Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cats. Fish oil, which is typically found in cold-water fish such as tuna, trout, and salmon, contains two types of fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic (epa) and docosahexaenoic (dha).
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important component of cell membranes and help provide the body with energy. Fish oil supplements support these essential functions, but can also boost your cat’s immune system and promote healthy skin and coat.
read on for our top picks for the best omega-3 fish oil supplements for cats.
at a glance: our top picks for the best omega-3 fish oil for cats
We highly recommend looking at the comparative table below, where we highlight the characteristics of each product. you will also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
our top picks for the best omega 3 fish oil for cats
Now that you have a better understanding of how we arrived at our top picks, you’re probably looking forward to seeing them!
Here are our top 10 picks for the best fish oil supplements for cats:
why should you give your cat fish oil supplements?
just like humans, cats require a balanced diet for optimal health, and that includes adequate intake of essential fatty acids.
An essential fatty acid is simply one that your cat’s body cannot synthesize on its own. The essential fatty acids that cats need are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can come from dietary sources or nutritional supplements. alpha-linolenic acid (ala), eicosapentaenoic acid (epa) and docosahexaenoic acid (dha) are omega-3 fatty acids, while linoleic acid (la) and arachidonic acid (aa) are omega-6.
Omega 3 fatty acids support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response while supporting skin and coat health. With their anti-inflammatory benefits, omega-3s can be helpful for cats with joint disease, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and more.
The main source of these fatty acids is cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, bakala, and anchovies, but an omega-3 supplement is a great way to increase dietary intake of fatty acids. omega-3 fatty acids for your cat.
what are the benefits?
If you are looking for a simple way to address an omega-3 deficiency, or simply want to support your cat’s health in other areas, a fish oil supplement might be a good option. these are some of the benefits:
- Vets Recommend: Recent studies indicate that fish oil is effective in treating allergic skin conditions in pets, as well as certain types of cancer. the vca also recommends it for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties: Omega-3 fatty acids support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response and may be beneficial for a variety of inflammatory conditions. supports brain health: dha plays a key role in kitten eye and brain development, so supplementing fish oil in pregnant or lactating queens may support healthy development of the kittens it also supports ongoing cognitive function in adult cats.
- Helps Reduce Shedding: Adequate intake of essential fatty acids promotes a shiny, healthy coat and reduces shedding. Controlling your cat’s shedding can have the added benefit of reducing hairball problems.
- Relieves Itching: Omega-3 fatty acids support skin and coat health and are known to reduce the symptoms of skin allergies in cats. they can also help with dry skin and other causes of itching and scratching.
- milligrams of epa + dha per kilogram of body weight
- grams per 100 g of pet food (as food or dry matter)
- grams per 100 or 1000 kcal of pet food
- omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
The benefits of fish oil supplements are tied to their quality. When shopping for omega-3 supplements for cats, look for high-quality, pure fish oil from a reputable company.
Avoid fish oil that comes from cod liver because it often contains vitamin A which, in high levels, can be toxic to cats. be sure to also check the expiration date because fish oil is very sensitive to oxidation and you don’t want to give your cat a product that has gone bad.
how much fish oil to give a cat a day?
There is no exact recommended dosage for fish oil because your cat’s needs may vary based on her diet and co-occurring medical conditions. Dosing fish oil can also be tricky because different formulations contain different concentrations of epa and dha.
There are several ways to determine the dose of fish oil:
Catherine E. Lenox, DVM, and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) offer general dosage recommendations of 30 to 50 mg of fish oil per kilogram of body weight.
petcarerx offers the following dosage recommendations:
While fish oil is generally safe for cats, you should be aware of potential side effects. In large doses, fish oil can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, so be sure to start low and work your way up. it can also slow blood clotting, so talk to your vet if your cat is taking anticoagulant medication.
