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Microalgae: A New Pet Superfood

A baby blue plate on pale wood planks holds a spoonful of green Nannochloropsis microalgae powder, with a dog's nose sniffing it nearby. An ornate spoon with a bee handle rests on the plate.




Why It's a Game-Changer for Dog Health

Are you worried about your furry friend's health, or want them to be around longer? In a world of increasing pet illnesses, a tiny, ancient powerhouse is making a big splash from the pristine waters of Australia's Byron Bay/Ballina region. 

As a nutritionist and founder of Noosa Nutrition, Honor Tremain has seen first-hand how a proper diet can transform health, and this new ingredient is one of the most exciting developments she has encountered. She shares her insights with us.

I'm not talking about insect meal or turmeric. I’m talking about microscopic seaweed, also known as microalgae. This unique species, Nannochloropsis Oceanica, is being grown at eco-farms in the Ballina region, and it's catching the attention of leading scientists, veterinarians, and forward-thinking pet food companies like Daya Pet Food Co.

So, what makes this most ancient lifeform the newest and most exciting superfood for dogs? It's a mega-nutrient dense, protein- and Omega-3-rich, disease-fighting, planet-healing super-wholefood that's particularly anti-inflammatory. Let’s take a deeper look into why these benefits are so important right now.

The Pet Health Crisis & The Power of Food

It's heart-breaking to see our dogs get sick, and so many are dealing with chronic health issues like arthritis, skin problems, gut concerns, or cancer. Just as a poor diet is a major contributor to premature death and illness in humans, our pets are suffering too.

According to veterinary expert Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM, "Back in the 1970s, cancer in dogs was rare and usually occurred in old age. Today, roughly one in two dogs can develop cancer at any age." This alarming trend reflects the modern pet diet—often a base of low-grade, processed ingredients, filled with additives, preservatives, and even saw dust.

But the exciting news is: Food used in the right way is the most powerful weapon we have!




Microalgae: The Anti-Inflammatory Super-Wholefood

Inflammation, fuelled by a poor diet, is the cause of virtually all chronic diseases, from cancer to arthritis to dementia. But diets high in wholefoods—especially those rich in antioxidants and Omega-3s—significantly reduce inflammation and the risk of disease.

"I think 'Let food be thy medicine' is one of the best quotes ever conceived. Because you truly are what you eat,” says Dr. Thomas-Hall, Principal Scientist and microalgae expert at SeaO2 Nanno. This remarkable microalgae just happens to be a fierce anti-inflammatory firefighter.

In both people and pets, a diet rich in this anti-inflammatory superfood can mean:

  • Reduced pain in body and joints 
  • Increased vitality and energy 
  • Longer, healthier lifespan
  • Better mental clarity and focus 
  • Glowing healthy skin and coats 

The Plant-Powered Protein & Sustainability Solution


Protein is essential—it’s what your cells are made of. But not all protein is equal. Animal protein, especially in excessive amounts, is increasingly linked to accelerated inflammation and disease. The longest-living populations on Earth, like the Okinawans and Sardinians, consume very little animal protein, focusing instead on high-quality plant-based sources.

Enter microalgae. “Nanno microalgae contains over 50% protein, with 25% being essential amino acids, which is more than three times what you’d get from beef,” says Dr. Thomas-Hall.

What's more, this microalgae is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture! It produces up to 50 times more protein per acre than soy crops and is a major source of the world's breathable oxygen as it grows, all while trapping harmful CO2. Being grown in pristine, contained environments, it's also free from hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals, and GMO’s.

The Ultimate Source of Essential Omegas

The next massive thing about this microalgae is its unique Omega content. 
“Not many people see Omega-3 fatty acids as being essential. But they should,” says Professor Lindsay Brown, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. 
Over 80% of the global population, including our pets, are deficient in Omegas.

Omega-3s are some of the most powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients we know of, reducing heart disease, behavioural issues, and more. And here's the best part: fish don’t actually make the Omega-3s found within themselves. The Omega-3s come from the microalgae that they eat!*

This Nanno microalgae is also rich in Omega-7, a lesser-known but highly beneficial fatty acid amazing for:

  • Skin health and hydration
  • Brain and nerve regeneration
  • Insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation

By skipping the middleman, you can get the highest quality, purest, most bioavailable Omega-3s that are completely animal-free, mercury-free, and the most sustainable alternative to fish oil around.

Antioxidants: The Unsung Heroes of Health

Antioxidants are the unsung heroes of health. They reduce inflammation, slow aging, and protect every cell in the body from degradation and disease. This microalgae just so happens to be loaded with these little guys too, including:
  • Two powerful carotenoid antioxidants that support eye health and brain function.
  • Vitamin E antioxidants crucial for immune support.
  • A prebiotic fibre known for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer activity.
  • Vitamin B12, Iron, and Vitamin D in a unique plant-based form.
  • Chlorophyll, a green pigment great for detoxifying stinky odours (yes, your dog’s breath, skin, and farts!).

Combined, these vital nutrients go straight into the bloodstream, nourishing the skin, hair, eyes, joints, and entire body. The result? Shinier hair, vibrant skin, better energy, improved digestion, and a far healthier, happier pup.

The Future of Pet Nutrition is Here

Top nutritionists, scientists, and health & eco-friendly dog food brands like Daya Pet Food Co. have been collaborating directly with the founders at SeaO2 Nanno to bring these extraordinary microalgae to the world.




“Our mission extends beyond delivering exceptional nutrition,” says Gian Minns, Co-Founder of SeaO2 Nanno. 
“We aim to help place Australia at the forefront of the global superfood movement—for the planet, for our pets, and for all future generations.”

Special Offer for Our Readers: Try the award-winning Daya Pet Food Co range today and get 10% off your order with the promo code DOGLOVERDAYA10 at checkout.

Explore the new, award-winning Nanno microalgae enriched pet food at: www.dayapetfoodco.com.au or contact us for details at honnutrition@hotmail.com.

In yours and your pup’s health, written by Honor Tremain, Noosa
 Nutrition, for Australian Dog Lover, September 2025.

About our writer

Honor Tremain with her dog, Daya.
Honor Tremain is a qualified nutritionist, health journalist, and author with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Noosa Nutrition, she specialises in anti-inflammatory and longevity nutrition for both humans and pets. 

Her work has been featured in a range of publications, and she is the author of multiple books, including "A Diet in Paradise." Tremain is a recognised expert in her field, known for her collaborations with innovative companies like SeaO2 Nanno, and her clinic Noosa Nutrition was named "Nutrition Clinic of The Year 2025" for Queensland, Australia.


References:

* Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity: 


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