• VEGCAT bring vegetarian cat snacks to market that finally deliver genuine palatability.
• Solves a long-standing challenge: great taste without animal ingredients
• A natural, hypoallergenic, high-protein recipe tailored for sensitive cats

Hamburg, 26 November 2025 – The animal-free pet food producer VEGDOG has launched the first hypoallergenic cat snack formulated with MicroHarvest’s next-generation microbial protein ingredient, produced by natural fermentation.

Following the successful introduction in 2024 of a snack for Dogs, Europe’s first microbial protein dog treat, VEGDOG is now expanding with MicroHarvest’s protein ingredient into the cat snack category.

The innovative VEGCAT snack brings a new level of nutritional simplicity and tolerability to the European cat food market. The recipe contains 60% protein, including 10% MicroHarvest microbial protein from fermentation, integrated with healthy plant-based ingredients. This combination results in a naturally hypoallergenic formulation ideal for cats that struggle to digest conventional protein sources. With its high digestibility, consistent nutritional profile and naturally appealing taste, VEGCAT snack is particularly well suited for sensitive cats, including those with allergies or digestive issues. The treats are free from animal proteins, artificial colourings and flavourings and include 4,000 mg/kg taurine, making them a supportive choice not only for ingredient-conscious cat owners but also for veterinary practices seeking reliable, allergen-friendly options for dietary management. 

MicroHarvest’s microbial ingredient produces an enviably low carbon footprint, comparable to that of insect proteins and significantly lower than many widely-used plant-based proteins.

Similarly to familiar fermented foods like kimchi, kefir and sauerkraut, MicroHarvest grows microorganisms using traditional fermentation enhanced by modern technology. The VEGCAT snack is the first ready-to-buy cat snack to feature this breakthrough ingredient. 

MicroHarvest co-founder & CEO Katelijne Bekers explains: “We are incredibly excited to take this next step with VEGDOG and to prove that our microbial protein doesn’t just work for dogs, but wins over cats too. Delivering a fully vegetarian cat treat with genuine palatability is a huge achievement for our team and a breakthrough for the industry. As Germany’s €4.3 billion pet food market grows and shifts toward hypoallergenic, functional and sustainable solutions, our microbial protein stands out: naturally tasty, highly digestible, and produced through a fast, scalable fermentation process that helps brands lead the way toward more responsible nutrition.”

VEGDOG founder & CEO, Tessa Zaune-Figlar: “Having already grown VEGDOG into the leading brand for vegan dog food in Europe, we are now taking the next step with VEGCAT. From the very beginning, our vision was to replace meat-based products in the pet food sector with healthy plant-based alternatives. Thanks to new, innovative raw materials and scientific advances, it is now possible to feed cats a balanced plant-based diet. This opens up completely new opportunities: for greater sustainability and for a future in which love for animals does not come at the expense of other animals.”

Valerie Henssen, Co-founder and CEO of VEGDOG, adds:  “Our VEGCAT snack are proof that modern cat nutrition can combine taste and responsibility. With VEGCAT, we are creating a new generation of cat snacks that are hypoallergenic, nutrient-rich and resource-efficient.”

With global protein demand forecasted to grow 50% by 2050, MicroHarvest applies modern technology to millennia-old fermentation techniques to produce tons of high-quality microbial protein ingredients in just 24 hours, offering a highly scalable and consistent protein solution.

About VEGDOG 

VEGDOG was founded in 2016 by Tessa Zaune-Figlar and Valerie Henssen and offers the first vegan, gluten-free and 100% complete dog food developed in collaboration with specialist veterinarians. It is based on plant-based recipes that provide dogs with all the essential nutrients they need for a healthy life through alternative protein sources. Dogs need protein, not meat! Not only animal protein is excluded from the recipes, but also all other major allergens, making VEGDOG ideal for dogs with food allergies. VEGDOG offers a comprehensive range of dry and wet food (one of which comes in an innovative Tetra Pak), nutritional supplements and a variety of snacks. www.vegdog.de