HAMBURG, GERMANY — A new study has revealed that MicroHarvest’s microbial protein demonstrates strong appeal to dogs and cats compared to pet food made with traditional protein.  

The study analyzed the palatability of MicroHarvest’s MPX protein, which is produced using a natural fermentation process. The company created a kibble pet food with MPX in collaboration with a Portuguese animal nutrition company. Together the companies modified one of the animal nutrition company’s commercial formulas, replacing the animal-derived ingredients with 10% MPX protein. The result was two formulas: the original (serving as a control) and the one with MPX protein. The kibble size and shape of both formulas were similar. The formula made with MPX protein had a crude protein value of 30%, crude fat of 13%, crude fiber of 2.5%, raw ash of 9% and moisture of 8%.

MicroHarvest tested the formulas with 30 cats and 30 small dogs. According to the tests, twice as many cats (68%) and nearly twice as many dogs (58%) selected the MPX protein meal first over the control diet. 

In cats, the results showed that they had a nearly 50% increase in portion intake of the MPX protein kibble compared to that of the control diet, with the cats consuming 37 grams of the MPX diet and 25.3 grams of the control. Additionally, three quarters of cat owners reported that their cats consumed the same amount or more of the MPX diet than their typical portion intake.

In dogs, 58% chose to consumer the MPX kibble first and 42% chose the control diet. The dogs ate nearly half (44%) more of the MPX diet compared to the control diet, with dogs consuming 66.3 grams of the MPX kibble and 46.8 grams of the control. Additionally, nine in 10 dog owners reported that their dogs consumed the same amount or more of the MPX diet than their typical portion intake.

“These results mark a significant milestone for alternative proteins in the pet food industry,” said Ally Motta, application specialist at MicroHarvest. “Palatability is a non-negotiable factor, and the fact that both cats and dogs not only preferred MPX but consumed more of it proves that microbial protein can compete on taste — not just sustainability or nutrition. It opens the door for formulators to confidently innovate with next-gen ingredients that pets genuinely love.”

In addition to its clear palatability, MicroHarvest’s protein offers sustainable benefits to pet food processors. The protein is made by fermenting agricultural side streams, resulting in proteins that tout a fraction of the carbon footprint of animal-based proteins, minimizing the need for additional land, resources and overall emissions. With these key benefits in mind, the company partnered with VEGDOG to create a microbial protein dog treat. 

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