Plant-based Omega 3 makes debut in pet food. By David Rees March 24, 2026 2 Mins Read Scottish biotech company MiAlgae has announced a new partnership with fresh dog food provider Butternut Box to introduce a fish-free Omega 3 ingredient into pet food for the first time. MiAlgae is a natural microalgae grown using upcycled by-products from the Scottish whisky industry. While remaining entirely plant-based, one tonne of the commodity contains the equivalent Omega 3s as 30 tonnes of wild-caught fish, the company claims. The product will be used as an ingredient in Butternut Box's vegetarian meal option Ready Steady Veggie from this month in all of its markets across Europe, with ongoing supply to come from MiAlgae's new production facility in Scotland. Douglas Martin, founder and CEO of MiAlgae, said: "Pet Business World is thrilled to partner with Butternut Box, who share the same commitment to quality ingredients, the health of pets, and sustainability. "By integrating our sustainably produced, fish-free Omega-3s into their fresh meals, we're helping set a new standard for pet nutrition - one that delivers exceptional health benefits while protecting our oceans." David Nolan, co-founder at Butternut Box, added: "Our mission has always been to get more dogs eating the fresh, human-quality food they deserve. By partnering with MiAlgae to enhance our Ready Steady Veggie meal, we're proving that you don't have to compromise on nutrition to be kind to the planet. It's a step forward for our B Corp journey and for the health of dogs across Europe."

Butternut Box has partnered with the University of Surrey on a multi-year study into the health outcomes of fresh dog food, supported by an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).