Cats and dogs prefer kibble with microbial protein in new study

A new study finds cats and dogs preferred kibble containing microbial protein over standard animal-protein kibble in short-term feeding trials, suggesting alternative proteins could be viable in pet food. Researchers from MicroHarvest tested 30 dogs and 30 cats at home, offering both kibble types simultaneously over four meals. Dogs consumed 72 percent of microbial-protein kibble versus 50 percent of standard, while cats ate 51 percent versus 34 percent, with both species approaching it first. Published September 23, 2026, in PLOS One, the findings address environmental and availability concerns about animal proteins. Authors note longer-term palatability and health effects require further research, but animal acceptance is crucial for new ingredients.