Antarctic Krill – whole body support from the sea

Norwegian Rimfrost krill in TCfeline premix providing omega-3 fatty acids for cats

Krill are tiny shrimp-like marine invertebrate which form a marine biomass in many of our world’s oceans. These small crustaceans are the keystone of much of the marine ecosystem—feeding everything from seabirds and fish to the mighty blue whale. And for cats? They can play powerful role, too.

Since 2011, whole dehydrated Antarctic krill has been a key ingredient in every TCfeline raw cat food premix. It’s included for a very important reason: krill are a rich, stable, and highly bioavailable source of Omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), which are critical to feline health. Unlike fish oils, the Omega-3s in krill remain unaltered even with long-term storage, meaning they retain their full health benefits without the risk of turning rancid.

Why not just use fish?

Here’s the thing: most fish don’t actually make Omega-3s—they accumulate them by eating krill or smaller fish that eat krill, which in turn eat microalgae. But fish also accumulate environmental toxins through the same process, including mercury, PCBs, dioxins, and other pollutants you don’t want in your cat’s bowl. This is called bio-magnification. Krill, being much lower on the food chain, are a cleaner, purer source.

What makes krill so special?

Aside from Omega-3s, krill offer a wide range of nutritional benefits:

  • Astaxanthin – This vibrant red pigment gives krill their colour and salmon their pink flesh. It’s a carotenoid antioxidant that’s 100 times more potent than vitamin E in protecting cells from oxidative and UV damage.
  • Phospholipids – Krill-based Omega-3s are bound to phospholipids, which means they’re more efficiently absorbed into the membranes of the body’s cells, especially in the brain, eyes, heart, liver, and joints. This supports development, slows inflammatory aging processes, and boosts overall cellular function.
  • Choline – An essential nutrient related to the B vitamins, choline is critical for healthy brain function, fat metabolism, and liver health. Cats have a uniquely high requirement for choline, and a deficiency can contribute to Fatty Liver Disease.
  • Glucosamine – Naturally present in krill thanks to their chitin-based exoskeleton, supporting joint health and mobility.
  • Essential minerals – Krill are an excellent natural source of highly bioavailable copper, zinc, iodine, and potassium—all vital for everything from collagen production to immune support.
  • Taurine – Yes, krill even contain the essential amino acid cats can’t live without.

Oh, and one more thing—cats love it. Krill has a highly palatable taste that makes it an excellent source of Omega-3s, even for picky eaters. And because it’s a novel protein, it avoids the common allergens found in many fish products.

April 2025: A change for the better – now using RIMFROST™ Antarctic Krill

In April 2025, I made the switch to Norwegian-sourced RIMFROST™ krill to further improve the quality and sustainability of the TCfeline premix.

Why RIMFROST?

  • Sustainably harvested in the Southern Ocean, with full 100% traceability
  • Closely monitored by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)
  • The only krill supplier certified by both the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friend of the Sea
  • Founding member of the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK)
  • Patented, low-impact extraction method that uses 30% less krill than other processes for the same nutritional output

This means better nutrition for cats—and better protection for the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.