The nutrition and health innovator dsm-firmenich has introduced Veramaris O3 Max Pure, a microalgal oil designed to replace fish oil in pet food formulations. Unveiled at Petfood Forum 2026, the vegan ingredient provides a natural 3:2 EPA to DHA ratio while addressing marine sustainability concerns and supply volatility. 

Global nutrition leader dsm-firmenich has launched a first-of-its-kind microalgal oil, Veramaris O3 Max Pure, providing pet food manufacturers with a seamless alternative to traditional fish oil. The ingredient, produced via closed-system fermentation, mirrors the essential fatty acid profile of high-quality marine oils without the associated risks of heavy metal contamination or seasonal supply fluctuations.

As pet owners increasingly treat their animals as family members, the demand for functional, science-backed nutrition has surged. However, the traditional sourcing of EPA and DHA from wild-caught fish faces significant logistics challenges and environmental scrutiny. This new non-GMO solution allows brands to maintain formulation integrity and "full-spectrum" label claims while appealing to the 70% of pet parents seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

“For today’s pet parents, pet health is personal—it is held to the same standards as their own health,” said George B. Josef, Global Director of Business Development at dsm-firmenich. He noted that the solution delivers scientific credibility alongside supply security. Beyond omega-3s, the company is also showcasing postbiotic innovations for canine stress resilience and palatability enhancers, such as cheddar cheese concentrates, at its Kansas facility.

The shift toward algal-based omega-3s comes as the global pet food industry grapples with "agriflation" and the depletion of marine stocks. Veramaris, a joint venture originally formed by DSM and Evonik, represents a significant leap in industrial digitalization for the feed sector, utilizing precision fermentation to ensure standardized nutrient density that wild harvesting cannot guarantee.