free range salmon

What Gives Salmon Their Strength and Colour — And Why It Matters for Your Pet

Have you ever wondered why wild salmon have that deep pink colour?

It’s not artificial. It’s not random.

That colour comes from a naturally occurring compound called astaxanthin — a powerful antioxidant found in marine life.

It’s also one of the reasons salmon can do something extraordinary:

👉 swim long distances upstream against strong currents.

That kind of endurance doesn’t happen by accident.

And while your pet isn’t about to swim upstream for miles, the reason astaxanthin matters in nature is also why it can be valuable in daily pet nutrition.

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid produced by microalgae and passed up the marine food chain.

That’s why it’s found in:
• Krill
• Shrimp
• Wild salmon

In nature, it acts as a protective compound — helping organisms deal with stress and supporting cellular resilience.

Why Antioxidants Matter

Your pet’s body is constantly working:

• Producing energy
• Repairing tissue
• Processing nutrients

As part of this, it naturally produces free radicals.

That’s normal.

But when these build up faster than the body can manage, it creates internal pressure known as oxidative stress.

Antioxidants help the body manage that stress and support cells over time.

What Makes Astaxanthin Different?

There are many antioxidants — but astaxanthin stands out.

It has a unique structure that allows it to support both the inner and outer parts of cell membranes.

In simple terms:

👉 it can work in places where support is especially useful.

It’s also fat-soluble, which makes it particularly effective when paired with marine oils.

Why This Matters for Your Pet

Most pet owners aren’t thinking about antioxidants.

They’re thinking about:

• Comfort
• Movement
• Coat condition
• Energy
• Vitality

Astaxanthin matters because it supports the body at a foundational level — where many of these outward signs begin.

Not as a quick fix.

But as consistent support over time.

Why Marine Ingredients Work Better Together

In nature, astaxanthin doesn’t exist alone.

It’s found alongside marine fats in animals like salmon.

That matters because:
👉 it needs fat to be properly absorbed.

So combining it with a quality marine oil isn’t just convenient — it’s logical.

Why We Pair It with New Zealand Hoki Oil

At Newflands, we combine natural astaxanthin with premium New Zealand hoki oil.

Hoki oil provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), supporting:

• Joints
• Skin and coat
• Brain and nervous system
• Overall wellbeing

When paired with astaxanthin, it becomes more complete daily support — helping the body manage both oxidative stress and normal inflammatory processes.

Where Omega-i Fits In

Omega-i was created to bring these two ingredients together in a way that makes sense.

• Natural astaxanthin
• Premium New Zealand hoki oil

Together, they support:

• Cellular health
• Mobility
• Coat condition
• Healthy ageing
• Daily vitality

Not hype.
Not trends.

Just thoughtful support built around how the body actually works.

👉 Learn more about Omega-i here:
https://newflands.com/products/omega-i

Because sometimes the most powerful support comes from understanding what nature has been doing all along.

Noticing subtle changes in your pet’s health?

👉 Read: https://newflands.com/blogs/news/why-your-pets-health-might-be-changing

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Fiona Robertson

About the Author: Fiona Robertson

Fiona Robertson is a trained veterinary nurse, qualified teacher, Newfoundland dog breeder, and founder of Newflands Pet Wellness. With a lifelong connection to animals and professional veterinary experience, Fiona pioneered New Zealand’s first Hoki Oil pet supplement in 2010 after her beloved Newfoundland, Rosie, was diagnosed with heart disease. Unable to find a natural, traceable, and sustainable fish oil locally, she used her veterinary nursing background to formulate a premium supplement using MSC-certified sustainable New Zealand Hoki. This commitment to innovation later expanded into pioneering hoki-based gravy and functional topper solutions for dogs, designed to support palatability, hydration, and daily wellness. Today, Fiona is exporting New Zealand’s finest pet wellness products to pet owners around the world, continuing to research and develop therapeutic‑grade supplements, treats, and care products that deliver measurable results for pet health worldwide.