The European Union is set to witness a significant advancement in pet nutrition with the launch of Coolty Meat, a new brand of cultivated dog food from Italian company Forza10. This innovative product utilizes cell-cultured protein developed by Czech startup BeneMeat, marking a pivotal moment for the burgeoning cultivated meat industry within the pet food sector. Following successful introductions in the UK and Singapore, this collaboration signifies a major step forward for lab-grown protein in the European market.
The Coolty Meat offering is a complete dog food formulation that prominently features BeneMeat’s cultivated hamster meat. This novel ingredient was first unveiled at the Interzoo 2026 trade fair held in Nuremberg, Germany, a prominent international event for the pet industry. The product is meticulously designed as a monoprotein, ensuring it is free from common allergens and contaminants such as antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives. Cultivated meat constitutes a substantial 26% of the formulation. This advanced protein source is expertly blended with a carefully selected array of ingredients, including carrots, peas, linseed oil, pea protein, brewers’ yeast, sunflower oil, apple fiber, and inulin. With a crude protein content of 8%, the food is engineered for high digestibility, making it an ideal solution for dogs suffering from food intolerances and sensitivities.
Kateřina Dvořáková, Communications Coordinator for BeneMeat, provided insights into the product’s impending retail availability. "Retail availability is planned for Q3 2026," Dvořáková stated, adding that specific retail partners will be announced by Forza10. "In Portugal, the product will be sold at Gold Pet in Portugal and at Clinic João XXI in Lisbon. The product will also be sold in Spain." This phased rollout underscores a strategic approach to introducing cultivated meat into established European pet food supply chains.
The launch is underpinned by extensive research and consumer validation. BeneMeat previously conducted a "Try & Share" program in 2025, which yielded exceptionally positive results. Nearly 88% of participating pet owners reported that their dogs enjoyed treats made with the cultivated meat, and a remarkable over 85% observed genuine excitement from their pets when offered these products. These findings strongly suggest a high degree of palatability and acceptance among canine consumers.
Gianandrea Guidetti, Head of R&D at Forza10, a subsidiary of Nasta Pet Food, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovative and healthy pet nutrition. "Our goal is to work long-term with the cleanest possible protein sources and to offer solutions for dogs with food intolerances," Guidetti explained. "Cultivated meat allows us to combine high nutritional quality, digestibility, and safety in a single ingredient." He further highlighted the synergy of the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with BeneMeat has enabled us to work with an innovative ingredient that aligns with our focus on quality and a scientific approach to animal nutrition."
The Science Behind Cultivated Protein in Pet Food
BeneMeat has distinguished itself in the cultivated meat landscape by developing its entire end-to-end technology and scaling manufacturing capabilities in-house. This self-reliance, achieved without external funding, has positioned the company as a leader in the field, according to Dvořáková. The process begins with a single tissue sample from an animal, from which the most robust and healthy cells are selected. These cells are then cultivated in bioreactors, where they are nourished with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and animal-free growth factors. This method closely replicates the natural cellular growth environment within an animal’s body. Once the desired cell mass is achieved, BeneMeat harvests the cultivated protein and collaborates with food manufacturers to integrate it into finished products.
While BeneMeat works with various cell lines, the cultivated meat utilized in Forza10’s Coolty Meat product is derived from murids, commonly known as small rodents. Forza10 explains this choice by referencing the digestive physiology of dogs. Canines are naturally adapted to metabolize proteins and lipids found in small mammals, and murine protein closely replicates the ideal nutritional profile of their natural prey. This biological alignment is a key factor in ensuring the efficacy and digestibility of the cultivated meat.
Dvořáková confirmed that the product’s development adheres to stringent regulatory and nutritional guidelines. "The product was developed in accordance with FEDIAF and National Nutritional Council guidelines from both the micro- and macronutrient perspectives to meet the requirements for complete dog food and provide a balanced nutritional profile for everyday feeding," she stated. "Cultivated meat serves here as a high-quality and clearly defined source of animal protein."
Palatability and Nutritional Advantages
The cultivated meat’s appeal extends beyond its novel origin. Extensive testing has demonstrated a high degree of acceptance among dogs. Forza10’s formulation, which combines BeneMeat’s cultivated protein with vegetables, has shown impressive palatability rates. In trials, approximately 90% of dogs demonstrated acceptance of the food, with acceptance reaching 100% over extended periods. Furthermore, the overall palatability was positively rated by 90% of the canine participants.
