Wild Earth Introduces Treats From Koji Protein

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Wild Earth, Inc., a startup reinventing pet food with biotech, has introduced its first product, a dog treat made with koji (Aspergillus oryzae), an eco-friendly, renewably-sourced member of the fungi kingdom used in the culinary world by some of the world’s best chefs.

Wild Earth’s Good Protein Dog Snacks with Koji satisfy foodie dogs with koji’s umami-rich flavor, whole protein containing all essential 10 amino acids, and health benefits such as omega fatty acids, digestion-boosting enzymes, and prebiotics to support gastrointestinal microbiomes. Only 15 calories each, Good Protein Dog Snacks include other wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin and oat. As a clean cultured protein, Wild Earth’s koji avoids the risks of meat-based food and treats, which can contain traces of antibiotics, growth hormones or other contaminants.

Nutritious, culinary and sustainable, Good Protein Dog Snacks contain:

• Prebiotics to support healthy digestion
• Omega 3/6/9s for healthy skin and coat
• Veterinarian-developed formula
• No animal ingredients
• No antibiotics or hormones
• No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
• No corn or soy

“I worry about the health risks of sugar- and salt-filled treats, both as a veterinarian and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, and as a dog lover too,” Wild Earth Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Ernie Ward said. “People can feel good about offering Good Protein Dog Snacks with Koji, which are a nutritious option for our dogs, our environment, and for eliminating the suffering of farm animals.”

“We need new and alternative proteins to feed a growing global pet population, and also to minimize the environmental impact of feeding that growing population,” Wild Earth CEO Ryan Bethencourt said. “Koji is ideal for dogs based on its nutritional profile and sustainability, and [it is] used by Michelin-star chefs to add gourmet flavor, so our dog taste testers loved these treats.”

“Wild Earth’s new alternative protein product is such a great example of providing consumers another choice for their pet’s nourishment, while being conscious of the environment,” said Ben Jacobs, head of ventures at Mars Petcare.

Wild Earth cultivates koji, an ancient Asian protein, in fermentation tanks and uses proprietary technology to optimize it for nutritional content, texture and flavor. Because it is produced safely in a laboratory, it lacks risks associated with animal-based proteins such as contamination, and reduces the toll on the planet—25-30 percent of meat’s environmental impact in the U.S. is attributed to pet food. Wild Earth’s koji dry food for dogs is scheduled for release in 2019.