Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A005
Published online: 22 April 2026
Fatty acid profile of microalgae oil (Schizochytrium sp.) as a source of omega-3 fatty acids used in canine nutrition
Agnieszka Dobosz*, Aleksandra Gąsior, Wioletta Samolińska, Szymon Milewski
Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka St. 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: agnieszka.dobosz@up.edu.pl
Nutrition is one of the fundamental factors shaping animal health, with particular importance attributed to the nutritional value of fats, determined by the proportion of essential unsaturated fatty acids. Among these, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the omega-3 family, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play a significant role due to their pleiotropic biological effects. They are involved in the modulation of inflammatory processes, regulation of immune responses, and the proper functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Their presence in the diet is reflected in the lipid composition of blood and tissues, indicating a relationship between nutrition and the metabolic status of the organism. From a nutritional perspective, not only the quantity but also the origin of fatty acids is important, as it determines the lipid profile and nutritional value of feed components. In canine nutrition, fish oils remain the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids; however, increasing attention is being paid to alternative sources, such as microalgae oils, which are characterized by a high DHA content and a distinct fatty acid profile. The aim of this study was to analyze the fatty acid profile of microalgae oil (Schizochytrium sp.) as a source of omega-3 fatty acids in dog nutrition.
The experimental material consisted of a commercial microalgae oil (Schizochytrium sp.). The determination of fatty acid content and their identification were performed using gas chromatography with a Varian CP-3800 apparatus. The analysis was conducted after prior esterification of fats into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).
In the analyzed microalgal oil, a notably high content of unsaturated fatty acids was determined (81,11 g·100 g–1), while saturated fatty acids accounted for 19,0 g·100 g–1. The unsaturated fatty acid profile was dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: 80,06 g·100 g–1), whereas monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were present at a markedly lower level (1,05 g·100 g⁻¹). The oil was characterized by an exceptionally high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (78,61 g·100 g–1), with a pronounced predominance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA: 78,05 g·100 g–1). Moreover, a highly favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 1:54,2 was observed.
The results indicate that microalgae oil may serve as a valuable and balanced source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, offering a plant-based alternative to traditional fish oils. The appropriate selection of fat sources is crucial for optimizing canine nutrition and supporting their health.
Keywords: canine nutrition; fatty acids; microalgae oil; omega-3; PUFA
How to cite
Dobosz A., Gąsior A., Samolińska W., Milewski S., 2026. Fatty acid profile of microalgae oil (Schizochytrium sp.) as a source of omega-3 fatty acids used in canine nutrition. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A005