Algal Omegas
Our Algae Oil is a phenomenal, concentrated source of the Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA. Additionally, because it is grown in bioreactors, it contains fewer contaminants and is significantly more sustainable than fish or even krill oil. Plus, it doesn't have a fishy smell for those who don't like the smell of fish.
Product information
For Foods Less than .5% EPA & DHA
K9 BioActives Difference
Most of the Fish and Algae oils on the market have an ethyl ester backbone; while significantly cheaper to produce than Polar (Phospholipids & Glycolipids) or Neutral (Triglyceride & Wax Ester), ethyl-ester has the lowest absorption rate. What makes our Algae Oil superior is that the EPA is mostly comprised of polar lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids). Meanwhile, DHA is in its natural triglyceride form.
The research to date demonstrates the superiority of polar lipids at lowering blood triglycerides and having a greater impact on the omega-3 index than ethyl ester (Most Common) and triglycerides.
Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) play a crucial role in resolving inflammation and promote healing, while Plasmalogens, play a vital role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and fluidity, while also providing protection against oxidative stress.
One of the first things you might notice about our algal oil compared to those sold by other companies is the color, and that is due to presences of natural antioxidants, namely Chlorophyll, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin
Many algae oils only contain the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, while there are a few Algae oils that contain both EPA and DHA; this the result of mutagenic breeding of Schizochytrium spp. to produce EPA.
Mutagenic Breeding has two benefits for the company
- Allows them to still claim Non-GMO
- Avoids the regulatory burden that comes with Genetic Modification.
We feel this is deceptive to consumers who strive to avoid foods that have been genetically altered, and while DHA is a wonderful addition, ideally, we would like to add both EPA and DHA.
Algal Omega's FAQ
Dosing
For Foods Less than .5% EPA & DHA
Difference Between Our Algae Oil and Krill Oil
While we do sell krill, we opted for algae oil instead of krill oil. While we love that krill and krill oil contains Astaxanthin, our Algae oil does contain a higher percentage of polar lipids. Additionally, it presents a comparable option for
- Dogs that are allergic or sensitive to fish or Krill.
- Owners who can't tolerate the smell of Fish or Krill Oil.
Why Capsules and not a pump, flip top, dropper, cap etc?
While those packaging options do offer a level of convenience, they aren't a good option for storing the oil. Each time you go to add it to the food, you introduce oxygen to the oil, and the whole point of adding omega 3s is the health benefits.
Introducing oxygen to the oil speeds up the rate at which it turns rancid, at least partially defeating the whole point of giving it in the first place. This is why when you first start giving fish oil from a bottle, they love it, and over time, they lose interest or might refuse to consume it. While there are some airless pumps out there, they would result in a price increase, and we would rather go with capsule and make it more affordable.
Cost
Although our algae oil may appear pricier, this is because other brands often add cheaper ingredients like flaxseed (ALA) hempseed oil (LA, and ALA), or Ahi Flower (SDA).
When you look at the actual EPA and DHA content, our price is comparable, especially when factoring in that our EPA comes in polar lipid form, and our DHA is in triglyceride form, not ethyl ester.
Addressing
The Marine Lipid Shortage
Our animals would ideally consume more EPA & DHA, and ideally, so would all of us. The one saving grace for the ecosystem is that most people (68% of all US adults, and 95% of childbearing age women) and our animals are not consuming anywhere close to the recommended amount. While more expensive right now, the cost should eventually go down, and it needs to if algae oil is going to be part of the solution to help address the fact that the world's waterways can't provide enough EPA and DHA for everyone in the world let alone of Canine and Feline Companions.