Fish Oil Shortages Push Pet Nutrition Toward Algae-Based Omega-3 Solutions
The pet nutrition industry is facing growing challenges in sourcing omega-3s as fish oil supplies shrink and prices rise. Over the past three years, costs for fish-based omega-3 ingredients have jumped by 25–40%, pushing manufacturers to explore alternatives. Meanwhile, experts highlight the importance of understanding different omega-3 forms—EPA, DHA, and ALA—for better pet health outcomes.
Against this backdrop, Forum Europe 2026 will tackle these issues head-on when it returns to Nuremberg, Germany, co-located with Interzoo. Early registration is now open, offering savings for attendees eager to discuss the latest in sustainable pet nutrition.
Between 2023 and 2026, the availability of fish oil for pet food has dropped sharply. Wild catch quotas have tightened due to overfishing, with anchovy and sardine stocks in the Southeast Pacific falling by 30% since 2023. Climate change has worsened the problem, as warming oceans reduced fish populations by 15–20%. Stricter EU fishing reforms in 2024 and tougher MSC certification rules have further limited supply, driving prices from around $1,800 per tonne in 2023 to over $2,500 in 2026.
With traditional sources under pressure, algae is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative. Unlike fish oil, which often contains high levels of ALA—a form pets struggle to convert efficiently—algae provides direct EPA and DHA. These long-chain omega-3s play a key role in managing inflammation, improving skin and coat health, supporting joint mobility, and boosting cognitive and heart function in dogs and cats.
At Forum Europe 2026, Julian Pietrzyk, Ph.D., technical product manager at MiAlgae Ltd., will lead a session titled 'Perceptions, sources and the evolving role of long-chain omega-3s in pet nutrition'. His talk will examine industry knowledge gaps, the shift toward sustainable sourcing, and how different omega-3 forms influence pet food formulation. The event's return to Nuremberg, alongside Interzoo, provides a platform for professionals to explore solutions to the current supply and quality challenges.
The decline in fish oil availability and rising costs are pushing the pet nutrition sector toward new solutions. Algae-based omega-3s offer a scalable, sustainable option, while clearer distinctions between EPA, DHA, and ALA can improve formulation standards. Forum Europe 2026 will bring together experts to address these changes, with early registration now available for those looking to stay ahead in the evolving market.
