The BIOPET project* is looking for a more sustainable future for cats and dogs, by working on alternatives to meat in their diet. Since plants do not contain the right nutrients for these animals, the project works with yeasts that can produce certain components – in this case fats – in an efficient and sustainable way. 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
