Rudolf DHA Algae Bites - More than just a vegan dog snack

Our Vegan4Dogs family is growing – and we couldn't be prouder. With Rudolf, our new DHA algae snack, a very special family member is joining us. A snack that not only connects, but also nourishes.

A Heart from the Waters for Your Heart on Paws

Sometimes you don't need big words to say ‘I love you’. A glimpse, a joyful wag of the tail or a gentle touch is enough. With our new Rudolf DHA Algae Bites, you're giving your dog more than just a snack – you're giving them a promise.  

Each single bite is lovingly shaped like a heart and packed with the precious omega-3 fatty acids DHA (19.4%), DPA (3.32%), and EPA (0.28%). A little heart that says: I see you.

Two Superheroes: Schizochytrium & Chlorella

Rudolf combines the power of two algae superheroes. Scientific findings (including those by Bauer, Januszewski and Olson*) provide valuable insights into the potential of these marine- and freshwater organisms for the health of our dogs:

• Schizochytrium – The Clever Strategist: This microalgae is a specialist in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can make a beneficia contribution to the normal development of the nervous system and the maintenance of vision. But it offers much more: as a whole algae, it also provides the often underestimated DPA (docosapentaenoic acid), which serves as a flexible store for omega-3 requirements in the body. Thanks to its amino acids and proteins, Schizochytrium supports cell structure, while its natural pigments (carotenoids) and antioxidants such as vitamin E not only protect the precious fatty acids, but also benefit cell protection in the dog's body.
  
• Chlorella – The Green Protector: As one of the most nutrient-rich ‘plants’ on earth, it contains a wide range of ingredients. In addition to its high chlorophyll content, it provides essential minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc. Chlorella is also known for its prebiotic properties: its special fibre can support balanced intestinal flora and harmonious digestion. As a natural antioxidant, it also helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function – for a nourished appearance and a shiny coat.
  

Exciting findings from the research literature, or a brief glance at the sources

In particular, the study by Bauer¹ showed that DHA plays a central role in the neurological development of puppies. In the study involving 48 Beagle puppies, those that were given DHA performed significantly better in the learning and memory tests carried out. 

Further work by Bauer^2,3 also emphasises the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, for dogs and cats in different stages of life. In addition to promoting the development of the nervous system, they also support inflammation-regulating processes, for example in wound healing or joint problems. 

A study by Olson⁴  showed that a DHA-rich diet has positive effects on dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Over a period of 12 weeks, the affected dogs benefited from improved mobility, and in some cases, the use of painkillers could even be reduced.

*Please also read the special note at the end of the blog post related to this paragraph.

Rudolf & Curly – The Powerful Sibling Duo

Those who have known us for a while know that providing the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, is particularly important to us. 

Rudolf contains another important omega-3 fatty acid: DPA. Together with DHA and EPA, DPA has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in tissues that are exposed to high levels of oxidative stress⁵. 

Compared to Curly, Rudolf contains a higher amount of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 3.32%). DPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that often comes together with DHA and EPA. It's especially interesting that DPA is part of a flexible conversion network:

• The body can first synthesise EPA from the plant-based omega-3 precursor ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
  
• EPA can be further extended to DPA, which in turn can be converted to DHA as needed.
  
• In addition, DPA can also be converted back into EPA if necessary, so that omega-3 fatty acids are dynamically available in the body as needed.
  

Thus, DPA not only has a direct effect, but also supports the efficient use of DHA and EPA and ensures flexible omega-3 reserves⁵.  

In Curly, DPA is only present in trace amounts compared to Rudolf. However, Curly contains a higher EPA content of 9.5%, which makes Rudolf and Curly a powerful combination, as DHA, EPA and DPA can have particularly beneficial effects on health when combined. 

We have dedicated a separate blog post to the nutrients DHA and EPA and explained their functions in detail in our post on Curly. Perhaps you are wondering whether our popular Curly algae oil or the new Rudolf Bites are better suited to you? Mixing is key!

• Curly for the daily ritual in the bowl: if you like to refine your dog's meals precisely, Curly is your ideal foundation. The oil can be perfectly dosed and is simply mixed into the food – ideal for dogs that consume their nutrients “invisibly” and directly with their main meal.
  
• Rudolf for love from the palm of your hand: Rudolf is your flexible companion for all those moments when there is no bowl nearby. The hearts are ideal as rewards during training, as a functional extra when travelling or for relaxing together. Rudolf is designed for all caregivers who want to combine the gift of valuable nutrients with an interactive moment of closeness.
  

Nutritional Value and Feeding Recommendation

Rudolf is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA – 19.4%, EPA – 0.28%, DPA – 3.32%) but also high in protein (27.1%) – and completely vegan. This makes him perfect for on the go, as a small dessert or as a training treat, without unnecessary additives: sugar-free and wheat-free. 

