Bond Pet Foods Partners with Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition to Develop Non-Animal-Derived Ingredients for Pet Food Applications

Bond Pet Foods, a precision fermentation company based in Boulder, Colorado, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition to develop non-animal-derived ingredients for pet food applications. This collaboration marks Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition’s first venture into this type of partnership and Bond Pet Foods’ second strategic partnership with a global player in the pet food industry.

Using yeast and precision fermentation technology, Bond Pet Foods produces customizable meat proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish without the need to raise livestock or fish. This innovative approach to pet food production is not only sustainable but also addresses concerns related to animal welfare and environmental impacts associated with traditional animal-derived ingredients.

Nick Braden, Vice President of Wilbur-Ellis Pet Nutrition, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating that precision fermentation is an attractive tool for producing proteins, flavors, and blends that perform well in pet food products. By incorporating Bond Pet Foods’ customized chicken proteins into their formulations, Wilbur-Ellis aims to enhance the nutritional value and overall benefits of their pet food products.

The pet food industry is experiencing a shift towards more sustainable solutions, with a focus on introducing new products with enhanced benefits such as increased fiber or amino acids, reduced fat content, and allergen-free options. Bond Pet Foods’ delivery of two metric tons of animal protein to Hill’s Pet Nutrition earlier this year for test product formulation and regulatory review highlights the growing interest in alternative ingredient sources in the industry.

Rich Kelleman, CEO of Bond Pet Foods, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, noting that the production of proteins at a large scale was a major milestone for the company. With investments from various entities, including ADM Ventures and Cavallo Ventures, Bond Pet Foods is poised to continue developing sustainable and functional alternatives for pet food manufacturers.

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Bond Pet Foods and Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition are paving the way for a new class of products that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and animal welfare. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the quest to provide pet owners with high-quality, environmentally-friendly options for their furry companions.