NRGene Canada launches MaxBites™, premium pet treats from black soldier fly larvae

CANADA – NRGene Canada has officially launched MaxBites™, an all‑natural, premium pet treat made from 100 % dried black soldier fly larvae, marking the company’s first branded entry into the speciality pet food market after identifying exceptional nutritional value in its proprietary BSF production. 

“MaxBites™ marks our entry into a high‑value, fast‑growing category where no clear leader has yet emerged. This launch is a direct extension of our core production capabilities, and we believe the market opportunity ahead of us is substantial,” said Yossi Levi, Chief Business Officer of NRGene Canada.

MaxBites™ is now available through select retail channels across Canada and online, with a phased expansion into the United States planned later in 2026.

Black Soldier Fly ingredients are approved for use in animal feed in Canada and are widely recognised for their nutritional benefits, including support for gut health and immune resilience. 

Following extensive market validation with pet owners, MaxBites™ is being positioned as a functional treat that aligns with evolving consumer preferences for clean‑label, high‑quality pet nutrition.

Capitalising on a growing market

The global pet food and treats market is projected to reach US$247.7 billion by 2035, with North America as the largest and fastest‑growing region. 

Parallel to this, the BSF sector, spanning feed and nutrition applications, is forecast to grow to US$5.6 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29 % over the 2025–2035 period, with the pet food segment identified as the fastest‑growing within that trajectory.

Pet owners today are increasingly attentive to nutritional quality and product transparency, driven in part by the ongoing “humanisation of pets” trend. 

This has elevated awareness around functional, clean‑label ingredients, creating a significant opportunity for insect‑based products that deliver high‑performance nutrition with sustainability benefits.

The product contains approximately 41 per cent protein and 38 per cent fat, delivering essential amino acids for energy and vitality. 

It is naturally rich in calcium and lauric acid, supporting skeletal health and immune resilience, while being entirely non-GMO, free of additives or artificial fillers, and produced from upcycled agricultural byproducts. 

This approach uses significantly less land and water than conventional protein sources such as soy or livestock, aligning with environmental sustainability trends that are increasingly influencing consumer choice.

A comprehensive pilot programme conducted with pet owners at farms across Canada demonstrated strong adoption across multiple species, including avian and speciality pets. 

Participants reported high acceptance rates, increased feeding engagement and a simple way to boost protein and micronutrient intake without altering overall diets.

Other companies innovating with BSF pet products

NRGene’s MaxBites™ is part of a growing wave of BSF‑based pet nutrition innovations worldwide, though it is not alone in this space. 

Companies such as Ynsect and Enterra Feed have also developed insect‑derived pet treats and feed ingredients using Black Soldier Fly larvae. 

Ynsect’s “HERO™” range incorporates BSF protein into premium pet food, while Enterra’s insect‑based protein products are used both in companion animal nutrition and aquaculture feeds. 

These companies have established early leadership in the commercialisation of insect protein, underscoring a broader industry trend toward sustainable, nutrient‑dense alternatives to conventional pet and livestock feeds.

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