The combination of vegan protein and valuable omega-3 fatty acids makes Rudolf a nutrient-rich snack that supports your dog's health. At the same time, he provides important nutrients that dogs need. Never mind what anyone says about dogs needing meat because they are related to wolves 😉 

Depending on the size of your dog, you can give them 4 to 26 hearts a day. You can find the exact feeding recommendation on the back of the packaging. 

This makes omega-3 supply flexible, suitable for everyday use and available exactly where it is needed – a small heart with a big impact.

Why Rudolf? Because Caring is the Most Beautiful Language or this is how sustainable Rudolf is

Our Rudolf DHA Algae Bites are the purely plant-based answer to the question of a modern omega-3 supply. Instead of using fish oil such as salmon oil or krill oil, we go straight to the source: algae. This not only protects our oceans, but also provides your dog with a high-quality supply of DHA – without any animal fats. 

Goodbye green-lipped mussel powder, salmon oil and krill oil. With Rudolf, you protect fish communities and preserve the delicate balance of our oceans. Our bites are purely plant-based and a sign of compassion for all living creatures – above and below the water. 

But our promise of protection doesn't end with the contents: Rudolf's packaging is made entirely of paper. No plastic coating, no composite materials. After snacking, you can simply dispose of the empty bag directly in the paper waste. Together, we leave nothing but love and a clean paw print behind. 

You may be wondering how to close the bag. You can use any fastener you like, whether it's a paper clip or a clothes peg. The packaging can be folded and easily closed, and the great thing is that you can reuse the fastener over and over again.

Curly and Rudolf at Your Home

We would love to hear how you include Curly and Rudolf in your everyday life. Share your experiences with us – and with your friends and family. Rudolf, in particular, is a plant-based algae snack that is still something special and rarely found in this form. Perhaps it is the perfect, practical alternative or addition? 

Angelina often thinks back to her dog in this context. Long before Vegan4Dogs was founded, she intuitively fished algae out of the pond, rolled it into small balls and fed it to her dog as a snack. Her dog loved these little algae bites – and would certainly have loved Rudolf. 

Was this one of the little secrets behind her reaching the ripe old age of 18? We will never know for sure. But we firmly believe that attentive care, high-quality nutrients and loving rituals make a difference. 

We look forward to hearing about your experiences and how Rudolf will find a place in your hearts.

Auf einen Blick

• DHA-Power: Contributes to normal brain and vision function
  
• DHA & DPA Reservoirs: Support for cognitive fitness and flexible omega-3 reserves
  
• Chlorella Protection: Support for skin, coat & general vitality
  
• Sustainability: Protects fish communities and oceans
  
• Zero Waste: Packaging 100% recyclable in paper waste
• The Duo: The ideal snack to complement our Curly Algae Oil
  

Our Promise: With Rudolf, you are choosing ethics, quality, and pure plant power. For a long life full of heartfelt moments together

Special Note

Despite promising results, animal studies should always be viewed critically. 

We would like to point out that we aim to work scientifically, but we also view such studies critically as they are associated with ethical challenges: the animals are often exposed to stressful or unpleasant stimuli and are kept in conditions that are not species-appropriate. 

These stimuli can cause stress, anxiety and a reduced quality of life. Even if the scientific findings are valuable, we should always question the negative effects of the experiments on the animals' well-being and whether the findings justify the use of animals. 

Some studies have examined Beagle puppies, a single breed of dog that was bred solely for human pleasure. Many other findings come from rodents, among others, which are kept in conditions that are not species-appropriate and exclusively for experimental purposes. Unfortunately, we do not know how the other animals mentioned, such as dogs, are kept in such studies. According to our research, Beagles are the preferred breed for research purposes and are considered classic ‘laboratory animals’ because they are considered particularly good-natured, tolerant and not very aggressive. In addition, their size and genetics are ideal for most research projects. We assume that these dogs do not usually come from private households, but from specially designated breeding facilities and – similar to other laboratory animals – are housed under corresponding conditions in kennels at research institutions.

Sources

1. Bauer JE. Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18052798/ (accessed 02.03.2026)

2. Bauer JE. The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27875089/ (accessed 02.03.2026)

3. Bauer, John. (2008). Essential fatty acid metabolism in dogs and cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. 2008.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250039329_Essential_fatty_acid_metabolism_in_dogs_and_cats (accessed 02.03.2026)

4. Olson MV, Liu YC, Dangi B, Paul Zimmer J, Salem N Jr, Nauroth JM. Docosahexaenoic acid reduces inflammation and joint destruction in mice with collagen-induced arthritis. Inflamm Res. 2013.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24008816/ (accessed 02.03.2026)

5. Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2015.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4404917/ (accessed 02.03.2026)