by Tonje Dominguez, Director Specialty Animal Nutrition Products, Aker Qrill Company, Norway
Behind every successful petfood formula is a team that relies on science, precision and transparency. For them, choosing the right functional ingredients means looking beyond marketing claims and uncovering the facts on traceability, documented health effects and consistent performance.
Qrill Pet is developed with this in mind, a marine ingredient that meets high standards for efficacy and sustainability. Sourced from sustainably harvested Antarctic krill, the company’s krill-based products deliver a full spectrum of active nutrients designed to support long-term pet health and meet the growing expectations of conscious consumers. The result is a trusted choice for innovative formulations in a fast-moving and competitive market. At the core of this performance is the right kind of omega-3 nutrition.
The right omega-3s, in the right form
It all starts with omega-3 fatty acids, but not just any omega-3s. The long-chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the ingredient are primarily bound to phospholipids, the very building blocks of cell membranes. This form matters. Phospholipid-bound omega-3s are absorbed and utilised more effectively in the body compared to their triglyceride counterparts, which are more easily broken down for energy.
In other words, more of what is added ends up where it is needed: supporting heart, brain, joint, liver and skin health. Research from controlled feeding trials confirms this difference. In one study with Alaskan Huskies, the dogs supplemented with krill meal showed a 62 percent increase in their omega-3 index, compared to only 21 percent in those fed fish oil with an equal amount of EPA and DHA. This means that krill omega-3s not only deliver more to the tissues where they matter most but also help rebalance the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, reducing inflammation risks and improving overall health markers.
Phospholipid-bound omega-3s are more efficiently incorporated into body cells in key organs such as the heart and the brain. Whether a performance dog or an ageing pet, this translates to better endurance, recovery and long-term vitality. And that is only one part of the story.
A full spectrum of bioactives
Krill brings more than just omega-3s to the table. The ingredient is naturally rich in marine proteins, providing essential amino acids and promoting palatability, choline to support liver, muscle action and cognitive function, and astaxanthin – a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation. Astaxanthin supports muscle recovery, cardiovascular function and even cognitive performance by protecting cells from oxidative stress. Unlike synthetic antioxidants often added to preserve feed, astaxanthin is naturally present and helps keep the product fresh without artificial preservatives.
Beyond these nutrients, the ingredient also contains nucleotides, which are the building blocks of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), and play a key role in immune cell renewal, gut health and tissue repair. These naturally occurring compounds can support pet diets with good intestinal balance and a well-maintained immune defence, especially for young, ageing or very active animals. All these components work together, offering a multifunctional ingredient that helps simplify formulations while boosting their functional value.
Proven performance from real-world testing
The science is clear on the benefits of krill and not only in the lab. During the Iditarod, the world’s toughest 1000-mile sled dog race, the mushing team led by champion Thomas Wærner demonstrated this performance in action. Dogs fed with the ingredient showed less muscle damage and inflammation compared to control groups. Wærner himself credits the feed’s composition for helping his team during the race, describing it as providing ‘that little extra’ that helps elite dogs go the distance.
For petfood brands, this is clear proof point of real-world efficiency. Consumers today expect petfood claims to be backed by credible evidence, and the ingredient’s performance in both research and endurance settings delivers that confidence.
From ingredient to innovation partner
Building on these proven results, the ingredient continues to evolve through ongoing research and product innovation. As petfood brands look for components that deliver both measurable benefits and responsible sourcing, it has evolved beyond just a single component in the feed and become a true partner in formulation innovation.
Through continuous research and development, the manufacturer explores the biological mechanisms behind krill’s health benefits and shares these insights with petfood developers worldwide.
Sustainability you can document
For petfood product development teams working in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-driven market, the ingredient also checks the traceability box. Harvested from one of the most carefully managed marine ecosystems in the world, it is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. With full transparency from catch to processing, formulators can be confident that the ingredient story aligns with their brand values as well as their customers’ expectations.
The harvesting of the krill is managed under the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which limits harvest to less than one percent of the total krill biomass each year. This ensures the Antarctic ecosystem remains balanced for other species that rely on krill, including whales, seals, penguins and fish.
Sustainability also extends to product integrity, and the ingredient is shipped under modified atmosphere packing to maintain quality throughout its shelf life. The result is a clean, 100 percent natural product that performs well for pets while maintaining high sustainability standards. It is this balance of science, performance and responsibility that defines its role in the future of pet nutrition.
Let’s formulate the future, together
If you are looking for a single component that brings measurable health benefits, real differentiation and a clear sustainability story, the ingredient is ready to be part of your next formulation. From lab-tested results to real-world performance, it embodies what modern pet nutrition should stand for: science-backed benefits, natural functionality and verified sustainability.
By combining marine science, biotechnology and responsible sourcing, it enables formulators to design products that make a big difference in pets’ lives while also strengthening the sustainability profile of their brands. Because at the end of the day, what goes into the bowl matters. And all the best ingredients start with science.