Biotechnology innovator MicroHarvest, which is redefining animal nutrition using the power of bacteria, has announced the results of its latest palatability study, which focused on its innovative MPX microbial protein.

The tests, using a kibble made in collaboration with a Portuguese animal nutrition company, showed that more than twice as many cats (68%) and almost twice as many small dogs (58%) picked the MPX protein replacement diet first over a control option consisting of a commercially available reference formula (32% and 42%, respectively).

Tested with 60 domestic cats and dogs (30 of each species) over four test meals, the MPX-containing diet demonstrated strong appeal compared to the control one, with 36% more cats (notoriously picky eaters) choosing to eat the MPX-based sample first. Surprisingly, The results showed a close to 50% increase (37g vs 25.3g) in their portion intake, confirming a clear preference for the taste of the MPX protein kibble. In addition, three-quarters of owners reported their cats consumed the same or more than their typical portion intake.

In the small dogs (6 kgs. on average) test, 58% chose to eat the MPX-based sample first, compared to 42% who chose the control diet. The dogs also ate close to half (44%) more MPX-based kibbles compared to the control diet (66.3g, compared to 46.8g). Moreover, nine in ten dog owners confirmed that their pets consumed the same amount or more than their typical portion intake.

MicroHarvest’s application specialist Ally Motta said: “These results mark a significant milestone for alternative proteins in the pet food industry. Palatability is a non-negotiable factor, and the fact that both cats and dogs not only preferred MPX but consumed more of it proves that microbial protein can compete on taste—not just sustainability or nutrition. It opens the door for formulators to confidently innovate with next-gen ingredients that pets genuinely love.”

The kibble was made in collaboration with a Portuguese animal nutrition company, using a modified version of one of the commercially existing formulas, with some animal derivatives being replaced in the recipe with 10% MPX. Other variables, including the recipe and the size and shape of the kibble, were kept as close as possible to the originals. The nutritional values for the kibbles with MPX Care were: Crude Protein: 30%, Crude Fat: 13%, Crude Fiber: 2.5%, Raw Ash: 9%, Moisture: 8%

MicroHarvest’s protein is produced in a natural fermentation process that uses agricultural sidestreams as a feedstock and is among the world's fastest large-scale protein production processes. The proteins have a fraction of the carbon footprint of animal-based proteins and also of plant-based proteins that use a virgin feedstock, minimising the need for additional land, resources, or emissions. While MicroHarvest’s commercial applications have thus far focused on animal food,  its proteins have applications in human food and offer the potential to meet growing global protein demand and help people in food-insecure regions make the most of what they grow.

Please visit MicroHarvest for more information.