New Partnership Myzel Organics
Pet Nutrition and Functional Animal Nutrition
Pet food is entering a more functional era, shaped by owners who increasingly approach their pets’ nutrition with the same care as their own. Digestive and gut health now leads wellness priorities: 31% of owners pay it particular attention, while demand is growing for fibre (32%), probiotics (23%) and prebiotics (15%). Immunity, skin and coat and oral health are also gaining relevance, creating new opportunities for ingredients that deliver clear, targeted benefits (1).
At the same time, purchase decisions are being reshaped by humanisation and demand for more personalised nutrition. Protein remains a key driver for 71% of owners, while interest is rising in hypoallergenic, single-protein and novel protein concepts. Omega-3s are sought by 26% of owners and associated mainly with skin and coat, immune and bone health. Products tailored to age, size, breed or lifestyle further reflect the shift towards more individualised care (1).
Beyond nutrition, consumers increasingly expect pet food to reflect their values and routines. Clean-label products influence 35% of buyers, 62% want to know a product’s country of origin, and sustainability or ethical considerations affect 27%. Convenience and experience matter too: resealable packaging, minimally processed formats and treats designed for different moments of the day are gaining ground. Together, these trends point to a market where functionality, transparency and emotional connection are becoming central to innovation (1).
From Pet Food Trends to Functional Innovation
Pet nutrition is moving beyond basic nourishment towards targeted, high-quality solutions designed to support specific aspects of animal health. This shift is creating opportunities for functional ingredients and more differentiated pet food and pet nutraceutical concepts (2,3).
Against this backdrop, VIVATIS Pharma is entering the pet nutrition market with its new partner, Myzel Organics, expanding its portfolio with high-quality functional mushroom ingredients from Canada.
Functional Mushrooms: An Exciting Ingredient for Pet Food
Mushrooms have long been used as food, but certain species are attracting growing research interest because of their natural bioactive compounds. These include polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, triterpenes, polyphenols and sterols. Because the compound profile varies considerably between species, each mushroom offers a distinct spectrum of components for functional food applications (4).
This diversity makes mushrooms relevant to modern pet nutrition: they can be incorporated as versatile raw materials and selected according to the intended product concept. However, the evidence differs by mushroom species and application, so scientifically investigated potential should remain clearly distinguished from specific health claims (2–4).
Our New Partner, Myzel Organics
Myzel Organics is a Canadian family-owned business specialising in the cultivation and production of full-spectrum mushroom powders. Its portfolio comprises 13 culinary and functional mushroom species, providing a versatile base for pet nutrition concepts (5).
With a clear focus on sustainable cultivation, quality and transparency, Myzel Organics complements VIVATIS Pharma’s market experience and personalised support. Together, the partnership gives European customers direct access to high-quality mushroom ingredients from Canada with reliable local logistics.
The Variety of Mushrooms
The Myzel Organics portfolio includes 13 mushroom species (5):
For Pet Care & Nutrition, Myzel Organics particularly highlights Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga and Shiitake. Their powders can be incorporated into formats including soft chews, treats, extruded dry food, raw food and toppings, supporting a wide range of formulation concepts (6).
What makes mushrooms interesting for pet nutrition?
Beta-glucans are naturally present in the cell walls of many functional mushrooms, while triterpenes, polyphenols and sterols also contribute to their characteristic chemical profiles. The relative composition differs by species, which is why mushroom selection should be aligned with the intended formulation and positioning (4).
Early animal research is also encouraging. One study of Ganoderma lucidum supplementation in adult dogs evaluated immune function, nutrient digestibility and skin and coat quality, illustrating the growing scientific interest in mushrooms for canine nutrition (7). Research is still evolving and any product positioning should reflect the evidence available for the specific species and application.
Full-Spectrum Mushroom Powder
Myzel Organics specialises in full-spectrum, whole-food mushroom powders. Rather than isolating a single compound, this approach uses mushroom material together with the corresponding growth substrate, preserving a broader raw-material profile (5).
For formulators, this provides a natural and versatile ingredient option that can be adapted to different pet food and pet nutraceutical concepts.
As pet nutrition becomes more targeted, functional mushrooms offer a versatile platform for new pet food and pet nutraceutical concepts. Through Myzel Organics, VIVATIS Pharma brings 13 culinary and functional mushroom species from Canada to the European market, supported by personalised guidance and reliable local logistics.
References
- Innova Market Insights. Innova Pet Owners Survey 2026 (average of five countries: Brazil, China, Germany, the UK and the US); Innova Database.
- Vuthisopon, S., Kamonpatana, P., Promhuad, K., Srisa, A., Wongphan, P., Seubsai, A., Klinmalai, P. & Harnkarnsujarit, N. (2026). Advances in Functional Pet Food Research: Health-Driven Ingredients, Nutritional Targets and Evidence-Based Claims. Animals, 16(8), 1222.
- Di Cerbo, A., Morales-Medina, J. C., Palmieri, B., Pezzuto, F., Cocco, R., Flores, G. & Iannitti, T. (2017). Functional foods in pet nutrition: Focus on dogs and cats. Research in Veterinary Science, 112, 161–166.
- Łysakowska, P., Sobota, A. & Wirkijowska, A. (2023). Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production—A Review. Molecules, 28(14), 5393.
- Myzel Organics. Information on portfolio, cultivation, processing and quality assurance.
- Myzel Organics. Information on Pet Care & Nutrition and mushroom powder applications.
- Kayser, E., Castaneda, P. L., Soto-Diaz, K., Steelman, A. J., Murphy, A., Spindola, M., He, F. & de Godoy, M. R. C. (2024). Functional properties of Ganoderma lucidum supplementation in canine nutrition. Journal of Animal Science, 102, skae051.
