ESPOO, FINLAND — A new study by the Federal University of Paraná’s (UFPR) Research Laboratory in Canine Nutrition (LENUCAN) in Brazil has validated the benefits of Enifer’s PEKILO®Pet mycoprotein ingredient on dog health. According to the study, PEKILO®Pet is highly digestible for dogs and can help improve their gut health.

The study was conducted by the LENUCAN and consisted of 42 days in which 16 one-year-old beagles, eight males and eight females, were fed dog food with various inclusion levels of PEKILO®Pet. The inclusion rates of the mycoprotein were 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20%. 

According to the findings, even the lowest inclusion level (4%) of PEKILO®Pet showed an increase in health beneficial microbes, like potentially probiotic bacteria, and a decrease of harmful bacteria in the dogs’ guts. This impact on the gut also impacts the absorption of nutrients and can help with modulating the immune system, reducing stress, protecting against pathogenic bacteria and supporting healthy growth. As the inclusion levels of the mycoprotein rose, as did the dogs’ gut microbiome diversity. 

Additionally, with the 20% inclusion level of PEKILO®Pet, the study found this particular diet had a high protein digestibility of 83.9%. According to Enifer, this demonstrates the strong potential of PEKILO®Pet as a sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredient for use in pet foods.

“Our findings confirm that even at low inclusion levels, PEKILO®Pet enhances beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones, which could have far-reaching health benefits for dogs, from improved digestion to enhanced immune function,” said Heikki Keskitalo, business development manager and co-founder of Enifer.

In addition, the study found that increasing the inclusion of the mycoprotein led to statistically significant increases in the production of short-chain fatty acids and branched short-chain fatty acids. 

According to the study results, PEKILO®Pet did not change the dogs’ fecal quality, which had a dry matter of 29.7%. No significant differences were found in the palatability of the reference diets and the diets with PEKILO®Pet. 

The study’s findings represent significant opportunities for PEKILO®Pet in pet nutrition, especially as pet owners increasingly seek pet foods that reflect their own sustainable values. PEKILO®Pet is produced through fermenting upcycled byproducts from the agriculture, food and forest industries. The process requires minimal land and water, resulting in up to 90% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to imported soya, according to Enifer. 

PEKILO®Pet touts a 60% protein and 22% fiber content and contains large amounts of beta-glucan, a functional fiber that offers a range of health benefits. The ingredient is also hypoallergenic and rich in spermidine, a polyamine that can help support aging dogs. Spermidine helps pets maintain their gut health, making it an essential supplement for older pets, according to Enifer.

“These results are incredibly exciting for the future of sustainable pet food,” Keskitalo said. “Our PEKILO®Pet mycoprotein not only addresses the growing demand for natural and environmentally friendly ingredients but also significantly boosts the gut health in dogs and is well digested, making it a win-win for pet health and the planet.”

This study follows Enifer’s continued expansion. In May 2024, the company received funding to begin constructing a food-grade mycoprotein plant in Kirkkonummi, Finland, which will represent the world’s first factory to produce the protein from side streams. Additionally, the company is planning larger production facilities focused exclusively on producing PEKILO® mycoprotein for use in animal nutrition.

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