms and Higher Steaks) are already innovating in this space, and a few start-ups are actively exploring lab-grown meat for pets.
Right now, lab-grown meat is still expensive—but prices are falling fast.
A cultivated chicken nugget cost £250,000 in 2013. Today? Closer to £5.
As production scales, lab-grown meat could become price-competitive with premium pet foods, especially in the raw or hypoallergenic space. Early adopters might see it first in treats, meal toppers, or hybrid blends.
In a UK survey by Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association:
32% of owners said they would consider lab-grown meat for their pet
Younger dog parents (under 35) were more open, especially those already making sustainable choices
There’s clear interest—but most want transparency, traceability, and proof it’s safe and nutritious for dogs.
When lab-grown meat does land in UK dog bowls, keep these questions in mind:
Has it been nutritionally balanced for dogs?
Is it ethically and sustainably produced?
Has it passed UK pet food safety regulations?
Is the brand open about their ingredients and processes?
It’s also worth considering how your dog responds. As with any new protein, slow introduction is key.
Lab-grown meat isn’t just about the future—it’s about making better choices today.
While we wait for cultivated meat to arrive, you can already reduce your dog’s environmental pawprint by:
Choosing eco-conscious brands
Feeding insect protein or plant-forward blends
Opting for grain-free functional treats with added health benefits
Supporting local, ethical producers like our natural Cornish range
Lab-grown meat isn’t available for your dog just yet—but the day it hits the shelves, it might just change pet food forever.
It’s exciting, a little weird, and full of promise. And as always, The Pets Larder will be here to help you navigate these new choices with confidence, care, and a wagging tail.
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