A recent investigation conducted by the Research Laboratory in Canine Nutrition at Brazil’s Federal University of Paraná has uncovered promising benefits of Enifer’s PEKILO Pet mycoprotein for canine health. The study highlights how this fungal protein not only increases the diversity of beneficial probiotic bacteria in dogs but also reduces the presence of harmful bacteria associated with cancer.
Over the course of 42 days, researchers examined 16 beagles, observing significant improvements in gut microbiome diversity and elevated production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for maintaining gut health. According to Enifer, prior studies have established the gut’s critical role in overall animal health, influencing nutrient absorption and metabolism, as well as the immune system’s protective functions.
Heikki Keskitalo, business development manager and co-founder of Enifer, remarked, “Our findings confirm that even at low inclusion levels, PEKILO Pet enhances beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones, which could have far-reaching health benefits for dogs, from improved digestion to enhanced immune function.”
The study indicated that increasing levels of PEKILO Pet in the dogs’ diets led to statistically significant rises in SCFAs and branched short-chain fatty acids (BFCAs). Importantly, the inclusion of PEKILO Pet did not adversely affect fecal quality, which remained stable with a dry matter content of 29.7% and a fecal score of 3.9%, while pH and ammonia levels showed no significant changes.
Keskitalo expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating, “These results are incredibly exciting for the future of sustainable pet food. Our PEKILO Pet mycoprotein not only addresses the growing demand for natural and environmentally friendly ingredients but also significantly boosts gut health in dogs, making it a win-win for pet health and the planet.”
As consumer preferences evolve, dog owners are increasingly prioritizing sustainable, natural ingredients that reflect their values. This shift has resulted in a growing interest in alternative pet food options amid concerns regarding the sustainability of traditional animal protein sources. Enifer’s PEKILO Pet is positioned to meet this demand as a high-protein ingredient, boasting 60% protein content and 22% fiber, including substantial amounts of beta-glucan, which offers a variety of health benefits for dogs.
Moreover, PEKILO Pet is hypoallergenic and enriched with spermidine—a polyamine beneficial for aging dogs—helping maintain gut health as polyamine levels decline with age. Produced through fermentation and the upcycling of industrial by-products, PEKILO Pet is a sustainable choice, requiring minimal land and water, and generating up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to imported soy.
In May 2024, Enifer announced the successful acquisition of €33 million (approximately US$35.7 million) in funding to begin constructing a pioneering food-grade mycoprotein factory in Kirkkonummi, Finland—the first of its kind to produce protein from side streams. The company is also planning additional larger production facilities aimed at delivering high-quality, affordable PEKILO mycoprotein ingredients for animal nutrition.
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