Why We Don’t Recommend Krill or Seal Oil as Omega-3 Sources for Dogs
While krill and seal oil are both rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), their environmental and ethical implications make them problematic choices for conscientious pet owners. More sustainable and equally effective alternatives, such as algae oil, green-lipped mussel extract, and calamari oil, offer comparable nutritional benefits without contributing to ecological degradation or animal welfare concerns.
Sustainability Concerns: Disrupting Fragile Marine Ecosystems
1. Krill: A Keystone Species at Risk
Krill (especially Euphausia superba) are a foundational species in the Antarctic ecosystem, feeding whales, penguins, seals, and fish. Overharvesting threatens the entire food web. Industrial fishing, particularly by supertrawlers, concentrates efforts in key krill habitats and coincides with predator breeding seasons, risking starvation among dependent wildlife. According to Hill (2013), “cautionary approaches have failed to prevent local ecosystem impacts,” emphasizing that krill depletion could ripple throughout marine biodiversity.
Source: Hill, S.L. (2013). Lessons from Antarctic Krill. NERC
2. Competition with Marine Predators
Numerous studies have highlighted the direct competition krill harvesting presents to species such as whales and penguins. Even with CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) regulations, the concentrated nature of harvesting areas leads to localized krill depletion.
Domínguez et al. (2021) found that krill oil production for nutraceuticals competes with natural predator demands, especially under warming climate conditions.
Source: Dominguez, T.E., et al. (2021). Wiley Online Library. DOI
3. Bycatch and Habitat Damage
Krill harvesting involves trawling near the ocean floor, causing incidental bycatch and sediment disruption. The impact on benthic habitats is still poorly understood, adding a layer of ecological risk.
Bimbo (2009) discussed the rising demand from aquafeed, pet foods, and nutraceuticals driving increased extraction pressure.
Source: Bimbo, A.P. (2009). Raw material sources for the long-chain omega-3 market: Trends and sustainability. PDF
4. Climate Change and Cumulative Stress
Krill populations are already declining in parts of the Southern Ocean due to rising sea temperatures and reduced sea ice—conditions vital for their breeding. Harvesting adds further stress.
Prado-Cabrero & Nolan (2021) warn that krill exploitation in the context of climate instability could jeopardize the long-term viability of entire ecosystems.
Source: Prado-Cabrero, A., & Nolan, J.M. (2021). Ambio. PDF
Seal Oil: Ethical and Conservation Challenges
5. Seal Hunting: Population Stress and Ethical Issues
Seal populations vary by region, but several species—especially ice-dependent ones—have faced significant historic depletion. Even when stable, many are slow-breeding and vulnerable to overharvesting.
A comprehensive review by Siddiqui et al. (2024) emphasizes that seal product consumption has minimal nutritional benefit over sustainable alternatives and carries disproportionate ecological and ethical costs.
Source: Siddiqui, S.A. et al. (2024). Sustainable Production and Consumption. ScienceDirect
6. Humane Slaughter Difficulties
The commercial hunting of seals often lacks effective oversight to ensure humane practices. Methods used have been repeatedly condemned by organizations such as Humane Society International.
Even when regulations exist, enforcement is difficult in remote and icy regions.
Wu & Yuansah (2024) report persistent welfare concerns despite government assurances.
Source: Wu, Y.S. & Yuansah, S.C. (2024). ResearchGate. PDF
7. EU Ban Reflects Global Ethical Consensus
The European Union has banned most seal product imports, recognising the substantial animal welfare violations inherent in the industry. This reflects a broader international ethical stance against commercial seal hunting.
European Parliament (Regulation EC 1007/2009)
Animal Welfare: Ethical Responsibility for Pet Guardians
8. Krill Harvesting’s Indirect Cruelty
While krill are invertebrates, the harm lies in their role as the linchpin of polar marine diets. Reducing their populations leads to cascading starvation, impaired breeding, and disease in higher trophic animals.
Kitessa et al. (2014) show that krill-derived omega-3 supplements in animal models lack clear advantages over algae-based alternatives.
Source: Kitessa, S.M. et al. (2014). Nutrients. PDF
9. Viable, Sustainable Alternatives Exist
Numerous alternatives offer omega-3 without the ecological cost:
Algae Oil: A direct and sustainable EPA/DHA source.
Green lipped mussel (GLM): Native to New Zealand, farmed with minimal ecological impact.
Calamari Oil : Often a byproduct of food-grade squid, with better management practices.
Zhou et al. (2023) highlight the growing capacity of algal biotechnology to meet global omega-3 needs without oceanic strain.
Source: Zhou, X.R. et al. (2023). Sustainability, 15(14), 11327. MDPI
Conclusion
Using seal or krill oil for canine omega-3 supplementation is neither necessary nor responsible in light of modern alternatives. The cumulative environmental, ethical, and regulatory concerns outweigh any marginal benefits. Choosing sustainable options such as; whole oily fish, Green lipped mussels , Calamari Oil and Algae Oil supports both animal health and planetary stewardship.
Sources
Hill, S.L. (2013). Lessons from Antarctic Krill. NERC
Dominguez, T.E., et al. (2021). Veterinary Medicine and Science. DOI
Bimbo, A.P. (2009). Omega-3 Market Trends. PDF
Siddiqui, S.A. et al. (2024). Sustainable Production and Consumption. ScienceDirect
Prado-Cabrero, A., & Nolan, J.M. (2021). Ambio. Springer PDF
Wu, Y.S. & Yuansah, S.C. (2024). ResearchGate Systematic Review. PDF
Kitessa, S.M. et al. (2014). Nutrients. PDF
Zhou, X.R. et al. (2023). Sustainability. MDPI
