Omega-3 for Cats: Safe Supplement Tips for Pet Owners
One of the easiest ways to make your pet healthier is to include an omega-3 for cats.
These potent fatty acids help your cat’s skin, coat, joint health, brain function, and heart health.
But understanding the right dose, source, and safety guidelines before you add them to your cat’s routine is paramount.
This article covers everything you need to know about omega-3 for cats: Benefits, dosage, risks, and the safest supplements available.
What Is Omega-3 for Cats?
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of these essential fats that your cat is unable to create.
They have to be diet or supplement-derived.
EPA and DHA aren’t the only important omega-3s, however; there are three primary types of omega-3 fatty acids in total: EPA, DHA, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
EPA and DHA are present in fish and marine oils, and ALA is a component of flaxseed.
In cats, EPA and DHA are the best forms, as their bodies are not very good at converting ALA into these usable forms.
These acids affect everything from cellular structure to hormonal equilibrium.
The result of being absent from your cat’s diet is slowly building health conditions.
Fatty fish such as Hoki eel and salmon are good sources of omega-3 for cats.
Some high-end cat foods do supplement omega-3s, but many of these are not enough to meet your cat’s full requirements.
Benefits of Omega-3 for Cats
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are instrumental in maintaining your cat's health.
They work to keep your pet's skin and coat healthy, while also minimizing dryness, itching, and extreme shedding (1).
Cats with shiny, silky coats are frequently reaping the benefits of a diet high in omega-3s.
Omega-3s help cardiovascular and arthritic health by combating inflammation.
Omega-3 has also been shown to help older or arthritic cats get around more easily (2).
These fats are also beneficial for the heart and brain.
And DHA specifically is a big deal for brain function, which could potentially help aging cats stay sharp and alert (3).
Those omega-3s support immune system function, so that your cat can fight off infection and keep inflammation in check (4).
How Much Omega-3 Should I Give My Cat Daily?
The specific quantity will vary based on your cat’s size, age, and health.
Veterinarians typically recommend 20 to 50 mg combined EPA and DHA per pound of your dog’s body weight.
The average 10 lb cat should get about 200-500 mg per day.
Kittens and older cats may need a little more or a little less, depending on growth needs and age-related dietary requirements.
As always, be sure to measure it out carefully, as consuming too much can lead to a whole host of adverse side effects.
If you have concerns, it is best to ask your vet before overdosing or underdosing.
Can I Give My Cat Human Omega-3?
It might sound like a good idea to give your fish oil capsules, but this can be dangerous.
There can be additives and flavorings that cats shouldn’t have in human products that may have a good level of Omega-3.
Some could even have essential oils or preservatives that are harmful to pets.
Cats require products designed just for cats.
Opt for a cat-safe omega-3 supplement to guarantee the right amount of EPA and DHA without unhealthy fillers.
Whenever possible, search for products that are explicitly labeled for pets and supported by third-party purity testing.
Side Effects of Omega-3 for Cats
Omega-3 is one situation where more isn’t always better.
Some cats can get diarrhoea, soft stool, or upset tummies.
It may thin the blood at higher doses, which can be a contraindication with clotting disorders.
Unusual side effects are weight gain due to excessive calorie intake if the preparation is not properly dosed.
To prevent problems, slowly introduce omega-3 and follow dosage guidelines closely.
Lower the dose and contact your veterinarian if your cat becomes unusually symptomatic.
Best Omega-3 Sources for Cats
Fish oil is still the most readily available and potent source of omega-3 for cats.
The richest and most abundant source of EPA + DHA comes from fatty cold water fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies.
Krill oil is another possibility, but it presents sustainability concerns.
Some cat foods contain omega-3s, but supplements frequently have a more reliable quality.
When selecting a supplement, look for purity, sustainability, and freedom from artificial additives on the label.
Wild Foods promotes ethical oils that are not only good for your cat but also great for the planet.
This is fitting as it falls in line with a natural solution that finds its strength in actual nourishment, not artificial solutions.
Picking The Right Omega-3 Supplement For Your Cat
Begin with careful reading of ingredient labels.
Seek pure sources of fish oils with listed EPA and DHA.
Steer clear of supplements that contain fillers, flavors, and artificial preservatives you don't need.
Look for certifications or third-party testing to validate purity.
Fish oils that are sustainably sourced, meanwhile, are both better for your cat and the environment.
At Wild Foods, our mission is simple and easy: to provide the cleanest, healthiest nutrition while supporting nature.
Selecting supplements that share this philosophy can help guarantee your pet will enjoy the quality of life you desire for them.
Final Thoughts
Omega-3 for cats is more than just a supplement — it’s a natural approach to rewild your cat’s health.
Skin and coat, joints, heart, brain - omega-3s provide a solid foundation for lifelong health.
By selecting safe, high-quality sources, you’re giving your cat the level of purity and sustainability that you’d expect from your own foods.
ReWilding your pet’s diet begins with one simple change.
Supplementing omega-3 could do your cat wonders!
Check out Wild Foods’ pure omega-3 products and discover just how easy it is to provide your cat with nature’s best.
🧴 No Fillers. No Fishy Smell. Just Results. Try Wild Pets Liquid Fish Oil and feel the difference with your pets today. 🧴
FAQs about Omega-3 for Cats
What is omega-3 good for in cats?
Omega-3 maintains healthy skin and coat, supports joint health, heart health, and normal brain function, is a natural anti-inflammatory, and promotes balanced immunity.
How much Omega-3 do I give my cat per day?
Most cats should get 20–50 mg of EPA and DHA per lb body weight.
Is it safe to give my cat omega-3 from fish oil?
Yes, as long as its formula is specifically designed for cats and doesn’t contain any dangerous additives.
What are the defects of omega-3 for cats?
Potential adverse effects are diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, and blood thinning at high doses.
Is omega-3 good for cats with kidney disease?
Sure, it may promote kidney health and slash inflammation, but be sure to make a consultation with your vet.
Related Studies
1. Title: The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine diets
Cats supplemented with fish oil (high in EPA and DHA) showed a reduced skin inflammatory response compared to those on a control diet, indicating benefits for skin and coat health.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11161904/
2. Title: The effect of dietary long-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on owners' perception of behaviour and locomotion in cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis
Omega-3 supplementation (EPA and DHA) improved activity, gait stiffness, stair climbing, interaction, and jumping in cats with osteoarthritis, demonstrating improved mobility.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22882740/
3. Title: Enhancing cognitive functions in aged dogs and cats: a systematic review
DHA and EPA have significant positive effects on cognition in aging cats, improving learning, memory, and overall brain function when administered at sufficient doses.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12181554/
4. Title: Dietary fish oil and flaxseed oil suppress inflammation and immunity in cats
Fish oil omega-3s increased EPA and DHA in cat plasma and skin, reducing skin inflammatory responses and certain immune cell populations, indicating anti-inflammatory benefits.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21440312/
