Fresh dog food company Butternut Box has partnered with a biotechnology firm to incorporate MiAlgae – an Omega 3 rich, fish-free ingredient upcycled from nutrient-dense Scottish whisky by-products – into its vegetarian meal option ‘Ready Steady Veggie’.

MiAlgae is a natural microalgae grown using upcycled by-products from the Scottish whisky industry that delivers the same vital nutrients found in wild fish, whilst remaining entirely plant-based. Just one tonne of MiAlgae contains the equivalent Omega 3s as 30 tonnes of wild-caught fish. 

Butternut Box was founded with a clear mission to improve the health and happiness of dogs through the power of fresh dog food, using whole ingredients that are cooked, not processed, and served from the fridge. By partnering with MiAlgae, Butternut Box has introduced a sustainable, fish-free source of Omega-3 that provides essential fatty acids (DHA) to support the skin, coat, and cognitive health of the dogs they feed. The environmental impact of this dietary shift is equally significant. Choosing the ‘Ready Steady Veggie’ meal enhanced with MiAlgae’s DHA instead of a beef-based option can significantly reduce a dog’s carbon and land footprint.

MiAlgae will be included in Butternut Box’s Ready Steady Veggie meals from this month in all of its markets across Europe, with ongoing supply to come from MiAlgae’s new production facility in Scotland.

The partnership represents a significant step forward in MiAlgae’s growth strategy as it expands capacity and collaborates with forward thinking pet food brands like Butternut Box who are committed to the highest quality ingredients, sustainability, and innovation.

Douglas Martin, founder and CEO of MiAlgae, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Butternut Box, who share the same commitment to quality ingredients, the health of pets, and sustainability. By integrating our sustainably produced, fish-free Omega-3s into their fresh meals, we’re helping set a new standard for pet nutrition - one that delivers exceptional health benefits while protecting our oceans.”

David Nolan, co-founder at Butternut Box added: “Our mission has always been to get more dogs eating the fresh, human-quality food they deserve. By partnering with MiAlgae to enhance our Ready Steady Veggie meal, we’re proving that you don’t have to compromise on nutrition to be kind to the planet. It’s a step forward for our B Corp journey and for the health of dogs across Europe.”