Description
Lipid extract of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), distinguished from fish oil by its phospholipid-bound omega-3 fatty acids (predominantly phosphatidylcholine-bound EPA and DHA) and naturally occurring astaxanthin.
Deep red, viscous oil with a characteristic mild marine aroma. The phospholipid carrier supports enhanced bioavailability and superior oxidative stability compared with triglyceride-form fish oil, both relevant to shelf-stable pet supplements and topcoat applications on dry kibble.
We supply pet-grade Antarctic Krill Oil from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production, with MSC traceability documentation where the brand position requires it.
Common market grades include standard krill oil at 40 percent phospholipids and 20 percent omega-3 (EPA plus DHA), high-phospholipid grade at 56 percent phospholipids, and concentrated omega-3 grades at 30 percent EPA plus DHA for premium pet supplement positioning.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering phospholipid content, EPA and DHA composition, astaxanthin, peroxide value, anisidine value, TOTOX, heavy metals and marine contaminants, and microbiology.
Introduction
Antarctic krill oil is produced from the same CCAMLR-managed fishery that supplies krill peptide. Lipid extraction proceeds either by solvent extraction with ethanol (the established commercial route) or by supercritical CO2 extraction for premium solvent-free grades.
What distinguishes krill oil from fish oil is the chemical form of its omega-3 fatty acids. In fish oil, EPA and DHA are present mainly as triglycerides. In krill oil, a large fraction (typically 30 to 50 percent of the oil) is phospholipid, with EPA and DHA bound at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Phospholipid-bound omega-3 is incorporated into mammalian tissues through different pathways than triglyceride omega-3 and is reported in companion-animal studies to support higher tissue incorporation per gram of EPA plus DHA.
The natural astaxanthin content of krill oil (typically 50 to 200 mg per kg of oil) provides intrinsic oxidative stability and a documented antioxidant contribution. The dark red color of krill oil derives directly from this astaxanthin and is a useful visual quality cue.
Regulatory status in pet food is established under AAFCO marine-oil categories in North America and corresponding frameworks in the EU, UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. MSC certification of the source fishery is increasingly required by major premium pet brands.
Where it is used
- Premium dog and cat omega-3 supplement softgels, liquid pumps, and pre-portioned sachets
- Skin and coat support functional pet diets and supplements; phospholipid omega-3 supports dermal barrier function
- Joint and mobility support supplements; krill oil is often combined with glucosamine and chondroitin in premium chewable formats
- Cognitive support and senior-pet functional supplements; DHA contribution to neural tissue
- Heart and vascular support nutraceuticals for senior dogs
- Topcoat oil application on premium dry kibble and freeze-dried pet food formats
- Functional dental chews and soft chews carrying coat and joint claims
- Equine omega-3 supplements for sport horses and performance pleasure horses
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Deep red viscous oil |
| Phospholipids | ≥ 40.0% (standard) or ≥ 56.0% (high grade) |
| Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) | ≥ 20.0% (standard) or ≥ 30.0% (concentrated) |
| EPA | ≥ 12.0% |
| DHA | ≥ 7.0% |
| Astaxanthin | 50 to 200 mg/kg |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 5 meq/kg |
| Anisidine value | ≤ 20 |
| TOTOX | ≤ 26 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg |
| Mercury | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1,000 cfu/g |
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