Oct 15, 2026
Demand for omega-3 ingredients is creating new opportunities in pet nutrition, with brands introducing fish oil supplements and exploring new ways to incorporate marine ingredients into pet food. At the same time, fluctuations in fishmeal and fish oil production are drawing attention to sourcing stability and alternative ingredients. For suppliers and buyers preparing for PSC 2027, these developments provide important context for future product and sourcing decisions.
Marine ingredients are used across aquaculture, human nutrition and pet food. However, their availability can be affected by fishing conditions, climate patterns and changes in raw material supply.
According to an October 2026 report from IFFO, cumulative fishmeal production across the countries covered by its members’ data was 45% lower through August than in the same period of 2025. Fish oil production in the same reporting sample was down 26%.
Peru was a major factor in the decline. IFFO noted that the country normally accounts for around 20% of global fishmeal and fish oil production, but raw material intake remained low in August while the fishing season in its north-central region was closed.
Raw material intake improved in August in countries including Chile, Spain and the United States. However, weaker availability in Peru, African producing countries, Iceland and the North Atlantic continued to affect the year-to-date picture. The figures reflect IFFO’s reporting sample rather than every fishmeal and fish oil producing country worldwide.
Aquaculture remains a major user of fishmeal and fish oil, while human nutrition and pet food also contribute to demand. According to an IFFO estimate, pet food accounts for approximately 5% of global fish oil demand.
Fish oil provides long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. These ingredients are used in pet food and supplements designed to support areas such as skin and coat condition, making them relevant to brands developing products for nutrition-conscious pet owners.
As pet food manufacturers compete for ingredients also used in aquaculture and human supplements, sourcing strategies are becoming increasingly important. Companies need to consider raw material availability, supplier relationships, traceability and potential changes in cost when planning product ranges.
Several companies with experience in marine ingredients have expanded their pet supplement offerings. In 2025, Trident Seafoods introduced wellFURst, a pet wellness brand that includes fish oil products made from wild Alaska fish.
In 2026, Finfare Pet Foods introduced an omega-3 oil drizzle for dogs and cats. Designed to be added to food, the product illustrates how liquid supplements can be incorporated into a pet’s existing feeding routine.
These launches reflect a broader interest in functional pet nutrition and convenient feeding formats. As more brands enter the category, information about ingredient origin, processing, product format and use can help buyers and pet owners compare different options. This interest in nutrition and wellness is also reflected in the U.S. pet food market.
Supply fluctuations are encouraging ingredient suppliers to explore alternatives to fish-derived omega-3. Microalgae can provide EPA and DHA through a production process that does not rely on wild fish as the direct raw material.
In April 2026, dsm-firmenich introduced Veramaris O3 Max Pure, a microalgal oil developed for pet nutrition. According to the company, the ingredient provides EPA and DHA at a 3:2 ratio, which it describes as comparable to the ratio found in high-quality fish oil.
For pet food manufacturers evaluating an alternative ingredient, the decision involves more than the source of omega-3 alone. Buyers and formulators may also need to review EPA and DHA levels, product stability, processing requirements, supply consistency, cost and the documentation required in their target markets.
The OECD–FAO Agricultural Outlook 2026–2035 projects that demand for aquatic products used for human food will grow over the next decade. It also estimates that fishmeal and fish oil production will account for 86% of the aquatic products used for non-food purposes by 2035, measured in live-weight equivalent.
The report projects global fisheries and aquaculture production to grow by 11% over the next decade, compared with 24% in the previous decade. For pet nutrition businesses, the outlook reinforces the importance of understanding how marine ingredients are shared across multiple markets and how climate conditions can affect supply from year to year.
Fish oil remains an important ingredient in pet food and supplements, while microalgae and other sourcing options are receiving greater attention. Manufacturers can prepare by discussing longer-term supply requirements with partners, reviewing ingredient specifications and evaluating alternatives against the needs of each formulation.
At PSC 2027, pet food brands, ingredient suppliers and buyers can explore new products and sourcing opportunities across the pet industry. Learn more about the New Product Showcase and business matchmaking opportunities.