Best Natural Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs & Cats
Not all omega-3s are created equal. Here’s the science behind EPA, DHA, and ALA, and which sources actually deliver for your pet.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in the health of both dogs and cats. These beneficial fats support everything from brain development and immune function to joint health and skin condition. However, not all omega-3s are created equal, and pet owners must understand the different types, sources, and recommended amounts to optimize their pets’ diets. In this blog, I’ll explain the science behind omega-3s, the mechanism by which they work, and my professional recommendations as a pet nutritionist.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are essential in the diet because pets cannot synthesize them on their own. They are primarily known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in cellular function. Omega-3s are characterized by a double bond at the third carbon from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain, making them unique compared to other types of fats.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids that are relevant to pet nutrition:
- 1Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
- 2Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
- 3Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
Each of these fatty acids plays a distinct role in the body, and their sources and bioavailability vary significantly.
How omega-3s work in the body
Omega-3s exert their effects through incorporation into cell membranes, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and influence on gene expression. EPA and DHA are primarily involved in anti-inflammatory processes and are precursors to specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), such as resolvins and protectins, which actively reduce inflammation (Calder, 2021). These fatty acids also play a key role in brain function, retinal health, and cardiovascular support.
ALA, on the other hand, is a precursor to EPA and DHA but has a very low conversion rate in dogs and cats (Pawlosky et al., 2001). Because of this, direct sources of EPA and DHA are preferred over ALA when formulating diets for pets.
Types of omega-3s and their functions
Reduces inflammation, supports joint health, and promotes cardiovascular function.
Essential for brain development, cognitive function, and eye health.
Found in plant sources but poorly converted to EPA and DHA in pets, making it a less effective source of omega-3s.
Best omega-3 sources for dogs and cats
Best for EPA and DHA:
- Salmon, rich in EPA and DHA, highly bioavailable.
- Sardines, small, nutrient-dense fish with high omega-3 content.
- Mackerel, a fatty fish with high levels of EPA and DHA.
- Anchovies, small fish with concentrated omega-3s and low risk of contaminants.
- Herring, a common source of omega-3s in pet food and supplements.
- Krill oil, a sustainable source of omega-3s with added astaxanthin for antioxidant benefits.
- Algal oil, a plant-based marine source of DHA, great for pets with fish allergies.
- Cod liver oil, provides omega-3s along with vitamin D and A (must be used cautiously).
ALA sources, less effective for EPA and DHA conversion:
- Flaxseeds, high in ALA, though conversion to EPA/DHA is minimal in pets.
- Chia seeds, rich in ALA and fiber, can be sprinkled on food.
- Hemp seeds, contains ALA and a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
- Walnut oil, a plant-based source of ALA, though should be given in moderation.
- Eggs (omega-3 enriched), not only high in protein, eggs from hens fed omega-3-rich diets contain DHA.
- Grass-fed beef, contains higher omega-3s compared to grain-fed beef.
- Green-lipped mussels, a natural source of EPA, DHA, and joint-supporting compounds like glucosamine.
While plant-based sources like flaxseed and chia contain high levels of ALA, they are not the best sources for pets due to their low conversion efficiency to EPA and DHA. Marine-based oils, such as fish and algal oil, provide preformed EPA and DHA, making them more beneficial.
Best retail omega-3 supplements for pets
If you’d rather buy a ready-made supplement than assemble omega-3s from whole food sources, here are five worth considering, spanning liquid, softgel, and blended formats.
- Triglyceride-form fish oil for better absorption, with 142 mg EPA and 92 mg DHA per serving at the small-pet strength.
- NASC certified and third-party tested for heavy metals down to 0.1 ppm, well below industry standards.
- No added flavoring or synthetic dyes, a good pick for pets sensitive to additives.
- Made from wild-caught, never farmed Alaskan salmon, pollock, and whitefish oil.
- Blends EPA and DHA with naturally occurring antioxidants and vitamins rather than fish oil alone.
- NASC member with independently audited sourcing and sustainability practices.
- Combines Alaskan pollock and salmon oil for EPA and DHA aimed at skin and coat support.
- Pump-dispensed liquid that’s easy to portion and mix straight into food.
- One of the more palatable options, useful for picky eaters who reject plain fish oil.
- Combines fish oil with wheat germ oil for a fuller omega 3, 6, and 9 profile rather than omega-3 alone.
- Includes biotin for additional coat support alongside the fatty acids.
- Manufactured in the United States with a lower price point than several premium competitors.
- Sourced from anchovy and sardine oil rather than salmon, a more sustainable and lower-contaminant option.
- Softgel format can be given whole or broken open onto food, useful for dosing smaller cats precisely.
- Blends borage seed, flaxseed, and fish oils to cover ALA, GLA, EPA, and DHA in one product.
As always, confirm dosage with your vet based on your pet’s weight and health history, and introduce any new supplement gradually.
Omega-3 vs omega-6, key differences
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential polyunsaturated fats, but they have different roles in the body:
Primarily anti-inflammatory, supporting joint, skin, heart, and brain health.
Promote inflammation, essential for skin and coat health but must be balanced with omega-3s to prevent excessive inflammation.
Most commercial pet foods contain high levels of omega-6s from vegetable oils (e.g. corn, soybean, sunflower oil), making omega-3 supplementation essential to restore a healthy balance.
Recommended daily intake of omega-3s for pets
The ideal daily dosage of omega-3s varies depending on the pet’s size, health condition, and dietary needs. General recommendations based on research and veterinary guidelines suggest:
For example, a 20 kg dog would require between 1,000 and 2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily. It is crucial to balance omega-3s with omega-6s in the diet to prevent an imbalance that could negate the anti-inflammatory effects (Bauer, 2011).
Pet nutritionist’s recommendation
As a companion animal nutritionist, I strongly advocate for the inclusion of omega-3s in pet diets, particularly from marine-based sources. Based on my experience and review of the scientific literature, I recommend the following:
Incorporating the right omega-3 sources into your pet’s diet can have a profound impact on their overall health, from reducing inflammation to supporting cognitive and cardiovascular function. Given the strong evidence supporting the benefits of EPA and DHA, I highly recommend that pet owners make omega-3 supplementation a part of their pets’ regular dietary routine.
Andrea Geiger is a certified companion animal nutritionist with a master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition. With over five years of experience in product development and consulting, Andrea specializes in creating science-based nutrition plans and formulating recipes that prioritize pet health, ensuring optimal nutrition for dogs and cats alike.
References
- Bauer, J. E. (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(11), 1441-1451.
- Calder, P. C. (2021). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society Transactions, 49(1), 233-245.
- Pawlosky, R. J., Hibbeln, J. R., Novotny, J. A., & Salem, N. Jr. (2001). Physiological compartmental analysis of alpha-linolenic acid metabolism in adult humans. The Journal of Lipid Research, 42(8), 1257-1265.
- Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. Nutrients, 8(3), 128.