VAFO Group expands pet health focus with Austrian diagnostics investment

VAFO Group has invested in Austrian diagnostics specialist PEZZ life, expanding its presence beyond pet nutrition into preventative health and testing. The partnership will explore synergies between PEZZ life and gut-health testing business Biome9 while both companies continue to operate independently.

VAFO Group has moved further into pet health services with an investment in Austrian diagnostics specialist PEZZ life. The deal extends the European petfood maker’s push beyond nutrition and into prevention, testing and health insight.

According to the company, PEZZ life will work with Biome9, the gut-health testing business VAFO bought through Pooch & Mutt in 2025, on a shared roadmap to look for scientific, commercial and operational overlaps. Both businesses will remain independent. VAFO said the arrangement is designed to link nutrition more closely with earlier health detection for pets.

Markus Zengerer, PEZZ life’s founder and chief executive, said the partnership could combine strengths across nutrition, prevention and diagnostics. Bushra Abu-Helil, head of science and research at Biome9, said the Austrian company’s diagnostic tools could complement Biome9’s work and help owners and vets obtain insights sooner.

The investment fits a broader strategy. VAFO, founded in 1994, operates nine factories, produces more than 220,200 tonnes a year and sells into more than 90 markets. It has built a portfolio that now includes Brit, Carnilove, HauHau, Pooch & Mutt and Planet Pet Society.