First of Its Kind UK Partnership with THE PACK and MicroHarvest to Launch Microbial Protein Dog Treats

• Gut Bites: oven-baked, gut-friendly treats showcasing microbial protein innovation
• Tailored for dogs with sensitivities, allergies, and fussy appetites
• Study shows 3 in 4 dog owners willing to try pet food with microbial protein

London, 13 October 2025 – British animal-free pet food brand THE PACK and German biotech startup MicroHarvest today announce the launch of Gut Bites, a first-of-its-kind microbial protein dog treat for the UK market.

The novel, plant-based, oven-baked Gut Bites combine MicroHarvest’s proprietary microbial protein ingredient with THE PACK’s high-quality allergy friendly recipe, formulated to be gut-friendly and suitable for dogs with sensitivities and intolerances. By pairing a clean, allergy-friendly, and highly digestible protein source with THE PACK’s expertise in functional, plant-based nutrition, Gut Bites provide a healthier alternative to conventional meat-based treats for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs. This collaboration marks one of the first opportunities for UK pet owners to purchase a finished product containing microbial protein, a breakthrough ingredient produced through sustainable fermentation technology.

A consumer study conducted in partnership with a Wageningen University Masters program in 2024 revealed that 77.2% of UK and German dog owners would buy dog treats containing microbial protein, while 78.4% would consider purchasing complete dog food with the ingredient. Complementing these results, palatability tests showed that even selective small dogs consistently preferred food containing MicroHarvest protein: 58% chose a meal of MPX replacement formula kibble first over the reference and ate an average of 44% more of the MPX kibble (66.3g vs 46.8g).

Damien Clarkson, Managing Director of Prefera Pet Food Uk, which operates THE PACK, commented:

“Our community of dog owners often tells us they struggle with picky eaters and pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs. 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.”

Katelijne Bekers, CEO of MicroHarvest, added:

“36% of British households own a dog, and the UK cat and dog food market is worth ~£3.9bn annually, so entering this market is a major step in our expansion journey. 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.”

Feeding the world’s pets requires vast resources – with an area of land twice the size of the UK currently used to produce dry food for cats and dogs, generating 106 million tonnes of CO₂ each year. MicroHarvest’s protein addresses this challenge: produced from agricultural side-streams via fermentation, it requires no additional farmland, pesticides, or fertilisers. Its footprint is more than 90% lower than beef, and significantly lower than plant protein. For the pet food sector, Gut Bites represents not only a consumer-ready product but also a proof point that microbial protein can deliver on palatability, digestibility, and sustainability simultaneously.

The launch builds on MicroHarvest’s successful 2024 partnership with Germany’s VEGDOG, where the Pure Bites treat became the first European dog snack to include microbial protein. With THE PACK, the UK will now join Germany as an early market for this next-generation protein solution.

About MicroHarvest

MicroHarvest is a biotechnology company on a mission to drive accessible nutrition for a healthier planet. By utilizing microbial fermentation and agricultural byproducts as feedstock, the company can transform raw materials into high-quality proteins within just 24 hours. Their proprietary technology not only speeds up production but also minimizes the resource footprint compared to traditional protein sources. MicroHarvest's products have applications across multiple industries, from aquaculture to pet and human food.

The company was founded in April 2021 and is led by Co-Founder & CEO Katelijne Bekers, Executive MBA with a background in biotechnology, Co-Founder & CTO Luisa Cruz PhD, bringing over 10 years leading R&D roles and Co-Founder & COO Jonathan Roberz, an experienced entrepreneur who has already successfully built and exited a technology start-up. Their ambition is to push technological boundaries in the ingredients industry to drive impact across the whole protein value chain. https://microharvest.com/ 

About THE PACK

WOOF! WE’RE THE PACK.

THE PACK creates nutritious and drool-inducing, allergy-friendly food and natural healthcare products for dogs, crafted to meet the needs of pets with sensitivities while delivering the taste they love. Built on a belief that our four-legged friends deserve food that’s as innovative as it is kind to the planet, THE PACK is reimagining what modern pet nutrition looks like.

Founded in 2020 by Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel, THE PACK quickly became known as a pioneer in plant-based pet food. In early 2025, the brand made history by launching the world’s first cultivated meat treat, demonstrating its commitment to leading the way in novel protein innovation. Just a few months later, THE PACK was acquired by Prefera Pet Food UK Limited, marking an exciting new chapter in expanding its reach and impact.

Today, THE PACK continues to push boundaries in pet nutrition, combining science, sustainability, and culinary creativity to make high-quality, functional products that keep tails wagging across the world.

Website: https://thepackpet.com

Instagram: @thepackpet