News
June 16, 2025
Sustainable omega-3s: The future of pet health
dsm-firmenich is redefining sustainable pet nutrition—keeping pets healthier and their humans happier. In this blog, explore how our algal-based sustainable omega-3 solutions promote pet wellbeing, meet the expectations of eco-conscious consumers, and provide a dependable alternative to fish oil. It’s a win for pets, producers, and the planet.
Sustainable omega-3s: Going back to the source for consistent, potent, and reliable EPA and DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are a staple in science-backed, high-quality pet food. These essential nutrients support brain development in puppies and kittens, help maintain cognition in a pet’s senior years, regulate immunity and inflammation, and maintain joint health and mobility.
The pet food industry has been sourcing its EPA and DHA from fish oil and meal for decades. However, fish are only intermediary links in a long omega-3 food chain. Algae, however, is the source from which these vital omega-3s originate.
As the strain on global fish stocks combines with growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition, the tides are changing and pushing algae to the forefront of the pet food sector. But how do these innovative algal omega-3s for pet food stack up against their traditional fishy counterparts?
Fishing for solutions: Algal omega-3s for pet food
Global fish oil production is thought to have plummeted by over a third since 1986.1 Climate change, warmer oceans, and frequent El Niño events have caused fish populations to deplete. Considering that the pet food industry is responsible for consuming an estimated 930 billion fish annually as fish oil and meal,2 it’s clear that this industry could have a significant impact on ocean biodiversity by switching to more sustainable pet food ingredients. Algal omega-3s produced through fermentation on land that have no impact on marine ecosystems could be the answer the industry, consumers, and environment, are looking for.
A recent Euromonitor survey found that 70% of pet parents are concerned about climate change, and they’re actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint.3 But these same eco-conscious pet parents don’t want to compromise on nutritional quality when it comes to what they feed their furry friends. Pet food manufacturers, therefore, have an opportunity to exceed pet owners’ expectations on sustainability and nutritional quality by embracing innovative and sustainable omega-3 ingredients derived from the original source of omega-3s—algae.
Why algal omega-3s for pet food are making waves
Algal-omega-3s have a strong nutritional profile to match their environmental credentials, as they’re the most potent example of an omega-3 solution and contain EHA and DHA. dsm-firmenich’s DHAgold™ is made from fermented algae that is carefully dried to preserve its natural nutritional content. This ingredient has been scientifically proven to support brain health in senior dogs. In one study, a group of 8- to 11-year-old dogs displayed significantly improved visual and memory performance after consuming a feed program containing DHAgold™ for six months.4 This ingredient also features the whole algae cell, which supports improved sensory properties that can turn any food, treat, or supplement into a source of essential DHA that our furry friends will love.
Also making waves in the sustainable omega-3s for pets space is Veramaris® Pets. This algal oil delivers more than double the potency of equivalent fish-oil, containing 60% EPA and DHA for exceptional pet nutrition. And this market-leading potency doesn’t come at the cost of diminished stability or palatability, making it a great example of something pets love to eat, that’s actually good for them.
Algal-based ingredients such as DHAgold™ and Veramaris® Pets from dsm-firmenich enable petfood brands to nourish consumers’ beloved pets, with no impact on our oceans. These non-GMO, contaminant-free, natural EPA and DHA alternatives offer producers and pet parents alike true peace of mind.
Pet parents are tuning in to sustainable omega-3s
Pet owners today are taking a more ‘humanized’ view of the health of their cats and dogs, with many now wanting to see the same claims in pet food as they find in products they would choose for themselves. It’s no surprise then that as algal omega-3s become more popular in human nutrition, similar claims could help pet food brands stand out to pet parents.
A study by INK research examined the impact of adding algae-derived omega-3s to pet food brands and saw significant improvements in brand perception. 73% of consumers indicated they were more likely to buy a brand that uses algal omega-3s with people viewing brands containing algal omega-3s as more sustainable, innovative, and scientifically credible.5
For pet food manufacturers looking to future-proof their products, algal omega-3s aren’t just an alternative, they’re the next evolution. They deliver unmatched consistency, higher nutritional potency, and have a significantly lower environmental impact.
To find out more, download our whitepaper and learn more about how dsm-firmenich’s algal omega-3 solutions can support pets, producers, and the planet below.
References
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2018.
- Euromonitor. “Sustainable Ingredients in Pet Care”, 2022. https://www.euromonitor.com/article/sustainable-ingredients-in-pet-care
- The oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary source of DHA improves shape discrimination learning associated with visual processing in a canine model of senescence. [K.B. Hadley, J. Bauer, N.W. Milgram, Clinical Research Department, DSM Nutritional Products, Columbia, MD 21045, USA]
- INK Research. “Quantitative Consumer Research UK, July 2020.”