Singapore Makes History: World’s First Approval of Cultured Pet Food – Is This the Future of Fluffy’s Dinner?
Singapore – July 29, 2025 – In a landmark decision poised to reshape the pet food industry, Singapore’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has granted approval for the sale of cultured pet food. This groundbreaking move, announced today, makes Singapore the first country globally to recognize and regulate this innovative approach to animal nutrition, following its earlier approval of cultured meat for human consumption. The news is sending ripples through the burgeoning cultured meat sector, signaling a potential turning point for pet owners seeking sustainable and ethically sourced food options for their companions.
Friends & Family Pet Food Leads the Charge
The first company to benefit from this regulatory breakthrough is Friends & Family Pet Food, a California-based startup founded in 2024 by Joshua Errett, a veteran of the cultured pet food space. Errett previously founded Animals (now BioCraft Pet Nutrition) and launched the brand Noochies!, giving him a unique insight into the potential of this technology. Friends & Family Pet Food plans to launch eight product types initially, starting this fall with freeze-dried treats for both cats and dogs. These treats will boast a remarkably high concentration – 65-70% – of human-grade cultured chicken, alongside prebiotic fibers designed to promote gut health and boost immunity.
Beyond Chicken: A Vision for Complete Pet Nutrition
But the company’s ambitions extend far beyond simple treats. A second product line, dubbed “Longevity Support Products,” will be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like B, K, A, and zinc. Friends & Family Pet Food is actively collaborating with partner companies to develop cultured meat and fish options, as evidenced by their August 2024 partnership with Singapore’s UMAMI Bioworks. The company’s core philosophy centers on improving the protein sources available to our furry friends, believing that cultured meat offers a uniquely sustainable and nutritionally superior solution.
A Global Trend: Cultured Pet Food Gains Momentum
Singapore’s approval isn’t happening in a vacuum. The UK paved the way in July 2024 with the approval of Meatly’s Chick Bites, followed by a blended cultured chicken and plant-based product in February 2025. However, Singapore’s decision is particularly significant as it extends the regulatory framework to encompass pet food specifically. This is fueling a wave of innovation and investment across the globe.
South Korean company Everything But is aiming for a 2025 launch in its home market, while Seawith Pet Food, founded by Yoonchan Hwang, is focused on positioning cultured meat as a premium offering. In Europe, BioCraft Pet Nutrition is gearing up for commercial production by the end of the year, with plans to navigate the EU Feed Material Register for widespread sales. Even Romanian companies are entering the fray, with one aiming to produce cat food containing 99% cultured mice!
What Does This Mean for Pet Owners?
The rise of cultured pet food promises a number of potential benefits. Beyond the ethical considerations of reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture, cultured meat offers the potential for greater control over nutritional content and reduced risk of contamination. It also addresses growing concerns about the environmental impact of pet food production. While the initial cost may be higher, proponents argue that the long-term benefits – for both animal welfare and planetary health – are substantial.
Friends & Family Pet Food is already preparing to scale up production in Singapore, stocking up on tonnes of cultured meat, and setting its sights on the US market. This isn’t just a story about a single company or a single country; it’s a glimpse into a future where our pets’ meals are produced with sustainability, ethics, and optimal nutrition at their core. The approval in Singapore is a clear signal that this future is rapidly approaching, and it’s a development that pet lovers everywhere should be watching closely. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this evolving story and the latest advancements in the world of pet nutrition.
