Roslin Technologies widens portfolio with foray into eco-friendly dog food

Roslin Technologies, which already provides its high-quality cell lines to cultivated meat producers around the world for use in lab-grown meat products such as sausages, burgers and chicken nuggets, has launched the joint venture with Agronomics, a leading investor focused on cellular agriculture. The joint business will develop a range of healthy eco-friendly pet food products made using cultivated meat.

Meat provides essential nutrients for companion animals, however, when produced from livestock or fish, it is a major driver of climate change and often results in the overexploitation of natural resources. Food for companion animals accounts for almost a quarter of meat produced in the US¹, and in the US alone it is estimated dog and cat food is responsible for 65 million tons of CO2-equivalent methane and nitrous oxide².

The venture believes that many pet owners are looking for more sustainable alternatives and cultivated meat can provide a healthy, ethical, and sustainable source of meat for their pet’s food. Cultivated meat is grown from cells without the need to raise and slaughter animals and has the potential to have a significantly lower environmental impact.

Roslin Technologies’ privileged relationship with the University of Edinburgh provides the venture with access to leading animal science and world-class research facilities and capabilities.

Agronomics brings a network of passionate investors and cultivated meat experts that will provide the expertise to build the venture. Led by CEO, Owen Ensor, Good Dog Food will focus on the development, registration, and product launch of healthy, eco-friendly cultivated meat pet food products.

"We're really excited to back a new British start-up in a hugely promising market, and also extend the reach of our technology. This venture will help our planet lower its carbon emissions, and will provide pet owners with a sustainable, healthy, and high-quality alternative to meat from livestock. Whether it's high-end steaks or burgers for humans or meat-based food for our favourite pets, our mission is to help reorientate our food system towards alternative proteins such as cultivated meat and make a positive impact on the environment."

Ernst van Orsouw, CEO, Roslin Technologies

1 Dogs and cats consume about 25 per cent of the total calories derived from animals in the United States, University of California. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170802142835.htm

2 Article Source: Environmental impacts of food consumption by dogs and cats. Okin, G.S. (2017) Environmental impacts of food consumption by dogs and cats. PLOS ONE 12(8): e0181301. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181301