Old science, new purpose: mycoprotein’s return to the pet food bowl

One answer to the demand for alternative protein has been quietly brewing for decades: mycoprotein, the root network of fungi.

Neither plant nor animal, mycoprotein combines the best of both worlds: an amino acid profile comparable to meat, with a fraction of the environmental impact. Enifer’s PEKILO®Pet is the original mycoprotein making a comeback.

The unexpected origins of mycoprotein

The origins of PEKILOPet are as fascinating as its future. The story begins in Finland in the 1960s, where visionary engineers discovered that fungal fermentation could be employed to upcycle industrial side streams into high-quality protein – the world’s first mycoprotein.

Much like brewing, this proved both efficient and remarkably scalable. Decades ahead of its time, PEKILOPet was successfully used as a feed ingredient between 1975 and 1991, building a strong track record for safety, performance and nutritional benefits long before ‘alternative protein’ became a buzzword.

Today, this innovation is being revived by Enifer. The company’s mission is clear: to bring improved PEKILOPet to the global pet food market by combining decades of proven science with modern technology and new side streams.

Nutrition for all life stages

PEKILOPet offers solid nutritional and functional characteristics for pet food formulations. The granulated powder in its supplied form contains approximately 60% crude protein and 24% fiber, of which 13% is fungal beta-glucan, providing a protein- and fiber-rich ingredient suitable for a wide range of pet food applications.

PEKILOPet is low in fat and naturally contains nucleotides, supporting formulations across different life stages, including growth and weight management. It supports healthy digestion, a balanced gut microbiota, and has been shown to support a strong immune system.

The ingredient contains compounds such as spermidine and features a favorable amino acid profile, including leucine. With its high digestibility, PEKILOPet is suitable for pet food products designed for puppies, kittens, and adult and senior animals. A carbon footprint under 1kg CO2e/kg allows PEKILOPet to deliver nutritional value with minimal environmental impact.

Product innovation

Beyond nutrition, PEKILOPet offers strong functional benefits. Its high water-holding capacity opens new opportunities for texture, juiciness and formulation. For pet food brands, PEKILOPet is not only a sustainable protein, it’s a fresh take on product development.

PEKILOPet is not a trendy novelty. It’s a rediscovered original – ready to help shape a more nutritious, sustainable, and resilient future for pet food.