Press release
April 20, 2026
Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands), April 20, 2026
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, is set to unveil the world’s first microalgal oil to deliver the same natural 3:2 EPA:DHA omega-3 ratio as high-quality fish oil at Petfood Forum 2026 (April 27-29) in Kansas City, booth 1307. The ingredient will provide pet food brands a seamless, alternative source of high-quality omega-3 to easily replace fish oils in their formulations.
Veramaris® O3 Max Pure is a natural, non-GMO, vegan omega-3 solution designed to meet the rising demand for premium, science-backed pet nutrition. Produced via closed-system microalgae fermentation, it provides a single, consistent, and contaminant-free source of both EPA and DHA —mirroring the full-spectrum omega-3 benefits of fish oil, but with superior traceability, sustainability, and supply reliability. Delivering EPA and DHA in a precise 3:2 ratio, Veramaris® O3 Max Pure enables seamless fish oil replacement while maintaining formulation integrity and label claims.
Redefining what omega-3 can deliver for pets
As cats and dogs are increasingly viewed as integral members of the family, demand for high-quality, functional, and science-backed nutrition continues to rise. Pet parents are placing greater emphasis on health benefits, ingredient transparency, and sustainability when choosing products for their animals.
Omega-3 fatty acids are central to this shift, with EPA and DHA widely recognized for their role in supporting brain, heart, joint, skin, and coat health. However, fish oil, the traditional source of these nutrients, faces ongoing challenges, including supply volatility, fluctuating costs, inconsistent EPA:DHA ratios, and sustainability concerns linked to marine sourcing.
At the same time, consumer expectations are evolving. Pet parents tend to be more eco-conscious than non-pet owners, and 70% report actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint. This is driving demand for alternative solutions that combine proven health benefits with responsible sourcing.
A new wave of omega-3 innovation
Veramaris® O3 Max Pure addresses these challenges directly. Its controlled fermentation process ensures standardized quality, full traceability, and a balanced omega-3 profile within a single solution. This enables pet food manufacturers to make accurate on-pack claims with greater regulatory confidence.
In addition, Veramaris® O3 Max Pure offers a formulation-friendly, year-round alternative to fish oil. It delivers a stable supply, predictable costs, and a renewable solution that aligns with both sustainability goals and evolving consumer expectations.
George B. Josef, Global Director of Business Development, Nutritional Lipids & Alternative Proteins at dsm-firmenich: “For today’s pet parents, pet health is personal—it is held to the same standards as their own health. As pet nutrition continues to evolve, our customers are looking for solutions that combine scientific credibility with formulation simplicity and supply security. Veramaris® O3 Max Pure reflects that shift—delivering a full-spectrum omega-3 profile in a single, consistent solution that supports both product performance and the planet.”
Elevating pet health at Petfood Forum 2026
Visitors to this year’s Petfood Forum can learn more about Veramaris® O3 Max Pure at booth 1307, where dsm-firmenich’s technical experts will be available to discuss formulation opportunities and application insights.
In addition, dsm-firmenich will highlight its broad portfolio of innovations and capabilities, including new scientific evidence on its dual Lactobacillus postbiotic, LB Fermentate HF, which will be presented during a dedicated speaking session focused on dog calming support. In a recent study in adult dogs, supplementation with LB Fermentate HF was associated with significantly reduced heart rate reactivity and a trend toward lower cortisol responses, indicating enhanced physiological resilience to environmental stressors. Another study in puppies with giardiasis has shown that supplementation with LB Fermentate HF significantly reduces the risk of Giardia spreading and the incidence of Giardia-linked chronic diarrhea.
The company will also showcase upgrades to Veramaris® Pets, which now delivers 30% more EPA at no additional cost, enabling enhanced omega-3 performance in pet food formulations.
Further demonstrating its commitment to tailored solutions, dsm-firmenich will present capabilities from its state-of-the-art, pet-dedicated premix facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas, designed to support scalable, customized nutrition solutions for customers in North America.
Finally, visitors can explore the company’s latest taste innovations for pets, including Natural Cheddar Cheese Concentrate, developed to enhance palatability and improve the sensory appeal of pet food products.
For those unable to attend Petfood Forum 2026, further information about Veramaris® O3 Max Pure as well as dsm-firmenich’s broad portfolio of innovations and capabilities is available here: dsm-firmenich.com.
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com
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For more information
BDB (media inquiries)
Oonagh Davies
e-mail: dsmfirmenichTTH@bdb.global
tel. +44 161 521 9465
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich’s future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.
Disclaimers
1 American Kennel Club. "Fish Oil for Dogs: What to Know." American Kennel Club. June 14, 2024. [Accessed: July 2, 2025] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fish-oil-for-dogs/
2 Euromonitor. “Sustainable Ingredients in Pet Care”, 2022. https://www.euromonitor.com/article/sustainable-ingredients-in-pet-care
3 Eckhardt E, Andreu S, Cereghetti D, Tamasi B, Boucard A-S, Landsberg G, Milanese A, Klein B, Pagani E, and van den Berg M. Dietary supplementation of a Lactobacillus postbiotic modulates acute stress responses and impacts temporal variation in the gut microbiome of dogs. Manuscript submitted.
4 Eckhardt E, Andreu S, Tamasi B, Boucard A-S, Klein B, Pagani E, Yu S and van den Berg M. Dietary supplementation of a Lactobacillus postbiotic improves fecal scores and reduces fecal Giardia cyst shedding in dogs at risk for giardiasis and treated with metronidazole. Manuscript in preparation.