Science-led pet nutrition producer Hill’s Pet Nutrition and biotechnology company Bond Pet Foods have received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Veterinary Medicine for their jointly developed lamb protein yeast ingredient.
It marks the first ingredient developed by the partners to complete the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) Notice review process.
Dave Baloga, executive vice-president of science and technology at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, stated, “This achievement underscores our long-standing commitment to science-led innovation in pet nutrition.”
Several Years’ Development
Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Bond Pet Foods began their collaboration in 2021, aiming to develop alternative approaches to producing animal protein ingredients.
The lamb protein yeast ingredient was developed through precision fermentation, a process used in cheesemaking and in the production of enzymes and vitamins.
The companies emphasised that the produced proteins contain a complete amino acid profile and are nutritionally comparable to conventional animal proteins.
Rich Kelleman, founder and CEO of Bond Pet Foods, stated, “The results of our six-month feeding study, together with the FDA’s Letter of No Objection, demonstrate the safety and nutritional performance of our brewed proteins and bring us a significant step closer to delivering a reliable source of high-quality protein for pets.”
A Sustainable Alternative
Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Bond Pet Foods highlighted that the lamb protein yeast ingredient offers a sustainable alternative.
With the FDA’s approval, the ingredient can now be used in finished food products at levels of up to 15%.
Baloga said, “Lamb protein yeast expands the range of science-backed nutritional options we can deliver, supporting our sustainability objectives while maintaining the rigorous nutritional standards for which Hill’s is known.”
After the six-month feeding study in dogs, the companies also completed a trial with cats and will submit the results to the FDA.
The partnership now aims to move towards commercialisation in the US market.