Pet owners in the U.K. now have a new, eco-friendly option for their furry companions as dog treats made from lab-grown meat hit the market for the first time.

Developed by a British food-tech company, these treats aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional meat production while providing dogs with a nutritious and high-quality protein source.

The manufacturer is called Meatly, and its product is called Chick Bites — a type of dog treat. But Chick Bites are made without ever involving a chicken. Instead, cells taken from one chicken egg are cultivated in a lab and then combined with plant-based ingredients.

Compared to traditional beef farming, making cultivated meat uses 45% less energy, and if its manufacture is powered with renewables, it can emit up to 92% less greenhouse gases, use 95% less land and 78% less water, according to estimates by the European Environment Agency.

The move marks a significant step forward in the commercialization of cultivated meat, which has been gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture.

Unlike traditional pet food, which relies on factory farming and contributes to high carbon emissions, lab-grown meat is produced from animal cells without the need for slaughter. 

Supporters argue that this innovation could help curb deforestation, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve animal welfare. While the concept may take time to gain widespread acceptance, experts see it as a promising solution for the pet food industry, which is responsible for a significant share of global meat consumption.

As demand for sustainable products grows, lab-grown pet food could pave the way for broader adoption of cultivated meat in human diets as well.

Source: NPR

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/06/nx-s1-5288784/uk-dog-treats-lab-grown-meat-carbon-emissions