INGREDIENTS An Ocean of
INGREDIENTS An Ocean of Opportunities Photos: dsm firmenich Algal EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are well established as essential nutrients for pet health throughout their lives. Fifty years of research and tens of thousands of studies have demonstrated their vital roles in a range of health areas that pet parents prioritize when choosing nutritional solutions for their companion animals. This includes supporting brain development in puppies and kittens and cognition into a pet’s senior years, as well as regulating immunity and inflammation, and maintaining joint health and mobility. However, as demand for EPA and DHA ingredients in pet products is rising, the supply of the traditional source—fish oil and meal—is shrinking. Challenges like overfishing, warmer oceans and more frequent and intense El Niño events are leading to greater fluctuation in fish stock sizes. This in turn has seen fish oil supply decline by more than a third, from 1.6 metric tonnes in 1986 to 1 million in 2023. 1 In response to this challenge, algae-derived omega-3s are emerging as a sustainable alternative, and even a superior solution in the pet food sector. In this article, George Josef, Global Business Development Director for pet food at dsm-firmenich, explores the reasons behind these shifting tides, and why pet food producers should ride the waves of progress with algal omega-3s. Fighting overfishing to safeguard our seas Traditional fish-based omega-3s are heavily associated with overfished oceans and unsustainable practices. In fact, it is estimated that 930 billion fish are removed from the oceans each year, just to supply the pet food industry with fish oil and meal. 2 And with as many as one in three wild fish populations having been overfished or harvested beyond its limit, 3 there are simply not enough fish to sustainably continue meeting the nutritional needs of the global pet population. Enter marine algal oil. Algae is an abundant and easily replenishable source of omega-3s that can be cultivated and harvested on land. Algal omega- 3s produced on land via fermentation have no impact on marine ecosystems— helping to reduce the strain on marine ecosystems and preserve ocean biodiversity. Additionally, the right algal source can also provide a far more potent source of vital EPA and DHA omega-3s. dsmfirmenich’s process excels at producing EPA and DHA in high concentrations, allowing Veramaris® Pets to deliver more than double the potency of equivalent fish oils. Therefore, replacing one ton of traditional fish oil for one ton of Veramaris® Pets saves 66 tons of wild caught fish from being removed from the ocean. A sustainable supply for standout solutions Algal-based omega-3s are as good for business as they are for biodiversity. Climate change, warmer oceans, and frequent El Niño events have caused fish populations—and therefore supply and price—of fish oil and meal to fluctuate unpredictably. Alternatively, algae is cultivated in controlled environments, providing a consistent and reliable source of omega-3s. By using algae instead of fish-based omega-3 sources, pet food producers can insulate themselves against fish-based supply chain disruption and volatile market costs. What’s more, swapping traditional fish oil for algal alternatives can help products standout on shelves. Pet parents are a particularly eco-conscious group. In a global survey by Euromonitor, nearly 70% of pet owners said that they are concerned about climate change and are trying to make a positive impact on the environment through their everyday actions. 4 Interestingly, the same survey found that pet owners were more concerned about sustainability than non-pet owners. 3 As such, by helping to unlock attractive on-pack claims such as ‘sustainably sourced’, ‘non-GMO’ or ‘naturally-derived’, algal omega-3s can help manufacturers develop products that resonate with environmentallyminded pet parents. In fact, the claim ‘algal omega-3s’ could be a draw to consumers in and of itself. A study by INK research, examining the impact of adding algae-derived omega- 3s to pet food brands, saw significant improvements in brand perception— with 73% of consumers indicating they were more likely to buy a brand that uses algal omega-3s. 5 In particular, people viewed brands containing algal omega- 3s as more sustainable, innovative, and scientifically credible. 4 Science-backed support throughout pets’ lives Pet parents are right about the scientific credibility. EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids from marine algal oils have been shown to address a host pet health concerns. Take dsm-firmenich’s DHAgold ingredient as an example. This powder ingredient is made from fermented algae carefully dried to preserve its natural nutritional content and has been scientifically proven to support brain health in senior dogs. In one study, a group of 8- to 11-year-old dogs fed food containing DHAgold for 6 months displayed significantly improved memory and visual performance. 6 Similarly, Veramaris® Pets exhibits superior palatability compared to fish oils. 7 What’s more, Veramaris® Pets contains 60% EPA and DHA, the highest concentration of these essential omega-3 fatty acids available in the market for pets today. Both Veramaris® and DHAgold highlight just 14 Technology & Marketing
INGREDIENTS how efficacious algal-based omega-3s can be in pet food applications—allowing the creation of products that provide exceptional health benefits, and that cats and dogs will love. Out of the blue (and into the green) Better for the planet, producers and pets; it’s easy to understand why the pet food market is shifting to favor algal-based omega-3s over traditional fish-based sources. As algae-derived ingredients become more accessible, there is a clear path forward for the industry to unlock their full potential, delivering exceptional nutrition for pets while supporting a more responsible and resilient supply chain. A whitepaper focussing on this topic is available on request. References: Technology & Marketing 1 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO) 2 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2018. 3 FAO. “The state of world fisheries and aquaculture 2022.” 2022. https:// openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/ bitstreams/9df19f53-b931-4d04-acd3- 58a71c6b1a5b/content/cc0461en.html 4 Euromonitor. “Sustainable Ingredients in Pet Care”, 2022. https://www.euromonitor.com/ article/sustainable-ingredients-in-pet-care 5 INK Research. “Quantitative Consumer Research UK, July 2020.” 6 Hadley, K. B., J. Bauer, and N. W. Milgram. "The oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid improves shape discrimination learning associated with visual processing in a canine model of senescence." Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 118 (2017): 10-18. * 7 dsm-firmenich, "Giving cats and dogs the EPA and DHA they need—sustainably," Whitepaper, 2024. For more information www.dsm-firmenich.com/en/ businesses/taste-texture-health/ markets-products/pets/omega-3- solutions.html Issue 2 2025 15
