Why Omega-3 Quality in Pet Nutrition Could Reshape the Industry by 2026

The role of omega-3 fatty acids in pet nutrition will take centre stage at Forum Europe 2026. Julian Pietrzyk, Ph.D., will lead a session on how different omega-3 types affect pet health and pet food production. His talk comes as the industry faces growing challenges in sourcing sustainable ingredients for pet diets.

The event, held alongside Interzoo in Nuremberg on May 11, 2026, will explore why not all omega-3s deliver the same benefits. Pietrzyk's research highlights how these differences shape pet food formulas and sustainability efforts.

Over the past five years, fish oil supplies for pet food have dropped sharply. Overfishing and climate change have reduced wild fish stocks like sardines and anchovies. At peak times, prices surged by up to 50%, forcing the industry to reconsider its reliance on marine sources.

Pietrzyk's session, 'Perceptions, sources and the evolving role of long-chain omega-3s in pet nutrition', will examine how EPA and DHA directly improve inflammation control, skin condition, joint movement, brain function, and heart health in pets. Yet many fish oils contain mostly ALA—a less effective form. Dogs and cats struggle to convert ALA into the more beneficial EPA and DHA, making direct sources far more valuable.

With fish oil becoming scarcer, Pietrzyk expects a shift toward algae-based omega-3s. These alternatives provide the same functional benefits without the environmental harm, ethical concerns, or contamination risks tied to marine sources. The discussion will also cover how pet food manufacturers can adapt to tighter fishing quotas and rising production costs.

The pet nutrition sector is moving toward more sustainable omega-3 solutions. Algae-derived oils offer a reliable replacement as fish supplies decline. Pietrzyk's insights at Forum Europe 2026 will help guide manufacturers in selecting effective, eco-friendly ingredients for healthier pet diets.