Calysta, a biotechnology company based in San Mateo, California, USA, has shipped its first shipment of FeedKind Pet protein, a non-GMO protein that uses neither animal nor plant-based ingredients in its production, to its warehouse in Poland. FeedKind Pet is now available to pet food manufacturers across Europe and can be used in dry food, canned food or treats.
According to Calysta, FeedKind protein is produced with very little water and no agricultural land by fermenting low-cost, land-free carbon sources to produce a safe, nutritious and traceable protein. It is produced through natural fermentation, is non-GMO, has a complete amino acid profile and is easily digestible.
The protein produced through fermentation was shipped from Calysseo, Calysta’s joint venture with Adisseo to produce FeedKind on a commercial scale. Earlier this year, Calysseo received MARA approval from China for use in aquaculture feed. An export permit granted this spring allowed Calysseo to begin shipping internationally. Calysseo said it owns two of the largest fermenters in the world, each with a nominal capacity of 10,000 tonnes.
“For the first time, the European pet food sector has the opportunity to choose a fermented protein that is nutritious and environmentally friendly,” said Herman Sloot, Vice President of Commercial Development at Calysta. “Starting today, FeedKind Pet will be available worldwide on a commercial scale.”
“Over the last decade, the number of households with pets has increased by approximately 20 million, and there is little sign of this trend slowing down any time soon,” added Sloot. “There is a growing need for high-quality, animal-free protein in pet foods, and pet owners want ingredients that will benefit their pet’s long-term health. FeedKind Pet uniquely meets this demand. It’s a win-win for both the pet sector and the consumer, providing optimal benefits for pets, owners and the planet.”
Sloot added that FeedKind already has GRAS status for use in aquaculture feed and plans to expand this to pet food applications in the near future.
In May, Trainee dog snacks were introduced at Interzoo 2024. Made from fermented protein ingredients and introduced by Dr. Clauder’s, the air-dried treats use FeedKind Pet protein, which offers a complete amino acid profile tailored to dogs and postbiotic properties that promote gut health.
Vegetarian protein source
FeedKind Pet announced that it is launching the first high-quality fermented protein available to the industry in commercial quantities. It is vegetarian yet nutrient-dense, with a complete amino acid profile. It also contains postbiotic properties that help maintain a healthy gut in animals. In addition, even as a vegetarian protein source, it is extremely palatable and accepted by both dogs and cats.
The first tonnes of FeedKind Pet have been delivered from Calysseo’s factory in China to Calysta’s EU GMP+ warehouse in Poland and the first commercial deliveries to European pet food manufacturers are now complete. Using Calysta’s patented fermenter in Chongqing, China, these are the first international exports from the joint venture with Adisseo.
FeedKind Pet is already approved for use in the EU, UK, Canada and other countries.
“Calysta and its partners have now built a robust international supply chain with global reach,” said Alan Shaw, CEO and co-founder of Calysta. “FeedKind protein is the culmination of ten years of hard work and brings a breakthrough innovation to both the aquaculture and animal feed industries at a scale that matters. We produce protein for feed and food using a fraction of the resources required by traditional processes.”
