News
September 1, 2026
Pet parents want the best for their furry friends. And when it comes to nutrition, omega-3s do a lot of the heavy lifting. But the ingredient that has powered pet health for decades is under real pressure. In this blog, we explore why that matters, and what pet food manufacturers can do about it.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are a key part of high-quality, science-led pet nutrition. These essential nutrients support brain development in puppies and kittens, help maintain cognition as pets grow older, regulate immunity and inflammation, and keep joints healthy and mobile.
In short, omega-3s touch nearly every part of a pet's well-being. That's why they've become a staple in science-backed, high-quality pet food.
For decades, the pet food industry has sourced its EPA and DHA from fish oil. But fish are only intermediary links in a long omega-3 food chain. And that chain is fraying.
Global fish oil production has plummeted by more than a third since 1986.¹ Climate change, warmer oceans, and frequent El Niño events continue to deplete fish populations. The result? Tightening global inventories, rising costs, and supply volatility expected to persist well into 2027.
For manufacturers, this isn't a temporary bump. It's a serious risk to business continuity. The old approach no longer holds.
There's an environmental angle, too. The pet food industry consumes an estimated 930 billion fish annually as fish oil and meal.² That's a significant footprint on ocean biodiversity, and eco-conscious pet parents are noticing. A recent Euromonitor survey found that 70% of pet parents are concerned about climate change, actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint.³ But they're not willing to compromise on nutritional quality when it comes to what they feed their furry friends.
Here's the good news. Omega-3s don't have to come from the ocean. They start with algae – the original source from which these vital nutrients originate.
By producing omega-3s through controlled microalgae fermentation on land, we skip the fish entirely. That means no exposure to the pressures driving fish oil volatility. Supply stays consistent. Quality stays predictable. And availability never depends on what's happening beneath the surface.
The benefits stack up fast:
Algal omega-3s are non-GMO and contaminant-free, offering producers and pet parents alike genuine peace of mind. And the market is paying attention. One study found that 73% of consumers were more likely to buy a brand using algal omega-3s, viewing those brands as more sustainable, innovative, and scientifically credible.⁴
As a global leader in omega-3 innovation, dsm-firmenich offers what fish oil can't: reliable, scalable supply. Our expanding portfolio gives manufacturers the flexibility to meet every formulation need, without the uncertainty.
Veramaris® O3 Max Pure, our latest innovation, is a seamless fish oil swap. It lets manufacturers make the switch to algal omega-3s with no reformulation, keeping the performance and claims intact while removing the marine dependency.
Veramaris® Pets delivers more than double the potency of equivalent fish oil, packing over 60% EPA and DHA into one algal oil, now with 30% more EPA. And that market-leading potency doesn't come at the cost of stability or palatability. It's something pets love to eat that's genuinely good for them.
DHAgold™ is made from fermented algae, carefully dried to preserve its natural nutritional content. It's scientifically proven to support brain health in senior dogs. In one study, dogs aged 8 to 11 showed significantly improved visual and memory performance after six months on a feed program containing DHAgold™.⁵ It also features the whole algae cell, supporting sensory properties that turn any food, treat, or supplement into a DHA source pets will love.
Fish oil availability is tight. Prices are rising. And the volatility isn't letting up any time soon. For pet food manufacturers looking ahead, algal omega-3s aren't just an alternative. They're the next evolution: unmatched consistency, higher nutritional potency, and a far lower environmental impact.
The window to act is now. Building supply resilience means choosing a source you can count on, season after season.
Ready to future-proof your formulation?
Download a product leaflet or whitepaper to learn more or talk to our experts and find the right fit for your needs.