Cultivated Meat for Pets Now Available in the UK: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Pet Nutrition

The BBC Visits Doghouse in February 2025

Today marks a historic moment for pet owners, animal lovers, and sustainability advocates alike: cultivated meat is now officially on sale for use in pet treats in the UK. Pet food company Meatly has launched their treats today after being given the go-ahead with regulations last July. This milestone paves the way for a more ethical and environmentally friendly approach to pet nutrition—one that minimises the need for traditional livestock farming while maintaining the highest standards of safety and nutrition.

To cover this groundbreaking development, the BBC visited Doghouse to capture the reactions of pet owners and get some feedback from our customers. It was brilliant seeing the dogs being the first in the country to sample these innovative treats. After the dogs had finished enjoying their treats, BBC News Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt interviewed Professor Guy Poppy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation from the University of Bristol, a leading voice in food sustainability and transforming food systems, both nationally and globally.

What is Cultivated Meat?

Cultivated meat, sometimes called lab-grown or cultured meat, is produced by taking a small sample of animal cells and growing them in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for traditional animal farming. This revolutionary method drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to conventional meat production. The result? A nutritious, high-quality protein source with no compromise on taste or texture.

BBC at Doghouse: A First Taste of the Future

The BBC team arrived at Doghouse this morning to film Professor Poppy discussing the science and sustainability behind cultivated meat. He highlighted its potential to revolutionise pet food by offering a protein source that is both ethical and beneficial for our furry friends.

Prof Poppy, who is also Director of Transforming UK Food Systems – a £50 million
UK Research and Innovation-funded programme, said: “The food we currently eat
and how we produce it is putting our planet and health in peril. Population growth
and worsening climate change mean supplementing livestock agriculture with
alternative protein sources is imperative to meet demands for a more sustainable
and healthy diet."

Many Bristol dog owners gathered to watch their pups taste-test the newest treats on the market by Meatly. The results? Lots of wagging tails and eager appetites. Many owners expressed excitement about the possibility of reducing their pets' carbon pawprint while still ensuring they receive top-quality nutrition.

Pet Owners React

"I didn't quite realise how big my dog's environmental footprint was until recently so I'd definitely consider something like this now that I know" said one Doghouse customer. "My dog will eat pretty much everything so it would be good to know that what he is eating is helping the planet!"

What’s Next?

With cultivated meat now legal for pet treats in the UK, it’s only a matter of time before we see more innovation in this space. Experts predict that complete pet food using cultivated meat could be next on the horizon, offering even more sustainable choices for pet owners.

At Doghouse, we’re thrilled to be part of this exciting change. As advocates for high-quality, responsible pet nutrition, we’ll be closely watching how this industry develops—and maybe even stocking cultivated treats in the future!

Check out the Interviews at Doghouse on BBC Breakfast, BBC News and the Today Show on Radio 4 on 06/02/2025.

Would you try cultivated meat treats for your pet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!