Although widely accepted as a tasty and healthy food source for human consumption, mushrooms have long been overlooked as beneficial nutrition for pets. Mushrooms have in fact a lot to offer. Next to being a source of protein, they are known to contain high amounts of selenium, vitamins D and B6, fiber, ergothioneine, spermidine and numerous antioxidants – all of which contribute to a healthy digestion, protection against diseases, and keeping the immune system healthy. Mushrooms also fit with a conscious use of the Earth’s limited resources for pet food.
IQI’s solution FungiBite Plate is made of king oyster mushrooms, a species known for its favorable meaty texture, high acceptance, and significantly lower CO2 footprint and water consumption as compared to meat. IQI's partner grows the mushrooms for some 5-6 weeks in optimal conditions in an IFS certificated farm located in Austria, on in-house produced growth substrate. Both their fruit bodies and ‘roots’ (the so-called mycelium or substrate) are then harvested and turned into a mushroom preparation mixed with alginates and on request with plant protein – the precise formula of which can be fully customized. Lastly, the preparation is frozen. Thanks to a proprietary technical solution, FungiBite has a typical ‘meaty’ bite – as the name reveals.