As demand for functional ingredients grows, both fish oil and algae oil will continue to play important roles in pet nutrition.
Feb 5th, 2026
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most widely used functional ingredients in pet food and supplements as humanization drives increased focus on companion animals’ health and wellness. Interest is driven by research linking long-chain omega-3s, especially eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, to skin and coat health, inflammation control, cognition and joint health in dogs and cats (Bauer, 2011; Calder, 2017; Vendramini, 2025). Traditionally, fish oil has been the primary source. However, algae oil has emerged as a commercial alternative, raising questions about comparative performance, sustainability and formulation.
