2024 Ultimate Guide to Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats

Do you consume fish oil for your beloved pet (cat or dog)? Fish oil is a natural supplement rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is one of the most popular pet supplements purchased by pet owners. It has many health benefits for cats and dogs, but only if the fish oil is of the right quality and fed in the right way.HsViko, as a top fish oil manufacturer in China, will provide you with a guide on how to use fish oil for cats and dogs to ensure that they get the maximum benefits.

What is fish oil for pets?

Fish oil is the body fat of fat-rich fish. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3), primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), nutrients that can reduce inflammation. Fish rich in fish oil are collectively known as oily fish.

Ingredients in Fish Oil for Cats and Dogs

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are essential for normal function and health in cats and dogs. They are called “omega-3” because the first double bond in the carbon chain is located three carbon atoms from the methyl end of the fatty acid molecule. Omega-3s are effective for hair and skin care, the immune system, blood vessels, heart power and more.

Omega-6

Omega-6 fatty acids are another essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that is important for your pet’s function and health. Like omega-3 fatty acids, they are called “omega-6” because the first double bond in the carbon chain is located six carbon atoms from the methyl end of the fatty acid molecule.

EPA DHA

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fatty fish, fish oil, and certain algae. They are considered long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and have a variety of health benefits.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): EPA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in marine sources such as fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been widely studied for its potential benefits to cardiovascular health.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA is another long-chain omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fatty fish and fish oil. It is particularly abundant in the brain, eyes and nervous system and plays a vital role in their structure and function.

Do cats and dogs need fish oil?

Do you know why cats love fish? The answer is simple: fish oil is one of the reasons for the fishy flavor. It stimulates a cat’s appetite. In addition, fish oil is rich in Omega-3, which is beneficial to pets in a variety of ways, making fish oil essential in pet supplements, especially for dogs and cats.

Is fish oil good for cats and dogs?

The science of getting your pet to consume fish oil can be extremely beneficial for cats and dogs. Of course, this also requires choosing a reliable brand of fish oil. Let’s talk about the benefits of fish oil for cats and dogs.

Coat beauty and skin moisturizing

Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the skin and coat health of cats and dogs. They improve skin moisturization and elasticity, reduce skin inflammation and allergic reactions, and promote coat growth and shine.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce the inflammatory response and help relieve symptoms of arthritis, enteritis and other inflammatory diseases in pets. This is important for improving joint discomfort, reducing pain and promoting overall body health.

Protects heart health

Studies have found that fish oil reduces the likelihood of arrhythmia (i.e., atrial fibrillation) in your pet’s heart. In addition, fish oil acts as an anticoagulant, preventing the formation of blood clots in dogs with heart disease.

Effectively slows the aging of your pet’s body

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support your pet’s cellular health and protect DNA from damage. They help maintain the integrity of cell membranes in cats and dogs and enhance the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within cells. This contributes to overall cellular health and has the potential to slow age-related cellular damage.

Accelerates the breakdown of fat in pets

Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in promoting fat metabolism in pets. They may increase the expression of certain genes involved in fat oxidation (breakdown) and decrease the expression of genes involved in fat synthesis and storage. Theoretically, this may lead to an increase in lipolysis (breakdown) and a decrease in fat accumulation.

Lowering blood lipids and unclogging blood vessels

Studies have shown that fish oil improves lipid profiles in cats and dogs by increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and decreasing levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. By improving lipid profiles, fish oil can help maintain optimal heart power and function.

What symptoms in pets require fish oil supplementation

How can you tell if your pet needs a fish oil supplement? You can look at your cat’s and dog’s skin, coat, and joints. Let’s talk about it in detail below.

Skin and coat problems

Fish oil is often recommended for cats and dogs with dry, itchy skin, dull coats or excessive hair loss. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help nourish the skin from within, improving skin health, reducing inflammation and promoting a shiny, healthy coat.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Pets with IBD, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, can benefit from fish oil supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce intestinal inflammation, relieve symptoms and support gastrointestinal health in pets with IBD.

Joint Problems

Cats and dogs with arthritis, stiff joints or limited mobility may benefit from fish oil supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint inflammation and relieve symptoms associated with joint disease. Fish oil may promote joint health and improve mobility in pets with joint problems. Pet Joint Care Products

Allergies

Pets with allergies, including food or environmental allergies, may experience symptoms such as skin inflammation, itching or ear infections. The anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil may help minimize your pet’s allergic reactions and relieve allergy-related symptoms.

