NZ Hoki Roe
New Zealand hoki roe is a nutrient-rich marine ingredient containing omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, alongside phospholipids, choline, vitamins and naturally occurring antioxidants. These nutrients are involved in brain function, vision, cell membranes and healthy inflammatory balance, making hoki roe a useful whole-food source of marine nutrition.
Unlike standard fish oil, many of the omega-3s in roe are naturally associated with phospholipids, which form part of the structure of cell membranes throughout the body.
Omega-3s for Brain and Eye Health
DHA is one of the most important structural fats in the brain and retina.
It contributes to the flexibility and function of cell membranes, helping nerve cells communicate effectively and supporting normal visual function. DHA is particularly important during periods of growth and development, but maintaining an adequate intake remains relevant throughout life.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also involved in the production of signalling molecules that help regulate inflammation and normal cardiovascular function.
Why Phospholipids Are Important
Phospholipids are specialised fats that make up much of the outer membrane surrounding our cells.
In fish roe, omega-3 fatty acids can be naturally incorporated into these phospholipids rather than occurring entirely as triglycerides, as they commonly do in fish oil.
This gives hoki roe a different nutritional profile from conventional omega-3 supplements and provides both marine fatty acids and structural lipids within the same whole-food ingredient.
Choline and the Nervous System
Hoki roe also provides choline, an essential nutrient involved in brain function, liver health and cell membrane structure.
The body uses choline to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, attention and communication between nerves and muscles. Choline is also required to make phosphatidylcholine, one of the major phospholipids found throughout cell membranes.
Together, choline, phospholipids and DHA make roe particularly relevant to nutritional strategies focused on brain and nervous system health.
Marine Nutrition for Healthy Ageing
The brain, eyes and cardiovascular system all depend on healthy cell membranes and an adequate supply of essential fats.
Marine omega-3s can therefore form part of a wider healthy-ageing approach alongside regular exercise, good sleep, sufficient protein and a varied diet rich in whole foods.
Hoki roe also provides naturally occurring vitamins and antioxidant compounds that complement its fatty acid profile, giving it broader nutritional value than an isolated source of DHA alone.
Why New Zealand Hoki?
Hoki is a deep-water fish found around New Zealand and forms part of one of the country's major commercial fisheries.
Using New Zealand hoki roe allows a valuable part of the fish to be used as a nutrient-dense ingredient rather than discarded. Local sourcing also offers greater traceability around where the raw material comes from and how it is processed.
NZ Hoki Roe for Pets
DHA, phospholipids and choline are also important nutrients for dogs and cats, supporting normal brain function, vision, skin and coat health and cellular integrity.
Hoki roe can therefore be particularly useful in pet formulas aimed at cognitive health, healthy ageing and overall vitality, while providing a natural marine source of omega-3s that complements ingredients such as Greenshell™ Mussel and other whole-food nutrients.
Hoki Roe in O2B Products
At O2B Healthy, New Zealand hoki roe is used across a number of our O2B Pets formulas as a natural source of marine omega-3s, phospholipids and other valuable nutrients. You’ll find it in products including K9+ Allergies, Feline Allergies, K9+ Calm, K9+ Cognivit, K9+ Synbiotic, K9+ Mitocell and Feline+ Calm, where it complements ingredients such as NZ Greenshell™ Mussel, probiotics, deer-derived nutrients and antioxidants. Depending on the formula, hoki roe helps provide nutritional support for areas such as brain and nervous system health, healthy ageing, skin and coat condition, cellular function and overall vitality.