Sustainable Omega-3: The Sustainable Future of Companion Animal Nutrition

Dog and cat nutrition is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Driven by pet humanization and consumers increasingly aware of animal health and well-being, functional ingredients are gaining attention in the global market.

Among the most valuable ingredients are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids—especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—which are renowned for their contribution to cognitive development, cardiovascular health, articular support, and skin and coat maintenance. In addition, EPA has been widely studied because it regulates inflammatory processes—a key aspect for pet health and well-being.

However, the sustained demand for omega-3 presents an important challenge for the entire value chain. While fish oil has traditionally been the primary commercial source of EPA and DHA, its availability directly depends on the population of wild fish, whose supply capacity remains stable while demand continues to grow.

A Growing Demand Versus a Limited Offering

Omega-3 has gained significant interest in many sectors, e.g., human nutrition, aquaculture, and pet nutrition. As a result, the global demand for EPA and DHA is growing more quickly than the available supply.

According to a market report published by GOED, global demand for EPA and DHA continues to increase while traditional sources remain limited. At the same time, much of the marine omega-3 produced worldwide is destined for aquaculture, increasing competition for resources shared across industries.

Data from the FAO and the Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO) show that global fish oil production has remained stable over recent decades, reflecting the inherent limitations of a raw material that depends on finite natural resources. For pet food manufacturers, this creates challenges related to raw material availability, price volatility, and supply security.

Beyond Fish: The Original Source of Omega-3
 

Fish are often associated with omega-3s; however, they are not the original source.

In marine ecosystems, microalgae actually produce EPA and DHA. From there, these nutrients are transferred through the food chain to other organisms, including fish, which are then used to produce fish oil.

Advancements in biotechnology have enabled direct access to this primary source through the controlled culture of marine microalgae. Thus, it is possible to produce oils rich in EPA and DHA without relying on fishing resources while maintaining high quality and consistency.
 

Sustainability as a Requirement for the Future

Sustainability has become one of the main criteria for decision-making among consumers, manufacturers, and retailers.

As regards omega-3, the challenge is not only to reduce the environmental footprint but also to limit future pressure on marine ecosystems. The preservation of marine biodiversity has become an emerging concern for governments, international organizations, and companies in the food chain.

The FAO estimates that billions of fish are captured each year to supply different production chains that rely on marine ingredients. In this context, alternative sources of EPA and DHA offer an opportunity to widen access to these essential nutrients without increasing dependence on limited fishing resources. 

Microalgae-based sources can separate omega-3 demand from marine resource extraction. These controlled, scalable technologies provide an alternative that could help the industry grow in the future without relying on changes in fisheries.

In addition, many Life Cycle Analyses (LCA) have demonstrated that omega-3 derived from microalgae is more beneficial for the environment than conventional sources, reinforcing its potential as a tool to advance toward more sustainable food systems.

Quality, Security, and Consistency for the Pet Food Industry

In addition to environmental benefits, sources of omega-3 derived from microalgae provide relevant advantages for pet food manufacturers.

Production in close, controlled systems improves batch traceability and consistency—aspects that are increasingly valuable for the industry. It also allows for better predictability of supply, independent of climate, geographic, or seasonal factors that can affect the availability of marine raw materials.

Stability during storage and processing is key to preserving the nutritional value of omega-3s and ensuring the expected performance in the final product.

The Future of Omega-3 in Pet Nutrition

The pet food industry faces the challenge of responding to three simultaneous demands: enhancing pet health and well-being, ensuring the security of strategic ingredient supply, and advancing toward more sustainable production models.

In this context, microalgae-sourced omega-3 represents one of the most promising innovations for animal nutrition. By obtaining EPA and DHA from natural sources, these technologies broaden the availability of essential nutrients and preserve marine resources.

The evolution of pet nutrition will not only depend on offering more functional benefits but also on how to obtain them. As demand for omega-3 continues to grow and sustainability becomes an essential condition for the industry's development, microalgae represent a crucial opportunity to broaden EPA and DHA production without compromising the future of oceans.

By Natália Alessandra M. Moraes, Technical Expert Pet Food, LATAM - dsm-firmenich
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

References
1.    FAO – The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA). 
2.    IFFO – Marine Ingredients Organisation: Fish Oil and Marine Ingredients Market Data. 
3.    GOED – GOED Exchange 2024: Global EPA & DHA Supply and Demand Analysis. 
4.    Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) – validação independente de estudos de Análise de Ciclo de Vida (LCA) comparando fontes de ômega-3 derivadas de microalgas e fontes convencionais