Fish Oil for Cats: How to Determine Daily Dosage

As is known to us all, fish oil has a great deal of benefits for cats. Most pet owners are pretty willing to supplement their stuffed felines with fish oil as well. But when we bring home fish oil, we realize a common question: how much fish oil should I feed my cat? It’s not just a question about quantity, it’s a question about our cat’s nutritional needs and health.

Why fish oil is so beneficial for cats

Fish oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids (DHA, EPA), which are essential for your cat’s coat health, heart function, and immune system. Moderate fish oil supplementation can help improve your cat’s quality of life and prevent a number of health problems. Six Benefits Of Fish Oil For Cats

What are the side effects of taking fish oil incorrectly?

However, fish oil is actually a double-edged sword. Not only will it not provide protection if taken incorrectly, but it can also jeopardize the cat’s health.

Some cats may be sensitive to digestive problems caused by fish oil, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. Since cats already have a delicate stomach and intestines, the high fat content in fish oil can cause digestive problems and other symptoms. It’s not too serious, but it’s the cat that suffers!

Fish oil has anticoagulant properties that may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, if your cat is undergoing surgery, has a tendency to bleed, or is taking anticoagulant medication, fish oil may need to be used with caution. It is advisable not to use fish oil in this case.

If cats ingest too much fish oil while neglecting other nutrients, it may lead to a dietary imbalance. This can affect the overall health and normal functions of cats. For example, a lack of protein may cause muscle atrophy and a weakened immune system, while a deficiency in vitamins and minerals may result in bone issues and compromised immune function. To avoid dietary imbalances, it is crucial to provide cats with suitable dosages of fish oil.

How much fish oil should you feed your cat? 

Most pet food manufacturers typically include recommended feeding amounts on their product labels. Hsviko’s Emulsified Fish Oil has been researched by experts to provide a precise explanation of the dosage to be used for cats, making it easy for pooper scoopers to feed them. If not, you could do as follows:

• 
  Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement Capsules for Dogs and Cats
• 
  Omega 3 Deep Sea Emulsified Fish Oil for Pets
• 
  Liquid omega 3 deep sea fish oil for dogs and cats

Although there is no clear agreement on the optimal dosage of omega-3 for animals, local veterinarians and the reputable National Research Council, which focuses on scientific research, generally suggest the following weight-based guidelines for cats:

Weight-based

About 20–55 mg (EPA and DHA/omega-3 fatty acids) per pound of body weight.

5-pound cat, the dosage would range from 100 to 275 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day.

10-pound cat, the dosage would range from 200 to 550 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day.

15-pound cat, the dosage would range from 300 to 825 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day.

Again, the question arises, how should you measure such a small quantity

Let’s take 1 gram of fish oil capsule (like Hsviko’s fish oil capsule) as an example.

Small-weight cats: one capsule in three or four days.

Medium-weight cats: one capsule in two days.

Large-weight cats: one capsule per day or two capsules in three days.

At the same time, you can feed your cat the right dosage of fish oil based on your understanding of the data above and your cat’s individual circumstances.

Cat’s condition 

Certain health conditions may require higher or lower dosages or even specific formulations of fish oil. If cats have certain diseases, like pancreatitis or liver disease, they may need to limit their intake of fish oil.If the cat’s hair is rough, dry, colorless, and has dandruff, it requires supplementing with liquid fish oil.

Age

For growing kittens: 

Kittens are in a stage of growth and development and have a high demand for nutrition. However, their digestive system and metabolism are relatively weak. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a low dose of fish oil for kittens and gradually increase it to the recommended amount.

For adult cats: 

The nutritional requirements of adult cats are relatively stable, and the amount of fish oil to be fed can be determined according to their size and health condition.

For elderly cats: 

Elderly cats may face some health problems, such as cardiovascular disease or arthritis. A moderate amount of fish oil can help maintain their health. However, due to the decreased metabolic capacity of older cats, it is recommended to reduce the amount of fish oil fed and closely monitor its response.

In short, you are advised to determine your cat’s diet’s total intake of EPA and DHA to ensure safe and economical omega-3 supplementation. If you are still unsure how much fish oil is for your cat, you are encouraged to consult with your veterinarian for specific guidance tailored to your cat’s needs. They will be able to provide the most accurate advice for your cat’s specific situation.