Dogs, and especially cats, are true carnivores, making the transition towards more sustainable pet food far more challenging than for human diets. This was the challenge addressed by the BIOPET project. Because plant-based alternatives do not always provide all the essential nutrients pets require, the project explored the use of yeast to sustainably produce key nutritional components – in this case, fats.
But does the idea resonate with (sustainability-conscious) animal lovers and veterinarians? A co-creation session and a few interviews later, we can say they are actually somewhat relieved, because it offers opportunities to make things more sustainable, without having to make sacrifices for our beloved four-legged friends.
*BIOPET is a project set up within the Grand Challenges program of VIB, which strives for interdisciplinary research with added value for society.
