Keeping the Doctor Away With Algal Omega-3s Each Day

Pet insurance data reveals a consistent pattern: the same health conditions appear year after year as the most common reasons pet parents file claims.¹ From skin allergies and ear infections to joint problems and anxiety, these recurring issues highlight both the challenges pets and their owners face, and the opportunities for proactive nutrition to make a meaningful difference. 
 

While illness throughout a pet's life may seem inevitable, emerging science suggests that targeted nutritional intervention—particularly through omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—can play a significant role in supporting pet health and potentially reducing the frequency and severity of these common claims.² 
 

For manufacturers, this presents a compelling opportunity. Formulating with clinically backed omega-3s not only delivers measurable health benefits but also addresses the specific concerns that drive pet parents to seek veterinary care most often.
 

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When inflammation drives the veterinary visit

A closer examination of insurance data reveals something striking: the majority of frequent claims share a common denominator—inflammatory processes. From the persistent scratching of allergic dermatitis to the joint stiffness of arthritis, inflammation underlies the discomfort that prompts millions of veterinary consultations annually.^3,4
 

This connection transforms omega-3 fatty acids from simple nutrients into strategic interventions. Research demonstrates that EPA and DHA supplementation significantly improved the Omega-3 Index in dogs while reducing overall pain scores.  Quality of life scores also improved, indicating that these nutrients can help tackle the underlying inflammatory cascade through their anti-inflammatory properties.⁶
 

Addressing the needs of an aging pet population

As veterinary medicine enables pets to live longer, age-related joint deterioration has become a defining health challenge. The dramatic 49% increase in osteoarthritis claims reflects this demographic shift.² Clinical studies show that omega-3s can help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with arthritis in pets by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds that contribute to joint pain and swelling.⁶
 

Skin health is under the surface

When skin allergies consistently rank as a top insurance claim, the welfare implications are substantial.¹ A systematic review of EPA and DHA supplementation found therapeutic benefits in canine allergic dermatitis, with omega-3 fatty acids helping to manage several inflammatory skin disorders through their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.⁷ 
 

Systematic immune support

The potential of omega-3s becomes more apparent when examining their role in immune regulation. Research shows that increased circulating levels of EPA and DHA result in decreased expression of inflammatory markers.⁷ Additionally, they serve as precursors to potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators, enhancing their immunomodulatory effects.⁷ This systemic immune support creates a foundation of resilience that may help pets better withstand typical health challenges—from recurring ear infections to stress-related conditions.
 

Cognitive wellness and emotional balance

Beyond physical health, DHA's concentrated presence in neural tissue positions it as a key player in brain function and cognitive development. Studies show that DHA may improve cognitive function in older dogs, while also supporting proper brain and eye development in puppies.⁷ For pets experiencing anxiety, cognitive support through optimal brain nutrition offers a foundational approach to behavioral wellness. 
 

This neurological resilience becomes particularly valuable as stress-related behaviors and cognitive decline represent growing concerns for pet families.
 

A new paradigm: proactive nutrition for sustainable pet health

The persistence of specific pet health issues suggests an opportunity to transform pet healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive wellness. This shift toward preventive, holistic pet health also aligns with another key trend among pet parents: sustainability. Pet parents tend to be more eco-conscious than non-pet owners⁸ and 70% say they are actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint.⁸ This opens up a huge opportunity for pet food manufacturers to innovate with algal omega-3s, giving pet parents integrated solutions that address individual pet wellbeing and provide planetary care.
 

Unlike traditional fish-derived omega-3s, algal sources go directly to the original producers—marine microalgae—delivering superior nutritional density while protecting ocean ecosystems. dsm-firmenich's algal omega-3 solutions exemplify this approach: DHAgold™ delivers clinically-proven cognitive benefits, while Veramaris® Pets provides 60% EPA and DHA content—more than double the potency of conventional fish oils. Both ingredients enable manufacturers to create products that address the root causes of common insurance claims while satisfying growing demands for responsible sourcing.
 

This convergence of proactive health management and ecological responsibility represents the future of pet nutrition. For manufacturers, algal omega-3s offer the compelling combination of clinical efficacy, consumer appeal, and environmental integrity that defines next-generation pet food formulation. In an industry where pets are family members deserving optimal care, this integrated approach delivers measurable health outcomes while supporting the sustainable practices that modern pet families expect.
 

For more information about dsm-firmenich's sustainable omega-3 solutions, visit https://www.dsmfirmenich.com/en/businesses/taste-texture-health/markets-products/pets/omega-3-solutions.html 
 

To get in touch, contact:
Felipe Cabanne,
Pet Food Account Manager – South America
E: Felipe.Cabanne@dsm-firmenich.com 
M: +55 16 99643-9143 

Source: DSM Firmenich 

References
¹ 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/
² "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/
³ Yasutomo Imai, K. Yasuda, M. Nagai, Minori Kusakabe, M. Kubo, K. Nakanishi and K. Yamanishi. "IL-33-induced atopic dermatitis-like inflammation in mice is mediated by group 2 innate lymphoid cells in concert with basophils.." The Journal of investigative dermatology (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2019.04.016.
⁴ 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.
⁵ 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
⁶ Magalhães, Tomás Rodrigues, Ana Luísa Lourenço, Hugo Gregório, and Felisbina Luísa Queiroga. "Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review." Animals 11, no. 7 (2021): 1997. doi:10.3390/ani11071997.
⁷ 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/
⁸ Euromonitor. 'Sustainable Ingredients in Pet Care', 2022. https://www.euromonitor.com/article/sustainable-ingredients-in-pet-care