At Sniff ’n’ Waggle, we believe in offering simple yet effective ways to support your dog’s wellbeing. One such ingredient known for its positive support for body maintenance is a product derived from microalgae high in DHA. The fats in this product provide great health benefits in a concentrated form.
What is Algal DHA?
DHA is a type of fat that has many health benefits. Our DHA is derived from microalgae, which also produces come EPA (another healthy type of fat). Microalgae are natural plants that grow in the ocean, but in our case they have been cultivated in fermentation vats on land. That means the water quality and growth process are controlled.
Traditionally, both humans and animals get DHA from fatty fish or fish oil. This is one of the main reasons fish is referred to as a health food ingredient. The reason fish oil is high in DHA, however, is because they eat algae and other fish. So by taking oil from the algae we go straight to the source and do not have to catch fish or disturb their ecosystem.
Quantities of healthy fats in fish can fluctuate. One study found that there has been a change in the types of fats found in diets of farmed fish. As a result, the types of fats in the fish have changed, with DHA and EPA having reduced significantly. Highest in DHA and EPA levels were found in Scottish salmon, with DHA+EPA levels around 2.7 grams per 100 grams fish in 2006, down to around 1.2 grams in 2015 (1). In fish oil, DHA+EPA is frequently found to be below 10%. Sniff ’n’ Waggle use an algal product that contains more than 30% omega DHA+EPA.
How DHA supports your dog
DHA has additional health benefits such as supporting cognitive performance, coat quality, vision and overall health and immune function (2–4). For puppies, DHA is crucial for supporting eye and brain health in their development, whereas for adults and seniors this has a supportive function for maintenance.
Natural Compounds for Overall Wellbeing
As a natural source of healthy fats, algae can counterbalance other fats in your dog’s diet. Microalgae provide a source of DHA that is absorbed well by dogs (2,3). Although our joint supplement contains algae DHA+EPA for the joint benefits, the nature of this product means it supports healthy skin, brain function and general wellbeing also.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Algal DHA suitable for my dog?
Our ingredient is derived from algae and provides concentrated levels of healthy omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. This product can be given to dogs of all ages and contains no animal protein or other animal products.
Why is Algal DHA ideal for dogs?
DHA is essential in puppies for the development of brain function and eye health, and in adult and senior dogs for maintaining it. Our source is highly concentrated in healthy fat when compared to fish and fish oil, so this small supplement can make a real difference to the balance of fat in your dog’s diet.
How much Omega-3 should I feed my dog?
You can find your personal recommended daily feeding guideline with your delivery. ß is this true? A balance of 1 unit omega 3 and to 5 units omega 6 fatty acids is great. If you already feed a diet with increased omega 3 levels, then check with the brand’s nutritionist whether additional omega 3 would be appropriate.
References:
- Sprague M, Dick JR, Tocher DR. Impact of sustainable feeds on omega-3 long-chain fatty acid levels in farmed Atlantic salmon, 2006–2015. Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 22;6(1):21892.
- Hadley KB, Bauer J, Milgram NW. The oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid improves shape discrimination learning associated with visual processing in a canine model of senescence. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2017 Mar;118:10–8.
- Zhang ZX, Lin YC, Lian M, Li YF, Chen JF, Ma XL, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements from Schizochytrium sp. in dog food. Algal Res. 2025 July;89:104072.
- Zicker SC, Jewell DE, Yamka RM, Milgram NW. Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid–rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012 Sept 1;241(5):583–94.