Omega-3s can provide amazing benefits for your pet’s heart, joints, skin, coat, and much more. Learn all about fish oil for dogs and cats from the experts at the Fuzzy Butts blog.
Does your pet suffer from dry skin, arthritis, joint pain, or a weakened immune system? Would you like to support your dog or cat’s overall health and reduce chronic pain naturally? If so, fish oil might be just the supplement you’re looking for!
Omega-3s can provide amazing benefits for both dogs and cats. Your pet’s skin, coat, kidneys, joints, heart, and immune system are all supported by the essential fatty acids in fish oil.
Here’s everything pet parents need to know about the benefits of fish oil for dogs and cats.
The Four Key Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats
- Fish oil contains EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid with incredible anti-inflammatory properties. It’s especially beneficial for pets and people with conditions that cause inflammation in the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart- including arthritis and joint pain, as well as heart disease.
- Fish oil reduces inflammation caused by allergies and even reduces itching and dry skin. It’s incredibly beneficial for pets who suffer from hot spots and recurring skin infections.
- The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce shedding and promote a healthy, shiny coat. Cats who receive fish oil may have fewer hairballs since they won’t ingest as much loose hair when they are grooming themselves.
- Fish oil also contains DHA, which is an essential fatty acid that promotes the healthy development of the eyes and brain in baby animals. Giving it to pregnant animals is crucial for their offspring’s development.
The Best Fish Oil Supplement for Pets
The best fish oil supplement for pets is made from sustainably sourced, wild-caught, cold-water fish. Make sure the product is 100% pure fish oil, is made in the USA, and contains no mercury or other toxins. You also want a supplement that’s made from human-grade ingredients and contains a high concentration of the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.
The Essential Fatty Acids in Fish Oil
There are two essential fatty acids found in fish oil. They are called EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Just like humans, dogs and cats can only make these omega-3 fatty acids in very limited amounts. These two fatty acids are found naturally in fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, anchovies, black cod, and herring.
What Makes Fish Oil So Effective?
So, how does fish oil work and why is it so beneficial for pets? DHA and EPA are both essential components of the cell membranes of animals and people. These amazing fatty acids actually send signals to our cells to decrease inflammation.
Reducing inflammation means less pain and redness because there’s less swelling in the organs, joints, and skin.
DHA is also crucial for the development of neurons. It supports the growth of nerve cells and cell permeability in the brain and central nervous system.
How to Store Fish Oil Supplements
Your pets’ fish oil supplement should be stored in a place that’s protected from air, light, and heat. Choose a supplement that comes in an opaque bottle and store it in the fridge or another cool place.
How to Give an Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement for Your Pet
You can find omega-3 fish oil supplements for dogs and cats in either liquid or capsule form. Some dogs will eat the capsules if you mix them into their food. But, it’s probably easier to put the liquid on their food.
If your dog or cat won’t take the capsule form, you can easily poke a hole in the capsule and squeeze the liquid out. Every product is a little different, so you should always follow the dosage recommendations on the label or consult with your vet for dosage advice.
We do not recommend the fish oil supplements that come in a chew form because they contain a lot of fillers and unnecessary ingredients, but not nearly enough of the fish oil you do need.
Fish oil can cause an upset tummy if you introduce it too quickly. It’s best to start out with a small dose and increase it gradually to the recommended dose to avoid diarrhea.
Be sure to consult with your vet before administering fish oil, especially if your pet is on any medications or has a health condition. It may interfere with the effectiveness of some medications or have unintended side effects.
