How algae-based omega-3s can advance sustainability and pet nutrition

Companies often turn to omega-3s to meet consumer demand for ingredients that support their pet’s health. Regular consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids promotes wellness during every stage of life, benefiting a pet’s cognitive function and cardiovascular, brain, eye and joint health.

The challenge

Traditionally, pet food manufacturers have included fish oil or vegetable oils to increase omega-3 levels in their products. But not all omega-3 sources are created equal. Vegetable oils like flaxseed are rich in ALA, which must be converted to EPA and then DHA for pets to reap the benefits. The conversion process is not efficient, with the majority of unconverted ALA used or stored as energy.

Fish oil, on the other hand, was believed to be the most efficient and DHA-rich source, but is a limited natural resource. Nearly 90% of the world’s marine fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted, leaving companies struggling to find alternatives that support their nutritional and sustainability needs.

The solution

The solution is algae-based omega 3. These long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are derived from algae, one of the world’s most abundant and productive microorganisms and the original source of omega-3s. Sourcing DHA from algae-based ingredients reduces pressure on marine resources, while offering enhanced nutrition for pet food formulators and active nutrition on-pack claims for marketers.

Corbion, a global leader in algae-based ingredients, is meeting this growing demand for a more sustainable, efficient source of omega-3s through its AlgaPrimeTM DHA.

Twice the levels of omega 3

AlgaPrime DHA is a proven ingredient in aquaculture and animal feed, with approximately twice the levels of omega 3 as fish oil included in pet food. The ingredient is created by fermenting sugarcane into sustainable, high-quality omega 3, to help advance diets and reach sustainability goals.

What the research shows

The company’s Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) results confirmed that AlgaPrime DHA has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional sources of fish oil, enabling pet food producers to meet key UN Sustainable Development Goals. The ingredient is already included in some of the industry’s top pet food products, following a partnership between AlgaPrime DHA and IQI to expand nutrient-rich pet food in Europe and North America.

For pet food formulators and brands searching for a consistent, reliable and traceable source of omega 3, algae-based alternatives like AlgaPrime DHA are the sustainable solution.