At Petfood Forum Europe 2026, Julian Pietrzyk, Ph.D., technical product manager at MiAlgae Ltd., will address critical distinctions among omega-3 fatty acids that impact pet health outcomes. His May 11 session, “Perceptions, sources and the evolving role of long-chain omega-3s in pet nutrition,” will examine industry understanding of these essential nutrients and explore sustainable sourcing alternatives.
Pietrzyk said that understanding the differences between EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) represents the most important takeaway for attendees. “Not all Omega 3s are the same, and understanding the difference between EPA, DHA, and ALA truly matters,” he said.
Survey data from 100 veterinarians revealed broad awareness that omega-3s benefit pets, but limited understanding of which forms deliver specific health benefits and how efficiently they function in animals, he noted. EPA and DHA are biologically active forms that directly support inflammation management, skin health, joint mobility, cognitive function and heart health. In contrast, ALA requires conversion by the pet’s body into EPA and DHA, a process that is limited and highly inefficient, particularly in dogs and cats.
“This distinction matters more than ever in the current pet food landscape, where pet parents are increasingly label-savvy and products frequently highlight ‘Omega 3s’ without clarifying the source or form,” Pietrzyk said. “Without this understanding, well-intentioned choices may not deliver the health outcomes pets actually need.”
Industry implications
The distinction between these omega-3 forms carries significant implications for pet food formulation. While ALA-rich plant sources may appear attractive from cost or sustainability perspectives, limited conversion to EPA and DHA, especially in cats and dogs, can reduce functional outcomes.
Pietrzyk also noted quality concerns with existing ingredients. “Many fish oils don’t contain the amount, or type of Omega 3s they claim to include, with ALA dominating the Omega 3 profile,” he said.
During his presentation, Pietrzyk will share preliminary findings from independent surveys conducted among veterinary professionals and pet food manufacturers. The research indicates veterinarians widely acknowledge omega-3 importance in pet health but vary in their understanding of differences among ALA, EPA and DHA, he said.
Survey data from manufacturers reveals strong awareness of sustainability challenges associated with marine-derived long-chain omega-3 sources, with salmon oil — the predominant industry source — found to have relatively low DHA and EPA concentrations.
Future developments
Pietrzyk said he anticipates significant shifts in omega-3 sourcing over the next five years. Traditional fish oil supplies will face increasing pressure due to overfishing concerns, climate change and growing demand across human and animal nutrition markets, he noted.
“Fish oil will become increasingly scarce, driving up the cost and volatility of Omega 3 ingredients and challenging manufacturers’ ability to maintain consistent quality and supply,” he said.
This shift will accelerate industry transition toward alternative omega-3 sources, with algae emerging as a viable and scalable solution. Algae-derived omega-3s offer the same functional benefits without environmental, ethical and contamination risks associated with marine sources. “As sustainability moves from a ‘nice to have’ to a commercial and regulatory expectation, algae will no longer be viewed as an alternative ingredient, but as a primary and preferred source of Omega 3s,” Pietrzyk said.
Advances in algae production technology will enable higher concentrations, improved consistency and greater cost efficiency. These developments will allow pet food brands to formulate with greater precision, support more targeted health claims and protect against supply chain disruption.
MiAlgae offers algae-derived DHA with guaranteed high concentration, sustainably produced using by-products from whisky production. The ingredient is free from marine contaminants and delivers consistent quality and potency, addressing variability concerns in fish-based ingredients.
Petfood Forum Europe will return to Nuremberg, Germany, in 2026, co-locating with Interzoo. The one-day conference is scheduled for May 11, taking place the day before the trade fair for the pet supplies industry. Registration is open with early savings available.
To learn more Petfood Forum Europe, view the agenda or register, click here.
Petfood Forum Europe registration includes a full day of educational presentations, multiple networking coffee breaks, lunch and a networking reception. Registration for Interzoo 2026 is included with the fee to attend.
Petfood Forum Europe is organized and hosted by Petfood Industry. Both are owned by WATT Global Media.
