NEW INGREDIENTS

Algal-Based Omega-3 Supplements Outperform Fish Oil in Canine Diets

China, 30 April 2025 |

Beagle

New research published in Algal Research has revealed that omega-3 supplements derived from the marine microalga Schizochytrium sp. are more effective at raising DHA levels in dogs’ bloodstream that traditional fish oil. The findings support the use of this algal alternative as a functional and sustainable source of DHA, offering additional health benefits without adverse effects.

The study, led by Zi-Xu Zhang from Nanjing Normal University and backed by Chinese academic and industry partners, involved feeding 24 adult Beagle dogs a diet enriched with 1% algal powder or algal oil over a 28-day period. These were compared with a group receiving an equivalent dose of fish oil and a control group that received no omega-3 supplementation.

Dogs fed with algal oil showed the highest DHA concentration in their blood serum, reaching 0.265 g/L, followed by those fed with algal powder (0.231 g/L). Both groups outperformed the fish oil group, whose DHA levels were markedly lower.

Notably, dogs given algal powder also experienced a significant reduction in total cholesterol-down to just 69.4% of the control group’s level. Positive shift were observed in both HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol markers, highlighting the potential of algal supplements in supporting cardiovascular health.

Shiner Coats and Improved Antioxidant Defences

The researchers also noted visible improvements in coat conditions among the algal-supplemented groups. Hair length, density and shine were all enhanced, as confirmed by both instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation. In parallel, dogs receiving algal supplements showed a stronger antioxidant profile, with a marked reduction in oxidative stress compared to those fed fish oil, whose malondialdehyde (MDA) levels-a key marker of lipid peroxidation-were significantly higher.

From a safety standpoint, key liver and kidney enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase) remained within normal physiological ranges across all groups. This confirms the absence of systemic toxicity or organ stress resulting from algal supplementation.

Unlike fish oil, which has a fixed composition of fatty acids, Schizochytrium sp can be cultivated under specific fermentation conditions to tailor the DHA and EPA content. This flexibility paves the way for customised functional supplements to address specific health needs in animals.

As the authors point out, “algal powder and algal oil not only serve as effective substitutes for fish oil in canine nutrition, but may even outperform it in terms of efficacy and safety.”

This development is particularly timely for the aquaculture and animal feed industries, where the sustainability of marine resources is under increasing pressure. Incorporating microalgae into functional feeds offers a reliable, environmentally responsible, and nutritionally potent alternative.