Cultivated meat offers several inherent advantages over conventional animal agriculture. It allows for precise control over the quality, composition, and safety of the final product. Crucially, it eliminates the need for animal slaughter, addressing ethical concerns for a growing segment of consumers. Moreover, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with traditional meat production.
A recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted on industrial-scale models, with a production capacity of 400-600 kg of protein per day, indicates that the carbon footprint of BeneMeat’s cultivated protein could range from 3.3 to 6.6 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of protein. Depending on the specific raw materials and energy sources used, this represents a substantial reduction compared to conventional meat. Current estimates suggest this footprint is up to 95% lower than that of beef and 55% lower than that of pork.
Roman Křiz, CEO of BeneMeat, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Forza10, highlighting their shared vision. "Forza10 is a perfect fit for BeneMeat," Křiz remarked. "Their strong position in the market and intention to grow in pet food segments with added value is an ideal combination with our complete biotech knowledge." He anticipates that pet owners will soon have access to an innovative protein option that is "safe, healthy, defined, ethical, and environmentally friendly."
A Growing Market for Cultivated Pet Food
The introduction of Coolty Meat signifies a growing trend of cultivated meat adoption in the pet food industry. BeneMeat made history in 2023 by becoming the first company to register its cultivated meat as a feed material in the EU, paving the way for its use as an ingredient by pet food manufacturers. This regulatory milestone has since been followed by other companies, including Biocraft Pet Nutrition (mouse meat) and Umami Bioworks (white fish), who have also secured EU approval for their cultivated meat products as feed materials.
BeneMeat has actively engaged in product testing and trials with partners to validate the safety and nutritional profile of its cultivated protein. Simone Stringhetti, Clinical Studies Coordinator at BeneMeat, stated, "We aim to be a partner for manufacturers who want to bring cultivated meat into real-world applications." She emphasized BeneMeat’s scalable technology and its readiness for integration into existing production systems, alongside guarantees of safety and quality.
The results from BeneMeat’s "Try & Share" program further bolster the case for cultivated meat in pet food. Over 83% of dog owners who participated considered the treats to be as good as, or even superior to, existing market options. A notable 90% indicated they would recommend these products to friends or veterinarians. The trials also played a crucial role in enhancing consumer confidence regarding the safety of cultivated meat for pets, with over 95% reporting no concerns about feeding it to their animals. A significant 86% expressed their intention to purchase the product upon its commercial availability, citing product quality, animal welfare benefits, the absence of slaughter, and sustainability as key drivers.
The Coolty Meat launch represents the third global commercial introduction of cultivated meat in the pet food market. Meatly was the first, launching its "Chick Bites" in the UK last year, a product combining 4% cultivated chicken with plant-based ingredients. Meatly has since secured £10 million (approximately $14.1 million) in funding to construct Europe’s largest cultivated meat facility, with plans to deliver pet food products next year. In Singapore, Friends & Family Pet Food has introduced eight cultivated meat products for cats and dogs, with an additional four slated for release. In Australia, Magic Valley is currently commercializing cultivated dog treats under its "Rogue Pet" brand, operating within the voluntary framework established by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia.
Future Prospects and BeneMeat’s Broader Ambitions
Beyond the pet food sector, BeneMeat is actively pursuing the development of cultivated meat products for human consumption. The company has previously unveiled a beef burger it claimed could be sold at price parity with conventional beef. It is currently collaborating with commercial partners to navigate regulatory approvals for its entry into the human food market.
BeneMeat operates under a unique financial model, currently not seeking external investment. "The company is part of the BTL Group and is backed by long-term private ownership," Dvořáková confirmed. "BeneMeat also does not receive public subsidies, as this is against the company’s ethical codex." This independent financial backing allows BeneMeat to focus on its long-term vision and technological development without the pressures often associated with venture capital.
The partnership between Forza10 and BeneMeat signifies more than just a new product; it represents a convergence of established pet food expertise and cutting-edge biotechnology. As consumer demand for sustainable, ethical, and high-quality pet nutrition continues to grow, cultivated meat is poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of what our pets eat. The success of Coolty Meat in the European market will likely serve as a key indicator for the broader acceptance and integration of this transformative food technology.
