In today's conscientious market, pet owners are increasingly vigilant about their pets' dietary requirements. In regions with high pet ownership rates, there's a growing demand for quality pet nutrition that goes beyond standard commercial offerings, often criticized for their inferior ingredients and reliance on unnecessary additives. Addressing this need, Armaan Dhanda and Samyak Baid launched Pawsible Foods, aiming to revolutionize pet nutrition through advanced fermentation techniques. “We observed a significant shortfall in pet food quality. Our mission is to elevate pet nutrition standards through innovative fermentation processes,” Samyak explained.
Mycoprotein: The Sustainable Future of Pet Food
For every kilogram of mushroom that is produced, there is over five and a half kilogram of nutritious stems and spent mushroom substrate that goes to waste. At the heart of Passible Foods' innovation is the transformation of underutilised side streams into nutrient-rich mycoprotein. This initiative harnesses the potential of mycoprotein, derived from fungal fermentation, to create nutritionally rich, sustainable pet food protein alternatives. Unlike traditional sources, mycoprotein offers a lower environmental footprint and aligns with the founders' vision for a circular economy. By utilising unspent mushrooms, they use their innovative fermentation techniques to create Myco-ingredients™. Their technology allows them to extract potent, nutritionally rich compounds and transform them into a form that is digestible and delicious for dogs. “Our micro-ingredients, derived from mushroom stems, form the heart of our first CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) product, the Core Wellbeing Nutritional Topper. The micro-ingredients contribute to the taste and palatability of our products, while other plant-based superfoods contribute to their micro-nutrition. The topper is a unique blend of over 10 organic superfoods but also includes a rich blend of proteins, grains, seeds and aromatic spices.” said Armaan.
Mycoprotein, a high-quality protein derived from fungi, represents a sustainable and nutritionally rich alternative to traditional pet food ingredients. Produced through sophisticated fermentation processes, mycoprotein utilizes agricultural by-products as its substrate, thereby embodying the principles of circular economy and minimizing environmental impact. This innovative approach not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable ingredient sources but also ensures a high level of nutritional content, making it an ideal component for pet food manufacturers aiming to elevate their product quality. “Our mycoprotein-based products, developed from fermented biomass, serve as the cornerstone of our brand, offering a blend of high-quality protein and essential nutrients tailored for pets,” Armaan stated. This approach not only reduces waste but also contributes to a more sustainable pet food ecosystem by converting underutilized organic materials into valuable pet nutrition.
As Pawsible sets its sights on India, they recognise the diverse needs of dogs in this dynamic market. Nutritional toppers are particularly beneficial for dogs in India, where the climate, lifestyle and diet may differ from other regions. Tailoring their offerings to suit the specific climate, lifestyle and dietary preferences prevalent in the region, they aim to make a meaningful impact. Their nutritional toppers are also beneficial for dog owners that feed their dogs home-cooked food as home-cooked food may lack certain nutrients essential for their dog’s health.
Reflecting on their journey, Armaan shared the encounter that sparked their collaboration. “The origin story of Pawsible is very interesting; Samyak and I met during orientation week during our first year of university and we just clicked. Samyak was working on his own idea, and I was wanting to start up in the mycelium or protein space. And we figured out that pet food is a problem to solve,” said Armaan. Grateful for the support of NUS Enterprise, they also spoke about the support their received in their early beginnings. “Pawsible Foods would not exist without NUS Enterprise, very interestingly, Enterprise gave us our first check ever under the VIP Impact Grant, about $10,000. That acted as a stepping stone to future grants and increasingly, we were awarded by DPM Lawrence Wong, which was a very brilliant moment for us,” said Armaan. The duo started Pawsible in 2022 and is currently incubating at The HANGAR, NUS Enterprise’s on-campus base for NUS start-ups and entrepreneurs. “HANGAR is like our home on campus, it’s where all our ideas take flight and overall carrying the NUS brand and Enterprise brand abroad or even in other places in Singapore gives us instant credibility. Credibility that any startup doesn’t get that instantly.” said Samyak.
Pawsible Foods is continuing to be at the forefront of innovation in pet nutrition. Through their utilisation of fermentation and repurposing of mushroom stems, Armaan and Samyak have addressed a significant gap in the market while promoting sustainability. Their commitment to canine wellness and adaptability to global market needs reflect their pragmatic approach. As they expand their influence, Pawsible Foods epitomises the potential of creative solutions to enhance the lives of pets worldwide.
