Virchew’s Dog Food Revolution

A bold step toward redefining canine health and sustainability, this collaboration brings together Maia Farms’ mushroom based protein and Virchew’s veterinary formulated innovation to create clean, plant based meals that support digestion, performance, and longevity, proving that better food for dogs can also mean a better future for the planet.

Love Bites high-protein dog treats from The Love Bowl shown in heart-shaped bowls, with options to serve dry and crunchy or rehydrated as meaty morsels—versatile, nutritious pet food made with sustainable maia farms ingredients

Before Maia: The Challenge

Virchew set out to redefine what dog food could be. As one of the first companies in the world to offer fully plant based, veterinary formulated meals for dogs, they weren’t just creating new products. They were building a new category.

But pioneering a pet food revolution meant facing a complex challenge. The Virchew team needed a protein that could match the nutritional value of animal ingredients while supporting digestive health, clean formulation, and sustainability. Many plant proteins lacked amino acid completeness, caused digestive issues, or required unwanted additives. Virchew needed something better.

Enter Maia Farms: The Solution

Maia Farms partnered with Virchew to introduce our FLOUR & BITES, nutrient dense mushroom-mycelium based ingredients. Designed to deliver high protein content, excellent digestibility, and prebiotic fibre, our mushroom flour provided the clean, functional foundation Virchew was looking for.

Working closely with Virchew’s veterinary nutrition team, Maia Farms supported product development from bench to bowl. Together we ensured the ingredient met rigorous nutritional standards and manufacturing demands, while contributing to Virchew’s mission of offering whole food based, science backed diets for dogs.

Key Results

Veterinary Formulated Nutrition
Maia’s mushroom FLOUR & BITES helped Virchew build complete and balanced diets that meet nutritional requirements without animal protein.

Improved Digestibility
Mushroom-mycelium based protein was easy for dogs to digest, supporting gut health and reducing the need for fillers or synthetic ingredients.

Sustainability Story
Virchew’s use of Maia’s fungi based ingredient allowed them to further strengthen their commitment to climate friendly food production.

Product Innovation
From fresh meals to treats and supplements, Maia’s FLOUR & BITES provided a versatile, clean label ingredient across Virchew’s growing line.

Market Leadership
With Maia’s support, Virchew advanced its position as a global leader in plant based pet nutrition, attracting interest from retailers, vets, and conscious pet parents alike.

Why it matters

The future of pet food is changing. With rising concerns around sustainability, animal welfare, and chronic health issues in pets, brands like Virchew are leading a vital shift. Maia Farms is proud to power that shift with ingredients that are better for animals, better for people, and better for the planet.

A Word from the Founder of Virchew

“Working with Maia Farms has been a game-changer. Their innovative ingredients elevate our formulas, aligning perfectly with our mission to improve dog health while reducing strain on the global food supply.”

- Laura Simonson, Founder & CEO, Virchew

Mycelium-Based Protein

Maia’s FRESH™ Mycelium is the result of years of dedicated R&D, using liquid-state biomass fermentation and a strategically selected strain. Unlike others in the space, Maia has intentionally taken a different approach, optimizing both strain selection and process innovation to deliver a fresh mycelial material that stands apart.

Mycelium vs. Soy

Traditional plant proteins such as soy are extracted directly from soybeans and often come with significant drawbacks. Soy can present allergen risks, fluctuating nutritional quality, and environmental concerns due to resource-intensive cultivation. In contrast, our mycelium-based protein is cultivated from the intricate network of edible fungi. This process naturally produces a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, along with abundant fiber, and minerals. The result is a nutrient-dense ingredient with a true umami flavor and meaty texture that elevates every culinary creation while sidestepping soy’s common pitfalls.

The Science 

Groundbreaking research meets centuries-old wisdom. At the heart of Maia Farms' innovation is our Fungal Intelligence Lab, where we harness cutting-edge biotechnology to optimize mycelium cultivation. By integrating AI and machine learning with fermentation science, we continuously refine our processes to enhance nutrition, texture, and scalability.

Why Maia FRESH™ Mycelium Wins

Our mycelium-based protein stands apart as a whole-food, naturally occurring ingredient that requires minimal processing. It offers a neutral taste profile and delivers superior nutritional and functional benefits without the allergenic risks of soy or the quality and safety challenges associated with mold-based fermentation. Food manufacturers seeking to overcome these common industry pain points can trust our mycelium-based protein as a superior, dependable foundation for innovative culinary creations.

Mushroom Mycelium vs. Mold-Derived Mycelium

Many competitors rely on mold-based fermentation to produce mycelium, a method that can lead to inconsistent flavor profiles and safety concerns. We instead use strains derived from food-grade mushrooms. This deliberate choice ensures a neutral, clean taste and strict quality control, making our product a reliable choice for robust soups, artisanal sauces, and innovative meat alternatives. Our mushroom mycelium integrates seamlessly into recipes, delivering consistent, high-quality protein without the off-flavors or variability often seen in mold-based fermentation.