New study highlights how Enifer’s PEKILOPet mycoprotein boosts dog health and meets demand for sustainable pet food

As pet owners increasingly seek sustainable, natural ingredients in their pets’ diets, Finnish biotech company Enifer has developed a solution that caters to this demand while delivering tangible health benefits for dogs. Enifer’s PEKILOPet mycoprotein, produced through a process that upcycles industrial side streams, has been shown to improve gut health, microbiome diversity, and protein digestibility in dogs, according to a new study by the Research Laboratory in Canine Nutrition (LENUCAN) at the Federal University of Parana (UFPR) in Brazil.

Conducted over 42 days with 16 one-year-old beagles, the study revealed that PEKILOPet enhances beneficial gut bacteria, reduces harmful bacteria, and boosts the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – all of which contribute to improved digestion and immune function in dogs. “Our findings confirm that even at low inclusion levels, PEKILOPet enhances beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones, which could have far-reaching health benefits for dogs,” commented Heikki Keskitalo, Business Development Manager & Co-founder of Enifer.

The study involved gradually increasing PEKILOPet inclusion rates in the dogs’ diet – from 4% up to 20% – and found that even at the lowest levels, PEKILOPet significantly boosted the population of health-promoting bacteria in the gut. With the highest inclusion level, the study recorded an 83.9% protein digestibility rate, underscoring PEKILOPet’s role as a sustainable and nutrient-dense ingredient. The results align with existing research highlighting the importance of gut microbiota on animal health, with positive effects on digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

Our findings confirm that even at low inclusion levels, PEKILOPet enhances beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones, which could have far-reaching health benefits for dogs

According to Keskitalo, these benefits stem largely from beta-glucans, a type of dietary fiber that’s naturally present in fungal cell walls and which plays a crucial role in the digestive process. “Beta-glucans are known to stimulate beneficial microbial activity in the gut, which helps maintain a balanced microbiome. Although we have limited data on how these effects vary across dog breeds and ages, the initial findings are promising,” he explained.

By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and simultaneously reducing harmful bacteria linked to certain cancers, PEKILOPet offers a functional fiber with applications beyond nutrition, potentially improving immunity and reducing inflammation in dogs. This is especially important as beta-glucans form a major part of PEKILOPet’s dietary fiber, which also contributes to the observed health benefits.

In addition to fostering a healthier gut microbiome, PEKILOPet has been found to offer similar protein digestibility levels to traditional pet food ingredients, such as poultry meal and soy protein, without some of the common downsides. “The digestibility of PEKILOPet, measured at 83.9%, is comparable to poultry viscera meal, which tends to range between 75% and 85% digestibility, and is also similar to soy protein at around 80%,” noted Keskitalo.

One notable advantage of PEKILOPet over other protein sources is its high fiber content, which does not inhibit protein digestibility as is often the case with plant-based ingredients. Furthermore, although soy can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs, resulting in poor stool quality and reduced palatability, PEKILOPet’s fermentation process mitigates these issues. By collecting PEKILO fungal cells at a young stage with thin cell walls, Enifer ensures higher digestibility and a more consistent nutritional profile.

The digestibility of PEKILOPet, measured at 83.9%, is comparable to poultry viscera meal

Keskitalo emphasized that these features make PEKILOPet a versatile addition to pet food formulations, offering dogs a hypoallergenic, fiber-rich ingredient that enhances overall health.

The LENUCAN study also highlighted an increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BFCAs) in the dogs’ fecal matter, particularly propionate and butyrate, which play key roles in intestinal health. These fatty acids serve as energy sources for colon cells, support the maintenance of the intestinal barrier, and reduce inflammation, promoting gut health.

“The increased SCFA production observed with PEKILOPet has important implications for dogs’ intestinal health, as these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain the mucosal layer that protects the gut lining,” explained Keskitalo. “This layer is essential for preventing harmful substances, such as pathogens, from entering the body, thereby strengthening the immune system.”

In combination with beta-glucans, which make up a significant portion of PEKILOPet’s fiber, SCFAs can support a dog’s overall immune response, as nearly 70-80% of the canine immune system is thought to reside in the gut. This makes PEKILOPet an attractive ingredient for pet food formulations targeting health-conscious consumers.

One of the key benefits of PEKILOPet is its sustainable production process. Produced through fermentation and upcycling side streams from various industries, PEKILOPet requires minimal land and water use, significantly reducing its environmental footprint compared to conventional protein sources. “The production process results in up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to imported soy, and by sourcing raw materials locally, we eliminate the need for long-distance transport,” said Keskitalo.

The increased SCFA production observed with PEKILOPet has important implications for dogs’ intestinal health

This environmentally friendly approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable pet food ingredients. Enifer’s recent €33 million funding package underscores its commitment to scaling production, with a food-grade mycoprotein factory underway in Kirkkonummi, Finland, and plans for additional production facilities focused on animal nutrition.

PEKILOPet’s formulation also includes spermidine, a polyamine that supports cellular health and longevity. As dogs age, their natural levels of polyamines decline, making supplements like spermidine particularly beneficial for senior pets. Keskitalo mentioned that Enifer is exploring ways to tailor PEKILOPet to the needs of aging dogs and other specialized formulations. “While the final formulations are ultimately up to our clients, we are happy to work with them to develop products that cater to specific life stages and health requirements,” he noted.

Enifer is also looking to expand research into the effects of PEKILOPet on other pets, including cats. Given the positive findings from the LENUCAN study, the company sees potential for PEKILOPet to fill an important role in the broader pet food market. “We are planning to conduct similar trials with cats to further understand how PEKILOPet can support pet health across different species,” added Keskitalo.

We are planning to conduct similar trials with cats to further understand how PEKILOPet can support pet health across different species

With increased interest in sustainable ingredients, Keskitalo noted that PEKILOPet faces both regulatory challenges and opportunities as it moves into new markets. Having been successfully utilized in animal feed for over 15 years in the EU, Enifer sees a strong foundation for expanding its presence outside of Europe, with regulatory approval as a top priority.

“We believe PEKILOPet’s long-standing track record in pig and poultry feed serves as strong assurance for its reliability and safety. As we continue to work closely with regulators, our focus remains on scaling up sustainably and responsibly,” said Keskitalo. Enifer’s proactive approach to sustainability, combined with its commitment to meeting consumer demand for natural ingredients, positions PEKILOPet as a valuable option for health-focused pet food manufacturers.

Enifer’s PEKILOPet mycoprotein represents a promising step forward in the evolution of sustainable pet food. By enhancing gut health, supporting immune function, and aligning with eco-conscious practices, PEKILOPet offers a high-protein, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pet food ingredients. With its recent funding, Enifer is well-positioned to scale production and meet the growing demand for natural, environmentally friendly pet food solutions, bringing lasting benefits to both pets and the planet.