News
August 4, 2025
Why algal omega-3s for pets are key to proactive care
dsm-firmenich is advancing the future of proactive pet care. In this blog, discover how algal-based omega-3s deliver powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, support cognitive and joint health in aging pets, and offer a sustainable, fish-free alternative for eco-conscious consumers. With proven performance and unmatched purity, our algal omega-3s are transforming pet nutrition for the better.
The need for proactive pet care
Algal omega-3s for pets are gaining traction as more pet parents—and pet food formulators—look for proactive ways to manage pet health. Pet insurance data tells a clear story: recurring inflammatory conditions like skin allergies, arthritis, and chronic infections are among the top reasons for veterinary visits year after year.1 These common health issues signal not just the complexity of pet wellness but the opportunity to intervene earlier through nutrition.
Emerging science supports the use of algal omega-3s for pets, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to address the root causes of these inflammatory issues.2 Because cats and dogs can’t produce the fatty acids in sufficient amounts, they must be obtained through the diet. These long-chain fatty acids play critical roles in regulating inflammation, maintaining immune balance, and improving pets' quality of life. And when sourced from algae instead of fish, omega-3s offer a more sustainable solution.
Turning insight into impact: the anti-inflammatory power of EPA and DHA for pets
The shared thread across conditions like allergic dermatitis and arthritis is inflammation,3 —but what makes omega-3s so effective is how precisely they address it. EPA and DHA help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, reducing the production of compounds that drive pain, swelling, and immune imbalance. In dogs, supplementation has been shown to improve the Omega-3 Index, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall mobility and behavior.4
This positions omega-3s not just as nutrients, but as functional ingredients that proactively support proactive pet care. And when derived from algae, they deliver these benefits without depleting marine ecosystems—offering both performance and peace of mind.
Supporting mobility and cognition in senior pets
Longer lifespans are a win for pet wellness—but they also bring age-related challenges like joint stiffness and cognitive decline. Omega-3s offer a targeted, nutritional approach to managing these issues in older animals. EPA and DHA help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory compounds that contribute to joint stiffness and swelling, improving joint mobility and comfort in aging pets.5 At the same time, DHA plays a critical role in cognitive health, enhancing memory, alertness, and overall quality of life in senior dogs.6
Skin health starts from within
Skin allergies are among the top reasons for veterinary visits—and one of the most distressing for pets and their owners alike. EPA and DHA have been shown to reduce itching, redness, and inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis.6 Algal omega-3s for pets deliver these same benefits, with the added assurance of purity and sustainability.
Why algal omega-3s for pet food are making waves
It’s clear that EPA and DHA are essential for lifelong pet health—from early development to mobility and cognition in later years. But how they’re sourced makes a big difference.
Fish-derived omega-3s come with sustainability concerns. The pet industry consumes an estimated 930 billion fish each year in the form of fish oil and fish meal.6 By contrast, algal omega-3s offer a highly concentrate, marine-free alternative—delivering the same health benefits while easing pressure on ocean biodiversity.
Performance, purity—and peace of mind
Algal omega-3s for pets are not only sustainable, they’re also highly effective. dsm-firmenich’s DHAgold™ is made from whole dried algae and is scientifically proven to support brain health in dogs. In a study of senior dogs aged 8–11, those supplemented with DHAgold™ showed significant improvements in visual and memory performance.7
Meanwhile, Veramaris® Pets offers over 60% EPA and DHA—more than double the concentration of conventional fish oils. It’s highly stable, palatable, and suitable for a wide range of formats, from supplements to functional treats.
With 73% of pet parents more likely to buy products containing algal omega-3s,8 these ingredients are helping brands stand out—delivering trusted health outcomes without compromising ethics or efficacy.
Enabling a future of proactive pet care
At dsm-firmenich, we’re helping shape the next generation of proactive pet care. Our high-purity, algae-derived ingredients like DHAgold™ and Veramaris® Pets offer exceptional potency, consistency, and sustainability—empowering manufacturers to meet rising expectations and make every meal count.
To learn more, download our whitepaper and find out more about how our science-backed algal omega-3 solutions help pet parents keep vet bills at bay.
References
- Nationwide. "Skin allergies, gastrointestinal disease among most common conditions that prompt veterinary visits." Nationwide. September 12, 2024. [Accessed: July 2, 2025] https://news.nationwide.com/most-common-conditions-that-prompt-veterinary-visits-2024/
- "The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Omega-3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs," PMC, accessed July 2, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11545626/
- Kutty Selva Nandakumar, Qinghua Fang, Isabella Wingbro Ågren and Zoe Fuwen Bejmo. "Aberrant Activation of Immune and Non-Immune Cells Contributes to Joint Inflammation and Bone Degradation in Rheumatoid Arthritis." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115883.
- Carlisle, Carolina, Brandon T. Metzger, Nathan L. Tintle, Kristine Polley, Kristina H. Jackson, Sara Le Brun‑Blashka, Jody Griffiths, and William S. Harris. “The Effects of Omega‑3 Supplementation on the Omega‑3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs.” Animals 14, no. 21 (October 29, 2024): 3108. doi:10.3390/ani14213108
- 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/
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO)
- 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.”