Heart Health

Pets with or at risk for heart disease may benefit from fish oil supplementation. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, including lowering triglyceride levels, supporting normal heart rhythms and promoting overall heart health.

How to choose fish oil for cats and dogs?

A well-absorbed fatty acid pattern is key to choosing a fish oil (the RTG form greatly enhances Omega-3 concentrations, as well as the absorption of EPA and DHA).

Purity and Quality: Choose a high quality, pure fish oil product. Make sure the fish oil has undergone strict quality control and is not contaminated with heavy metals, pollutants or other harmful substances. Check the product’s quality certificate or with the manufacturer for information about the product’s purity before purchasing.

Omega-3 content: Check the label to determine the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in each serving, especially EPA and DHA, which are the active ingredients in fish oils that provide health benefits. Look for supplements with high levels of EPA and DHA per serving.

Fish sources: Fish oil can come from a variety of fish. Some common sources include anchovies, sardines, mackerel and salmon. These smaller fish are usually lower in toxins and contaminants than larger fish such as tuna or shark. Choose fish oils derived from fish with lower levels of known environmental contaminants.

Additives: Some fish oil products may have other nutrients, such as vitamin E, added to help keep the oil stable. Make sure these additives are safe for your pet as well.

Form of supplement: Fish oil supplements come in different forms, including softgels, capsules and liquids. Choose a form that is easy to take and suits your preference.

HsViko’s is the largest pet fish oil manufacturer in China, with a fish oil machine that can produce 3 million capsules in 6 hours and 60,000 bottles of deep sea fish oil per day. We are looking for agents worldwide to provide customized, OEM and ODM services for pet fish oil. From raw materials to finished products, we inspect all levels to ensure the safety and efficacy of the fish oil! Contact us for a great start!

The best fish oil products for pets

How to determine the effectiveness of fish oil products

Health Goals: Identify specific health goals for taking fish oil supplements. Common goals include supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, promoting brain function, or improving joint health. Evaluate whether the product meets your desired health outcomes.

Omega-3 Content: Check the label to see how much of the two main omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, is in each serving. These two fatty acids are the active ingredients in fish oil and have health benefits. In general, the higher the concentration of EPA and DHA per serving, the more effective the fish oil.

Consequences of Effectiveness: In dogs and cats with allergic/inflammatory skin conditions, symptoms such as scratching, itching and redness may improve with supplementation. Studies have shown that fatty acid levels will reach a steady state within a month of starting supplementation. Therefore, it may take up to a month for you to feel a noticeable change.

What do I need to be aware of when supplementing fish oil for cats and dogs?

Size and Breed of Animal: Different breeds and sizes of animals require different amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids to maintain optimal cellular health.

Life stage: Growing puppies and kittens often need more omega-3s (especially DHA) for proper retinal and brain development.

Health conditions: Diseases affecting the heart, kidneys, joints and inflammatory responses often require more EPA+DHA.

Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3:omega-6, omega-3:omega-6 = 1:5 and below is usually recommended.

Are there any side effects of fish oil products for pets

Fish oil supplements for pets are usually safe, but overuse or consumption of expired fish oil can lead to some side effects. Below are the possible side effects and precautions to consider with fish oil for pets.

Digestive Problems: Excessive consumption of fish oil in cats and dogs may cause them to develop diarrhea, vomiting, or other digestive problems. Be sure to feed your pet the correct dosage as recommended by the product label or your veterinarian.

Blood Coagulation Problems: High doses of Omega-3 fatty acids may affect blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Extra caution is needed when using fish oils, especially if your pet is undergoing surgery or has a pre-existing bleeding tendency.

Immune System Effects: High doses of fish oil may affect the immune system of some pets. In some cases, too much Omega-3 fatty acids may suppress the immune system, making pets more susceptible to infections.

Allergic reactions: Some pets may be allergic to certain ingredients in fish oil. If your pet develops allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, shortness of breath or intestinal discomfort, stop using fish oil and consult your veterinarian.

Fish oil oxidizes: Fish oil is prone to oxidation, which can lead to product deterioration. Reduce the risk of oxidation by choosing a high-quality fish oil, keeping it sealed, and using it as soon as possible after opening the bottle.

Where to buy fish oil products?

Fish oil products can be purchased at pet stores, veterinary clinics and online pet health stores. If you are a pet store, veterinary clinic or other store, you can contact us to become a partner and get fully customized, wholesale at very low prices. Get free samples!