Enifer, Rovio launch PEKILO-based dog treat as demand grows for sustainable pet proteins

FINLAND – Enifer, a Finnish biotech company developing sustainable protein ingredients, and Rovio Pet Foods, a Finnish manufacturer of dog and cat food, announce a new semi-moist pet treat made with PEKILO®, a high-protein ingredient containing more than 60% protein and an amino acid profile resembling meat.

The launch follows Enifer’s completion of its first four-ton commercial production batch, allowing the ingredient to move into practical product development and commercial-scale applications.

The companies said the treat was developed as part of Rovio Pet Foods’ work on functional pet treat concepts and could also support white-label product opportunities for pet food brands seeking alternative protein formats.

The launch comes as pet food manufacturers face growing pressure to develop products that combine sustainability, functionality and premium nutrition as consumer demand for health-focused pet products continues to rise.

Simo Ellilä, Chief Executive Officer of Enifer, said the collaboration reflects increasing commercial interest in alternative proteins for pet nutrition.

“Pet food is a highly relevant category for sustainable protein innovation, and we’re pleased to be working with Rovio Pet Foods to bring a new product to market that reflects where the industry is heading on both functionality and ingredient quality,” Ellilä said.

Alternative proteins gain traction in pet nutrition

The pet food sector has become one of the fastest-growing markets for novel and sustainable protein ingredients, with manufacturers increasingly exploring microbial, insect and fermentation-derived proteins to reduce dependence on traditional animal-based raw materials.

Enifer has been expanding its animal nutrition activities through feeding trials and product development initiatives, including participation in Purina’s Unleashed accelerator programme.

According to the company, a recent 60-day feeding study involving 16 dogs showed high digestibility and palatability for PEKILO®, with no negative impact on stool quality. 

The study also identified biomarker changes associated with immune activity and oxidative balance, further supporting its positioning as a functional ingredient.

Piritta Koistinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Rovio Pet Foods, said functionality alone is not enough for pet treat success without strong product performance.

“Functional treats are a growing area in pet nutrition, but to succeed in that category, the product still has to perform where it matters most — especially in palatability and consistency,” Koistinen said.

She added that PEKILO® offered both a novel nutritional profile and consistent raw material performance for product development.

The companies plan to showcase samples of the new treat at Interzoo 2026, where Enifer will also present the ingredient’s broader potential across pet nutrition applications.

The launch reflects wider investment across the global pet food sector in alternative proteins, precision fermentation and sustainable ingredient technologies as manufacturers seek lower-carbon nutrition solutions without compromising performance or palatability.

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