Why Sanalio Doesn't Use Krill Oil (And That's Good News)

Protecting the oceans while giving your dog the very best: it’s possible.

You may have noticed the following claims on some premium dry dog food packaging: "enriched with krill oil" or "marine-sourced omega-3." Sounds good, doesn't it? Natural, healthy…

And yet, behind this promise lies a major environmental problem that few brands dare to address.

At Sanalio, we’ve taken a different approach. Here’s why.

Krill: What exactly is it?

Krill are tiny crustaceans that live in the icy waters of Antarctica. Despite their small size (just a few centimeters), they play a huge role in the marine ecosystem.

It is quite simply the foundation of the entire food chain in the Southern Ocean. Without krill, there would be no whales, no seals, no penguins, and no seabirds.

The problem? This small crustacean is increasingly being harvested to supply the premium pet food industry and the human dietary supplement market.

A resource in free fall

The figures are alarming:

Krill stocks have fallen by 40% since the 1970s. — Scientific Reports, 2023

This decline can be attributed to two factors:

1. Global warming, which is disrupting its habitat
2. Industrial fishing is intensifying to meet growing demand

NGOs such as Greenpeace and the WWF have been warning for years that fishing for krill in the heart of whale and penguin feeding grounds directly endangers these iconic species.

"But there are sustainable labels, aren't there?"

Yes, the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification exists for krill fishing. However, concerns remain about the reliability of assessment methods in polar regions, where monitoring fish stocks remains extremely difficult.

Above all, even "sustainable" fishing is still fishing. It depletes a resource on which entire ecosystems depend.

At Sanalio, we asked ourselves a simple question: why take that risk when there’s an alternative?

Our choice: DHA from microalgae

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the omega-3 fatty acid essential for your dog's health. It helps:

• Heart Health
• Brain development
• A shiny coat
• Joint Health

Traditionally, it is extracted from fish or krill. But did you know that fish don’t produce these omega-3s themselves? They accumulate them by eating… microalgae.

So why not go straight to the source?

That's exactly what we do at Sanalio. Our DHA comes from cultivated microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.), in a controlled environment.

Microalgae vs. Krill: A Comparison

Same effectiveness, zero impact. It was obvious to us.

A commitment consistent with our values

The decision to use DHA from microalgae is not an isolated one. It is part of a broader strategy:

🌿 100% organic European ingredients. No Brazilian soy, no intercontinental shipping.

🇧🇪 Made in Belgium In our workshop in Hollain, near Tournai.

🔬 Developed in collaboration with the University of Liège. Every decision is backed by scientific research.

♻️ 100% recyclable, single-material packaging with no outer packaging.

Feeding Your Dog Well Without Harming the Planet

We often hear that responsible consumption costs more or requires compromises. With Sanalio, that’s not the case:

• Your dog receives high-quality DHA
• You are not contributing to the depletion of marine resources
• You're supporting a local and transparent brand

That's what positive nutrition is all about.

What you can do

By choosing Sanalio, you’re already making a tangible difference. But you can go even further:

1. Check the labels on the kibble or supplements you buy
2. Ask your veterinarian about the source of omega-3s
3. Share this article to raise awareness among other homeowners

Small actions, multiplied by millions of meals, can make a real difference.

In summary

Krill is a valuable resource for the oceans, not for pet food. At Sanalio, we’ve chosen an alternative that’s just as effective and environmentally friendly: DHA from microalgae.

Because loving your dog also means loving the planet we leave behind for him.