Alternative protein startup BioCraft Pet Nutrition has partnered with Prefera Petfood to manufacture a high-protein cat food made with 99% cultivated mouse meat. The product, a nutritionally complete mousse, will be made using BioCraft’s lab-grown mouse cells and is set to hit the European market following regulatory approval in Austria.
The US-based company, which also operates a lab in Vienna, says the deal marks a major step forward in sustainable pet nutrition. BioCraft’s founder and CEO, Shannon Falconer, said the mousse contains 99% cell-cultured mouse and 1% plant-based fiber.
“This is a game-changer,” Falconer said. “Most cultivated meat products use low levels of lab-grown cells. But our goal is to reduce reliance on factory farming, and that means higher inclusion rates.”
BioCraft’s unique production process allows it to keep costs low while delivering a highly nutritious product. Instead of discarding the nutrient-rich liquid used in the bioreactor, the company harvests the entire mixture, which includes both the cultivated cells and the surrounding growth media. This method preserves important nutrients and flavor compounds, making the end product more appealing to pets and cost-effective for manufacturers.
The startup’s proprietary plant-based media, made from food-grade ingredients approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), also serves as a nutritional supplement for the animals.
BioCraft’s cultivated mouse meat is hypoallergenic and offers functional health benefits for cats. Third-party analysis found it contains essential amino acids like taurine and methionine, comparable to those in traditional chicken-based cat food. It also boasts a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
Importantly, it’s safe. The product is free from pathogens, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and other common contaminants found in conventional meat.
And cats seem to love it. Early taste tests have shown a strong preference for BioCraft’s product over standard meat-based foods. “Cats are notoriously picky, so we’re thrilled with the results,” said Nicola Magalini, general manager at Prefera Petfood.
She called the partnership a milestone for the industry. “This collaboration lets us create food that’s functional, sustainable, and aligned with what cats naturally eat.”
BioCraft is one of several players driving innovation in cultivated pet food. The company has raised $6.7 million so far and is in talks with other leading manufacturers, including Partner in Pet Food.
Other startups, such as UK-based Meatly and Czech firm Bene Meat Technologies, are also making moves in this space. Both companies have recently secured approvals or are pursuing regulatory clearance in the EU and the US.
As more brands enter the market, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for lab-grown pet food – offering healthier, safer, and more sustainable options for millions of pet owners worldwide.
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