Why Your Pets Need Fish Oil

Liquid fish oil is the perfect addition to your pet’s diet. Fish oil supplies the protective omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Your dog or cat can’t produce their own EPA and DHA so they must get them through diet.

Unfortunately, most pet food contains zero EPA and DHA but is high in the competing pro-inflammatory omega-6 fat. If you’ve never read the ingredient list for your pet’s food, you’ll be in for a shock. Corn, soy, and refined oils feature prominently in many brands of cat and dog food. Even if you invest in higher quality pet food that provides real meat, it’s almost impossible to get a truly healthy food because the meat will be high in omega-6s. Aside from cooking for your pet with cold water fish and free-range meat, it’s almost impossible to balance their omegas.

How Fish Oil Protects Your Pet's Health

The type of fat your pet eats is used to synthesize the lipid membrane for cells in the body. When the cell lipid layers are made up of omega-3 fats, the cell will be more fluid and healthier, allowing for messages to pass more quickly from cell to cell. This matters because the cell membrane is a dynamic structure that manages the vast majority of life processes.

Cells that are made up of too many omega-6 fats release harmful compounds. Known as cytokines, these compounds circulate in the body and damage tissues. They lead to a range of health problems, including joint arthritis, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, skin disorders, cognitive decline, and behavioral issues. Supplementing with fish oil is an easy solution!

Studies show benefits of supplementing with fish oil in both dogs and cats.

Fish oil can prevent irregular heart rhythm in dogs. It also works to reduce blood clots from forming in cats with heart disease.

If you want your pet to have a silky, shiny coat, give them fish oil. Fish oil counters itching, scratching, and other symptoms linked with dermatitis.

Fish oil protects the kidneys and the brain, discouraging aggressive behaviors and allowing your pet to spend more time in snuggle mode.

The joints need fish oil for optimal function. Healthy joints ensure your pet can be playful pep as the years go by.

Fish oil protects against cancers and may help preserve metabolic health to avoid obesity and diabetes.

Supplementation Tips

Fish oil comes in liquid form. Add it directly to your pet’s food.

Check with your vet about the optimal dose for your pet’s needs.

Always measure liquid forms carefully. There’s no risk of toxicity from high-quality fish oil, however, too much can lead to diarrhea.

Look for the triglyceride form of fish oil over the ester ethyl form because the triglyceride form is easier for your pet to absorb.

Avoid feeding your pet fish oil made for humans because this will provide other fatty acids that your pet doesn’t need. Some forms of fish oil, such as cod liver oil, contain vitamin A and D, which can lead to excess consumption of those two nutrients. Don't give flax oil to cats and dogs because they are unable to convert the plant-based omega-3 ALA to DHA and EPA.

Buy from a reputable company that tests their fish oil. You want to avoid to a low-quality oil that can go rancid or be contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.