Krill oil doesn’t just match fish oil — it often outperforms it.
If your dog or cat has a fish allergy, finding a safe source of Omega‑3 can feel like a dead end. But not all marine oils are created equal — and krill oil is quietly becoming a go-to alternative for sensitive pets. Rich in EPA, DHA, and natural antioxidants, it offers everything fish oil does — and in many ways, it does it better.
A Hypoallergenic Powerhouse with Superior Absorption
Because the Omega‑3s in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, they’re easier for your pet to absorb compared to triglyceride-based oils. This means better bioavailability and more efficient uptake of EPA and DHA, especially for pets with sensitive digestion.
While the dosage may be comparable to other high-quality Omega‑3 oils, krill oil remains a gentle and well-tolerated alternative, particularly suited for allergy-prone pets who can’t tolerate fish or need extra digestive ease.
What Makes Krill Oil Special?
Sourced from tiny shrimp-like crustaceans in the Antarctic Ocean, krill oil is naturally rich in:
- Astaxanthin – a powerful antioxidant that gives krill oil its signature red color
- EPA and DHA – essential fatty acids that support joints, skin, heart, brain, and immune health
- Choline – a nutrient that aids brain and liver function
Unlike standard fish oil, krill oil is more bioavailable and less likely to cause allergies, making it ideal for sensitive pets or those who simply prefer a top-tier yet gentle solution not compromising on nutritional superiority that is a well-tolerated option.
Superior antioxidant – Astaxanthin
One of the standout qualities of krill oil is its natural content of astaxanthin — a powerful red antioxidant that gives krill oil its deep ruby hue. Unlike most fish oils, which require added preservatives to remain stable, krill oil’s naturally occurring astaxanthin helps protect the delicate Omega‑3 fatty acids from oxidation, enhancing shelf life and effectiveness.
Astaxanthin is also considered one of the most powerful natural antioxidants known, with a free-radical-fighting ability that surpasses vitamin C, vitamin E, and even other carotenoids. It supports eye health, cellular defense, skin regeneration, and anti-inflammatory balance — making it a valuable daily ally for both aging and active pets.
That means when you give krill oil, you’re not just supporting your pet’s coat and joints — you’re offering broad-spectrum antioxidant protection, too.
Why We Love Krill Oil (and You Might Too)
Here’s what sets krill oil apart — without discrediting other high-quality marine oils we trust, like Holista’s salmon, omega-3 wild fish or cod options:
Feature | Krill Oil (Holista) | Other Marine Oils |
Absorption | Phospholipids (better absorbed) | Triglycerides or esters |
Allergen potential | Very low (non-fish protein) | Low in purified form, may not suit all allergies |
Natural antioxidants | Yes (rich in astaxanthin) | Present or added, depending on oil type |
Sourcing | Highly regulated Antarctic catch | Varies widely by source |
All Holista oils meet strict quality and purity standards, sourcing from sustainable fisheries with verified traceability — but if your pet has a confirmed fish allergy, krill oil is the safer bet.
Practical Tips: Using and Storing Krill Oil
Because Omega‑3 oils are sensitive to heat and light, it’s essential to store krill oil properly:
- Keep in the fridge or in room temperature once opened
- Use within 2 to 3 months
- Pump struggles? Krill oil thickens when cold — simply take it out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving to restore flow
- Avoid heat and direct sunlight to preserve its potency
Most pets love the mild, natural taste — it can be added to any feeding style: BARF, dry, wet, or mixed diets.
Why Omega‑3 Deficiency Is Especially Relevant in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Switzerland is rich in lakes, but far from the sea. This geographic reality affects more than cuisine — it influences dietary access to marine nutrients, too.
Both humans and animals here may lack long-chain Omega‑3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which are naturally abundant in cold-water seafood. That’s why supplementation plays such a vital role — especially for pets fed dry food alone, which is often processed and lower in bioavailable Omega‑3s.
Commercial pet food may be labeled “complete and balanced,” but formulas often rely on plant-based oils (like sunflower or flax), which provide ALA — a precursor, not a replacement, for EPA/DHA. Dogs and cats convert it poorly, meaning it may not offer the same benefits as marine-sourced Omega‑3s.
A Natural Fit for Swiss Pets
Krill oil is a smart addition for dogs and cats living in landlocked areas — especially when:
- Fish is off the table due to allergies
- You want strong, visible results for skin, coat, or mobility
- You’re looking for a cleaner, more efficient Omega‑3 source
Whether you’re raising a Swiss White Shepherd in the Alps or a Siberian cat with a delicate stomach in a Geneva apartment — your pet deserves access to the best nutrients nature can offer, regardless of where you live.
Where to Find It
At Holipets, we exclusively offer Holista Krill Oil — responsibly sourced, vet-formulated, and made with purity and digestibility in mind. It’s an ideal solution for sensitive pets needing top-tier Omega‑3 support.
References
- Se-Eun, Park, Seung, Yeon, Kim. (2024). Antarctic Krill Euphausia superba Oil Supplementation Attenuates Hypercholesterolemia, Fatty Liver, and Oxidative Stress in Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Nutrients. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213614
- Ana, R. J., Cabrita, Carolina, Barroso, Ana Patrícia, Fontes-Sousa, Alexandra, Correia, Luzia, Teixeira, Margarida R. G., Maia, Manuel, Vilanova, Timur, Yergaliyev, Amélia, Camarinha-Silva, António J.M., Fonseca. (2024). Assessing functional properties of diet protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste on canine immune parameters, cardiac biomarkers, and fecal microbiota. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1449141
- Carolina, Carlisle, Brandon, Metzger, Nathan, Tintle, Kristine R., Polley, Kristina, Harris, Jackson, Sara Le, Brun-Blashka, Jody, Griffiths, William S., Harris. (2024). The Effects of Omega‑3 Supplementation on the Omega‑3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs. Animals. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213108
- Duo, Lan, Jianzhong, Yang, Li, Wang, Michael D., Boska, Jiuxiang, Zhao, Zhao, Hong, Zhi, Wang, Jia, Li. (2024). Krill oil: nutraceutical potential in skin health and disease. Frontiers in Nutrition. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1388155
- Ambati, R. R., Phang, S. M., Ravi, S., & Aswathanarayana, R. G. (2014). Astaxanthin: Sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications — A review. Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128–152. https://doi.org/10.3390/md12010128