Refining the Future of Pet Nutrition: Unlocking the Potential and Challenges of Oils

Written by Sydney McCauley, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAS-N

In pet nutrition, oils such as canola or sunflower oil play an important role, not only in providing calories but also supplying essential fatty acids that contribute to overall health. Novel oils such as ahiflower and hemp oil are sparking interest due to their unique fatty acid profiles and potential benefits. However, challenges remain in regulatory approvals and supply chain consistency. Thus, choosing the right oil requires a holistic and multifaceted approach:

• Nutritional Impact and Utilization: Does it supply essential fatty acids or have evidence to support specific health benefits?
• Regulatory Status: Is the ingredient approved for use in pet food?
• Cost-Efficiency: What is the cost-in-use, and how does it compare to alternatives?
• Supply Chain Stability: Can the ingredient be sourced reliably?

?Are All Oils Created Equal?

The short answer is: no. While oils may seem interchangeable, their nutritional profiles and suitability for pets can vary significantly. Even within the same oil type, not all are created equal. Sunflower oil, for example, is noted for its high-oleic (a monosatunsaturated omega-9 fatty acid) concentrations. In humans, oleic acid is considered a “healthy” fat and help lower bad cholesterol (LDL). However, in pet food, sunflower oil is valued for its concentration of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, and not oleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin health, coat quality, and cell function in dogs and cats.?

Sunflower oil can be altered to yield different oleic fatty acid concentrations (high-oleic, mid-oleic, or high-linoleic), in turn increasing the concentration of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid through a process called refining. Oils can be refined to enhance their purity and concentration of beneficial fatty acids.

In the example of sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil has the lowest amount of linoleic acid. On the other hand, mid-oleic sunflower oil has lower oleic acid and higher amounts of linoleic acid than the high-oleic oil, but it can be more expensive on a cost per pound basis. High-linoleic oil has the highest concentration of linoleic acid, however it is very expensive. While oil costs increase with further refinement, the enhanced fatty acid profile, understanding how much is needed in the formula, and the supply of the oil may make its use more cost-effective.

Some oils popularized in human diets cross over into pet food but lack key nutrients required by pets. For example, coconut oil is often praised for its high medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) content and energy benefits, but lacks the essential omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids required by dogs and cats. Similarly, olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, benefits humans but does not provide the essential fatty acids pets need. These examples underscore the importance of evaluating oils based on their specific contributions to pet nutrition.

Chart 1: Average Essential Fatty Acid Profile of Different Oils

When the Market Shifts: Salmon Oil as a Case Study

Supply chain issues also impact ingredient availability. Take salmon oil, for instance. Renowned for its omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil has long been a staple in pet diets. However, when fishing is restricted or supply is low, the industry feels the strain. Limited availability drives up costs, forcing manufacturers to reformulate or absorb significant price increases. Such fluctuations underscore the importance of diversifying oil sources and exploring sustainable alternatives.

Emerging Oils: Opportunities and Challenges

Ahiflower and hemp oils stand out for their compelling nutritional profiles. Both are rich in omega-9 and omega-3 fatty acids and offer a vegan source of stearidonic acid (SDA), an omega-3 precursor to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids required by kittens and puppies that play a vital role in their brain development, vision, and overall healthy growth. Studies show that SDA increases red blood cell and heart EPA concentrations in dogs, highlighting its potential benefits. However, neither oil has achieved regulatory approval for use in pet food, limiting widespread adoption despite their promise.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil offers another intriguing option, valued for its sustainability and high lauric acid content, which may improve skin barrier function. Similarly, algae oil provides a renewable, plant-based source of EPA and DHA, while krill oil delivers concentrated omega-3s and astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. Yet, while algal oil is approved for use in pet food, regulatory hurdles—exacerbated by the FDA and AAFCO split—slow the approval of others. These ingredients require rigorous evidence of safety and time-intensive review processes to gain regulatory approval for use in pet food.

The ingredient approval process has grown increasingly complex due to the evolving roles of the FDA and AAFCO. While AAFCO focuses on defining ingredients and setting nutritional standards, the FDA has taken a more stringent role in enforcing safety regulations. This division creates a fragmented approval pathway, requiring manufacturers to navigate separate, often overlapping processes. Novel ingredients not explicitly defined by AAFCO now face extensive reviews, delays, and additional evidence requirements to align with both organizations’ criteria.

Navigating the Regulatory Maze

Compounding these challenges, the PURR (Pet Food Safety and Regulatory Reform) Act has further lengthened approval timelines by introducing stricter oversight for pet food ingredients. Although the PURR Act could potentially enhance consumer safety and transparency, it is more likely to increase regulatory hurdles, making it harder for innovative ingredients to reach the market. This dual-layered process and longer timelines highlight the need for expertise in navigating the complex approval landscape while balancing innovation with compliance.

Leadership in Pet Nutrition

At BSM Partners, we specialize in navigating these complexities. Our expertise in regulatory challenges, cost-in-use analyses, and innovative ingredient evaluation positions us as a trusted partner in the pet food industry. By combining scientific rigor with economic insight, we guide clients in making informed decisions that benefit both pets and businesses.

Let BSM Partners assist you in uncovering innovative ingredient solutions while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness. Together, we can shape the future of pet nutrition.

About the Author

Dr. Sydney McCauley, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAS-N is a Board-Certified Companion Animal Nutritionist and earned both her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at Virginia Tech in Animal and Poultry Sciences. McCauley’s research was in nutritional physiology with a focus on understanding the effects of low birth weight on glucose, fatty acid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism in skeletal muscle and overall metabolic homeostasis during neonatal development.

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