SINGAPORE and SAN FRANCISCO — On July 17, cultivated seafood company UMAMI Bioworks announced its partnership with new pet food manufacturer Friends & Family Pet Food Co. (FnF). Through the partnership, the companies have co-developed the “world’s first” cat treats made from cultivated fish, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable pet nutrition.

As human — and pet — populations rise throughout the globe, animal-based ingredients, both from land and sea, are dwindling. Additionally, consumers are becoming more aware of the negative impacts their food choices have on the environment. This has led many food and pet food comapnies to seek out protein alternatives and cultivated meat to reduce their reliance on depleting raw materials and reduce their environmental impact. 

UMAMI Bioworks and FnF have developed sustainable cat treats formulated with cultivated protein ingredients. The new cat treat line leverages UMAMI Bioworks’ advanced technology and processes. The company combines novel stem cell biology, machine learning and automation to develop cutting-edge, cost-effective and highly scalable cultivated fish. According to UMAMI Bioworks, through this process it is able to provide its partners with nutritious and affordable seafood, while also helping reduce the overfishing of threatened and endangered species.

“Our collaboration with Friends & Family is a genuine testament to the commercial potential of cultivated seafood in transforming pet nutrition and ultimately human food systems,” said Mihir Pershad, chief executive officer of UMAMI Bioworks. “These novel cat treats embody our mission to provide high-quality, sustainable protein sources while alleviating the ecological pressure on our oceans.”

FnF is combining UMAMI Bioworks’ processes with its proprietary pet food platform to launch a range of sustainable pet food products, beginning with offerings for felines. FnF’s new cat treats are part of the company’s High Tide Cat Food line. 

Source: Friends & Family Pet Food Co.

“We are delighted to partner with UMAMI Bioworks, a company who is clearly committed to bring cultivated technology to the market,” said Joshua Errett, founder and chief executive officer of Friends & Family Pet Food Co. “Together, we have created a breakthrough product that puts pet health and sustainability at the forefront. These cultivated fish treats are a perfect example of how science and technology can be harnessed to create positive change in the pet food industry.”

Through the High Tide Cat Food line, FnF aims to provide a sustainable and healthy alternative to pet nutrition, promoting a “Longevity Diet.” The new cat treats are formulated with a blend of high-quality cultured fish proteins and essential nutrients to ensure cats receive optimal nutrition. The treats are high in protein and fiber to support immune, digestive and overall health. 

The new cultivated cat treats, which are expected to launch in Singapore and San Francisco in early 2025, not only offer nutritious benefits, but also tout high sustainability benefits. According to FnF and UMAMI Bioworks, cultivated fish production is much more resource-efficient, using less land, water and feed, compared to that of conventional aquaculture. 

“To make a positive climate impact it is imperative to have innovative products that win on the shelf and demonstrate business models that scale,” said Rohan Thakur, partner at Pure Ventures, a food industry investor and advisor to Friends & Family Pet Food Co. and UMAMI Bioworks. “Josh’s expertise in pet food and Umami’s technology provides the foundation to create the next generation of pet food products. We are proud to partner with these high integrity teams and build the Friends & Family Pet Food Company.”

Read more about the latest advancements in cultivated meat in pet nutrition.