The emergence of lab-grown meat and its recent appearance in pet food begs the question—would New Zealand’s pet parents be willing to give it a go?
Recent research from pet insurance specialist PD Insurance suggests the answer is ‘maybe’. Regardless, says Michelle Le Long, PD Insurance COO, the availability of new protein options for pets provides an intriguing glimpse into the future of pet nutrition.
“Lab-grown pet food isn’t just a concept anymore—it’s already on the market. A UK company called Meatly has introduced dog treats made from lab-grown chicken,” Le Long reports. “While we haven’t seen, sampled, or given our own pets any of the products, it is an interesting development, particularly for those who are looking for more environmentally friendly ways of feeding their pets (however, this remains to be confirmed), or who might be interested in diets that don’t involve farmed animals.”
What Is Lab-Grown Meat?
Taking a step back, Le Long says it is worth understanding what lab-grown meat is and how it is made. Also known as ‘cultured meat’, the production process uses cell culture technology. “Essentially, it starts with a small sample of muscle tissue from an animal. Biologists then provide the right lab conditions for that sample to grow additional cells, creating meat.”
The process involves tanks filled with nutrient-rich substances that mimic conditions inside an animal’s body, allowing the cells to develop into muscle fibres. Once enough has accumulated, it is harvested and processed into meat products.
“It is a bit Frankenstein-ish,” she laughed but added that a great many industrial food processes might be described in that way. “Probably the most remarkable aspect of lab-grown meat,” adds Le Long, “is that it isn’t all that different from real meat. It looks the same and has a very similar structure and nutritional value—though, as is the case with farmed meat, the results may vary.”
Vegetable and Insect-Based Alternatives Are on the Menu, Too
Le Long says lab-grown meat joins other alternatives for your pet’s diet, including vegetable-based synthetic meat products (‘human’ food vegetable-based meat alternatives have been available for more than a decade). “Insect protein is relatively newer, though,” she notes, explaining that ‘entoprotein’ is obtained from edible bugs including black soldier fly larvae, crickets, and mealworms.
Already, dozens of insect-based pet food brands are available, with 43 manufacturers around the world. Right here in New Zealand, several companies offer entoprotein-based pet foods, which also means fewer food miles.
What Do Pet Parents Think?
The crucial question is whether pet parents are interested in lab-grown meat products. According to a survey conducted by PD Insurance in May 2024, which asked 2,400 pet owners, “Would you feed your pet(s) laboratory-grown meat?” 81.8% responded ‘no,’ while 19.9% said ‘yes,” Le Long reports.
Le Long notes that pet parents in New Zealand who are concerned about the environmental impact of their dogs and cats may be more inclined to consider meat alternatives. “Many indicated they would consider it if research showed it’s safe, nutritious, and ethical, so manufacturers may need to do some convincing,” she adds.
However, Le Long notes that the costs of pet parenting, a concern for roughly 53.9% of survey respondents, may hinder adoption for those willing to give lab meat a go. “At least initially, treats or feed produced with lab-grown meat is likely to be expensive, potentially discouraging pet parents from giving it a go.”
The Future of Pet Nutrition—What’s Next?
While Meatly is the first company in Europe to commercialise lab-grown pet food, it won’t be the last. Friends & Family Pet Food Company (California) has partnered with a lab-grown seafood firm in Singapore to create cat treats. Canadian company Further Foods is working on cultivating meat cat treats under the Noochies brand.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, entoprotein (insect-based) pet foods are gaining traction, offering another high-protein, sustainable alternative. “As a pet insurance specialist, PD Insurance is always exploring emerging trends that are defining the future of pet health,” says Le Long. “While lab-grown meat is still in its early days, we believe it’s important for pet parents to stay informed about emerging nutrition options that could shape the future of pet care.”
