HenArt Launches Levendo Dog Food with Mycoprotein

HenArt has launched Levendo, a semi-moist complete dog food for adult and senior dogs across the EU and UK. The food is formulated to FEDIAF nutritional guidelines and uses 11.5% mycoprotein from Finnish biotech company Enifer, marking the ingredient's first international consumer launch. This move targets the 85% of dog owners who, according to a 2025 survey of over 2,600 people, consider nutritional adequacy the most important factor when exploring alternative diets.

The Dutch premium pet food brand, founded by Henk Verhoeven, developed the fermented protein blend and recipe in-house. European manufacturers produce the gently baked biscuits, which also contain pea and potato proteins, hydrolysed yeast, and algae oil. Levendo is available through HenArt’s online store and specialist distribution partners, with plans to expand into national pet retail chains, online pet specialty retailers, and grocery outlets.

PEKILO's nutritional profile and validation

The core ingredient, Enifer's PEKILO mycoprotein, provides a complete nutritional base. It contains over 60% protein and 22% fibre, with an ash content below 8%. The protein supplies all essential amino acids, along with naturally occurring beta-glucans, B vitamins, and spermidine.

Enifer cites a 60-day canine feeding study involving 16 dogs. The trial showed the mycoprotein had high digestibility and palatability, with no negative effect on stool quality. Researchers also observed early biomarker changes linked to immune activity and oxidative balance, suggesting potential immune-support benefits.

Enifer's production expansion and funding

To scale up supply, Enifer is commissioning its first commercial production facility in Kirkkonummi, Finland. The €33 million plant entered commissioning in September and has a capacity for up to 3,000 tonnes of PEKILO annually. Full-scale production is planned for 2027.

The company has raised approximately €49 million in funding to date and is preparing a Series C investment round expected to close by the end of the year. Currently, Enifer operates a pilot line producing 5 to 10 kilograms of Pekilo daily, with contract manufacturers capable of ten times that capacity during campaigns.

Future product expansion and market strategy

Following the Levendo launch, HenArt plans to introduce additional wet-food products using its TenderCraft technology and fermentation blend. The company aims to capture the significant portion of pet parents who prioritize nutritional adequacy in alternative diets.

Enifer is also pursuing regulatory approval for human food applications, having self-affirmed Pekilo as GRAS in the US and filed for novel food approval in the EU, Singapore, and the UK. Simo Ellilä, chief executive officer of Enifer, called Levendo a significant milestone in moving mycoprotein from a promising technology to mainstream pet nutrition. The global dog food market was estimated at $48.1 billion in 2025.

HenArt's immediate strategy involves expanding Levendo's retail presence into national chains while developing new wet-food formats.