MiAlgae and Butternut Box Announce Fish-Free Omega 3 Partnership
MiAlgae and Butternut Box have announced a partnership to introduce a fish-free Omega 3 ingredient into dog food, using microalgae grown from by-products of the Scottish whisky industry. The ingredient will be added to Butternut Box’s vegetarian meal, Ready Steady Veggie, with rollout planned across its European markets from March 2026.
Key Points
- MiAlgae and Butternut Box have announced a new partnership
- A fish-free Omega-3 ingredient will be added to dog food
- The ingredient is derived from microalgae grown on whisky by-products
- It will be used in a vegetarian dog food recipe across Europe
- Production will be supported by a new facility in Scotland
What Happened
MiAlgae and Butternut Box have confirmed that a microalgae-based ingredient will be incorporated into an existing vegetarian recipe within Butternut Box’s range. The ingredient will be added to the Ready Steady Veggie meal, which is available across Butternut Box’s European markets, with rollout beginning from March 2026. According to the companies, the ingredient provides Omega 3 fatty acids typically sourced from fish, while remaining plant-based. Douglas Martin, founder and CEO of MiAlgae, said the partnership reflects a focus on alternative sources of key nutrients. “By integrating our sustainably produced, fish-free Omega-3s into fresh meals, we’re helping move towards alternative sources of key nutrients,” he said.
What the Ingredient Is
MiAlgae is a microalgae grown using by-products from the Scottish whisky industry. The company states that the ingredient is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, is entirely plant-based, and that one tonne contains the equivalent Omega 3 content of 30 tonnes of wild-caught fish. These figures are based on company-provided data.
What It Means for Dog Food
The ingredient will be used in Butternut Box’s Ready Steady Veggie recipe, a vegetarian option within its range. Omega 3 fatty acids, including DHA, are commonly associated with skin, coat, and cognitive health, and are typically sourced from fish-based ingredients. The use of a non-fish source reflects ongoing development in alternative ingredients within the pet food sector.cility in Scotland as capacity increases.
Read More
MiAlgae / Butternut Box announcement (25 March 2026)
Here are answers to some common questions about this update
FAQ‘s
What is microalgae in dog food?
Microalgae is a plant-based ingredient that can provide nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids, often used as an alternative to fish-derived sources.
Why is Omega-3 important for dogs?
Omega 3 fatty acids are commonly associated with supporting skin, coat, and cognitive health.
Is this a vegan dog food?
The ingredient itself is plant-based and is being used in a vegetarian recipe. Guardians should check full ingredient lists to determine suitability for their dog.
When will this be available?
The ingredient is expected to be included in products from March 2026 across European markets.
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