Enifer and HenArt create mycoprotein-based dog food

Dutch pet food brand Henart introduces Levendo, a complete dog food featuring a proprietary blend of fermented proteins, including Pekilo mycoprotein from Finnish biotechnology company Enifer. According to a press release, this marks the ingredient’s first international consumer launch.

Designed for adult and senior dogs, Levendo is gently baked rather than extruded and contains highly digestible mycoprotein with essential amino acids and naturally occurring beta-glucans. Formulated in accordance with Fediaf guidelines, Levendo is positioned as a complete and balanced everyday diet.

The product is vailable through HenArt's online store and specialist distributors across Europe and the UK. HenArt also plans to expand distribution to national pet retail chains, online retailers and grocery partners across Europe.

According to Enifer, the launch follows research into Pekilo’s nutritional performance, including a 60-day canine feeding study demonstrating high protein digestibility and palatability, without negative effects on stool quality. Researchers also observed preliminary indications of potential immune-support benefits.

The launch coincides with Enifer commissioning its 3,000-tonne Pekilo production facility, which is expected to reach full-scale production in 2027.

Levendo’s name combines “leaven”, associated with sourdough fermentation, and the Dutch word “levend”, meaning “alive”. It is the first in a planned range of fermentation-based pet foods, with Henart developing wet-food products using its Tendercraft technology.

Both companies see the launch as a step towards establishing fermented proteins as mainstream ingredients in premium everyday pet nutrition, the press release states.