Algae: A Rising Star in Pet Nutrition
BSM Partners
Full-service technical business services consulting firm with a primary focus in the pet, nutraceutical food & nutrition
Written by Dr. Katy Miller , DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS
In the evolving world of pet food, manufacturers are constantly searching for ingredients that are not only nutritious but also sustainable. Algae—a diverse group of aquatic organisms—are gaining recognition as powerhouse ingredients with a range of benefits for pets. Offering everything from improved digestibility to enhanced gut and immune health, algae are making waves.
A Promising Blend: Sea Lettuce, Bladderwrack, and Chlorella
Recent research published in Algal Research examined the effects of a blended algal supplement composed of sea lettuce (Ulva rigida), bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), and microalga (Chlorella vulgaris) on canine health. This study demonstrated that including this algal blend at levels of up to 1.5% in the diet significantly improved key health markers. Dogs experienced enhanced digestibility of organic matter, fiber, resulting in higher metabolizable energy, or in simplaer terms more energy for the pet. The supplement also elevated fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate, which is critical for gut health and energy metabolism. Importantly, the algal blend maintained microbiota stability, showing no adverse effects on beneficial gut bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of algae to enhance both the nutritional value and palatability of pet food.
Expanding the Algal Palette
Beyond the specific algal blend studied, other algae species are also making their way into pet food formulations. One standout is Ascophyllum nodosum, a brown macroalgae renowned for its dental health benefits. This species has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promoting improved oral hygiene in dogs and cats.
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a nutrient-rich blue-green microalgae, is another favorite in the industry. Known for its immune-boosting and gut health properties, Spirulina provides a rich profile of proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Other notable species include Nannochloropsis oceanica and Tetradesmus obliquus, which have been shown to support gut health and immunomodulation without affecting food intake or digestibility. Macroalgae such as Undaria pinnatifida, Saccharina japonica, and Palmaria palmata are also used for their fiber and nutrient content, demonstrating similar tolerance and benefits in pet food formulations.
Multifaceted Benefits of Algae in Pet Food
Algae are much more than just a nutrient-rich addition. They offer a broad spectrum of benefits that make them indispensable in modern pet nutrition. These include:
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their many benefits, incorporating algae into pet food is not without challenges. It requires careful consideration to ensure safety, efficacy, and palatability. Algae's nutritional composition can vary significantly based on species, cultivation conditions, and processing methods. For instance, while some algae provide high levels of DHA and EPA, which are critical for pet health, others may contain indigestible polysaccharides or anti-nutrients that affect digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, algal proteins may not be as bioavailable as animal proteins, making it essential to evaluate their digestibility and amino acid profiles to maintain balanced nutrition.
Safety is a primary concern when incorporating algae into pet food. Algae can accumulate heavy metals like mercury or arsenic, as well as toxins such as microcystins, depending on their growing environment, and following algal supplementation have been documented. Therefore, sourcing algae from clean, controlled environments and conducting thorough safety testing is critical. Similarly, microbial contamination during processing and storage must be avoided to ensure food safety.
The potential for mineral overload, such as excessive iodine content in certain algae species, highlights the need for careful formulation and testing; this is of particular importance when formulating with Ascophyllum nodosum for small dogs. Furthermore, caution is advised when formulating with Chlorella, as one case of systemic Chlorellosis has been reported in a dog, although thiscould have potentially been from more than environmental exposure.
Regulatory compliance and transparency are also important considerations. In the United States, algae must meet standards set by both the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for animal food ingredients, with only approved or Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) species allowed. For products sold in Europe, compliance with guidelines set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is essential. Clear labeling of algae as an ingredient and its intended nutritional purpose can help maintain consumer trust and meet legal requirements.
Palatability can pose a challenge, as some algae have strong flavors or odors that may be unappealing to pets. Incorporating palatants or masking agents and testing formulations for taste acceptance can mitigate this issue. Texture is another factor to consider, as algae may affect the final product’s consistency in both dry and wet food applications. Stability and shelf life also require attention, especially since omega-3s in algae are prone to oxidation, which can lead to rancidity and reduced nutritional value.
Sustainability and economic viability are additional factors to address. While algae are often considered a low-impact ingredient, ensuring that suppliers use sustainable cultivation practices is important to align with environmental goals. It’s also vital to verify the scalability and consistency of algae production to meet demand consistently. Cost can be another hurdle, as high-quality algae-derived products may be more expensive than traditional ingredients, which can impact overall product pricing and consumer acceptance.
Ultimately, formulating pet food with algae requires collaboration with nutritionists, food scientists, and regulatory experts—all of whom can be found at BSM Partners—to ensure the ingredient is used safely and effectively. The experts within BSM Partners’ Veterinary Services can set up and facilitate feeding trials to assess digestibility, palatability, and health outcomes, which is crucial, as is monitoring ongoing advancements in algae processing technologies. By addressing these factors, algae can be a valuable addition to pet food, offering both nutritional benefits and support for sustainability goals.
Algae are proving to be a transformative ingredient in pet food, offering benefits that range from improving gut and immune health to enhancing palatability and providing essential nutrients like omega-3s and iodine. As research continues to unlock their full potential, algae are poised to become a cornerstone of pet food formulations. For manufacturers, collaborating with experts like those at BSM Partners can assist you in identifying the right algae species and inclusion levels that are key to delivering effective and sustainable solutions. The future of pet food innovation is looking increasingly green—and it may just be algae leading the charge.
About the author
Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutriton, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.