S3, Ep8: Vegan Pet Food & Lab-Grown Meat, with Ryan Bethencourt
Dec 9, 2020
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Ryan Bethencourt, a scientist and bio-tech entrepreneur, shares insights as the CEO of Wild Earth, a leader in sustainable plant-based pet food. He discusses the challenges of aligning his vegan values with his biotech career. The conversation includes breakthroughs in vegan pet nutrition and the importance of cell-grown meat options. Ryan also reflects on his experience on Shark Tank, dispels myths about vegan pet diets, and highlights the environmental impact of pet food, advocating for a future where pets can enjoy cruelty-free nutrition.
The podcast highlights the significant environmental impact of pet food production, linking it to 25-30% of U.S. meat consumption and factory farming.
Ryan Bethencourt emphasizes the need for innovative vegan pet food formulations that meet the nutritional requirements of obligate carnivores like cats.
Through his personal journey and technological advancements, Ryan aims to bridge the gap between animal welfare and biotechnology in vegan pet food.
Deep dives
The Environmental Impact of Pet Food
Pet food production significantly contributes to meat consumption, accounting for 25 to 30 percent of the meat consumed in the U.S. This staggering figure reveals the extensive connection between pet food and factory farming. One of the key points discussed is the environmental impact, as a large portion of factory-farmed animals is allocated for pet food. Transitioning to vegan pet food could reduce the ecological footprint associated with pet ownership, offering a more sustainable alternative for animal lovers.
Innovative Solutions in Vegan Pet Food
Brian Bethancourt is pioneering the development of plant-based and cellular-grown meat options for pet food, addressing the challenges faced by vegan pet owners. With pets like cats being obligate carnivores, the conversation highlights the necessity for innovative food formulations that cater to their nutritional needs. The guest emphasizes the importance of creating cruelty-free meat alternatives, showcasing advancements that are on the horizon for both dogs and cats. This innovation not only aligns with animal rights but also makes veganism more accessible for pet owners who wish to remain ethical.
Navigating Personal Vegan Journeys
Ryan shares his personal journey to veganism, which began with a transformative childhood experience witnessing animal slaughter. His path transitioned from pescatarian to vegetarian and eventually to vegan after a strong reaction to animal cruelty depicted in media. He reflects on how his experiences shaped his understanding and advocacy for veganism within the scientific and entrepreneurial community. By combining his passion for science with his commitment to animal welfare, he effectively bridges the gap between these two seemingly disparate worlds.
Advocacy Through Education and Entrepreneurship
Technology and education play crucial roles in advocating for vegan pet food and dismantling harmful industry practices. Ryan discusses his efforts in supporting biotechnology initiatives that provide sustainable alternatives to traditional pet food. He emphasizes the importance of proper education about the nutrition of pets, illustrating misunderstandings that many consumers hold regarding plant-based diets for their animals. His entrepreneurship is rooted in the goal of promoting cruelty-free options while addressing the health of pets and the environment.
Future Perspectives on Vegan Pet Food Industry
The podcast concludes with an optimistic view of the future of vegan pet food, highlighting Ryan's ambition to make significant changes in the industry. He mentions plans for Wild Earth to lead the way in plant-based pet food, providing better nutrition while being more accessible to consumers. The conversation indicates a growing acceptance of plant-based diets among pet owners, despite resistance from some segments of the vegan community. As awareness of environmental and ethical issues increases, the potential for growth in the vegan pet food market appears promising.
This season of The ChickPeeps is brought to you by our friends at Vivo Life! Use our code 'chickpeeps10' to get 10% off your order at vivolife.com.
In this episode Evy and Tylor interview scientist, bio-tech entrepreneur and CEO of Wild Earth, Ryan Bethencourt. Ryan’s company, Wild Earth, produces sustainable, healthy, plant-based companion animal food and reached an international audience following a successful pitch featured on the television show Shark Tank.
While you’re listening, please take a moment to check out the link to our sponsor. Not only are Vivo Life a great, vegan company, but their support also allows us to continue to produce The ChickPeeps for you! We love them and their products and we think you will too.
Also in this episode…
Ryan talks about the initial challenge of reconciling his ideological veganism with his career in biotech.
Tylor is pleased when Ryan shares which Hogwarts house he’d be in.
Ryan divulges which billionaire he’s helped convert to a more plant based lifestyle.
He talks about the resistance of his Cuban family when he initially went vegan and explains why he believes it was hard for them to accept.
The importance of technological breakthroughs that will expedite the transition to vegan products, and return wild animals to wild habitats.
Tylor asks Ryan about his experience on Shark Tank and they discuss educating that audience on the efficacy of plant based dog food.
Ryan breaks the misconception that the meat in commercial pet foods is a byproduct of the meat people eat, and explains where it really comes from...
Lab grown meat for cats is coming, and much sooner than you think! Ryan shares about the advancement in biotech innovation that will bring cruelty free meat to the mainstream pet food market.
Ryan explains why he’s completely happy to be caught eating his own dog food, and challenges other CEOS of dog food companies to do the same!
