Why Do Dogs and Cats Need Fish Oil?
Why give dogs and cats fish oil? And is more Omega-3 always better?
What do EPA, DHA and DPA actually do?
Omega-3 fatty acids are "essential fatty acids" — pets cannot make them and must get them from food. Seafood and fish are the main sources, which is the biggest reason pets need fish oil.
When choosing a food you'll see many brands making much of "high Omega-3" content. But is that Omega-3 in a form your pet can actually use?
In fact, Omega-3 comes in several different types, and when a pet takes in a type it can't use effectively, the supplement is essentially empty.
What we should buy is fish oil with a high concentration and purity of EPA / DHA / DPA.
EPA, DHA, DPA — what do they do?
- EPA: US FDA-recognised for lowering triglycerides; scientists believe it also lowers blood lipids, improves circulation and reduces cardiovascular disease.
- DHA: supports development of the eyes, nervous tissue and brain, and cardiovascular health.
- DPA: thought to improve the uptake of DHA in the blood and to support nerve health.
Omega-3 dogs and cats cannot convert efficiently — ALA: a plant-derived Omega-3 (e.g. flaxseed oil). Humans can convert some ALA to EPA and DHA, but in dogs conversion efficiency is very poor (0–10%), and in cats almost nil.
How to choose a good fish oil
- Choose raw material from reputable, high-quality international suppliers, ensuring stable EPA/DHA content and freedom from heavy-metal contamination.
- Choose high-concentration, high-purity EPA/DHA/DPA so utilisation is highest and there's no worry about Omega-3 overload.
- Choose the rTG form. Common fish-oil forms are:
- TG: the least processed natural form, best absorbed, but lower concentration.
- EE: concentrated by extraction, high concentration but poorly absorbed.
- rTG: EE converted back into TG form — high purity and good absorption, the best form on the market today.
In short, don't chase the headline Omega-3 percentage. Focus on EPA/DHA/DPA concentration and the form of the oil to give your pet the best fish oil.
Real Power Fish Oil — Marine Essence formula
- Dual fish oils × NTU-licensed microalgae oil — stable EPA and DHA, stable results
- Super-vitamin: Icelandic "red ruby" astaxanthin
- Double lecithin for higher absorption
References
- Dominguez TE, Kaur K. Enhanced omega-3 index after long- versus short-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in dogs.
- Smith CE, Freeman LM, Rush JE, Cunningham SM, Biourge V. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Boxer Dogs with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.
- Lenox CE, Bauer JE. Potential Adverse Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dogs and Cats.