You may have already unleashed your sexy inner Greek god or goddess by following a Mediterranean diet high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but did you know that omega-3 fats found in fish oil benefit your dog or cat too?! Not only can a fish oil supplement improve the quality of your pet’s skin and fur, but the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids also reduce arthritis pain and aid your pet’s heart, brain, and eye health. The Meowing Vet explains the roles of omega-3s in the body and how you can safely supplement your pet’s diet with fish oil. 🐟
Disclaimer: The following article is for informational purposes only. Before supplementing your pet’s diet with fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acid sources, consult with your personal veterinarian concerning recommendations, safety, and suggested doses for your pet.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Fats (or lipids) in general are vital to the body, not only serving as an energy source, but comprising the makeup of cell membranes and their receptors all over the body, also functioning in hormonal control that regulates inflammation, blood clotting, and function of arterial walls. Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential unsaturated fats that the body cannot make itself, thereby relying on diet to obtain them. This means that the key to healthy skin and a luscious hair coat (and a healthy pet in general) starts with a high quality pet food rich in omega-3 fats. (Consult your vet about nutritional analysis of your dog or cat’s pet food to ensure that your pet is receiving the balanced nutritional requirements that he or she needs.) However, dietary supplementation of omega-3s, such as via fish oils, has its place as well.
Dogs and cats with a variety of dermatological issues may benefit from omega-3 fat supplementation. Such skin and hair issues include seborrhea, atopic dermatitis (or atopy), pemphigus and lupus, dryness from frequent bathing or swimming, dryness during cold or dry weather, and skin abnormalities secondary to canine hypothyroidism. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the skin in two ways. Firstly, the skin is predominately comprised of lipid, which serves to hold in moisture and to act as a barrier to prevent foreign material (including allergens and microbial organisms) from invading the skin. If the skin is depleted of fats, it becomes dry and cracks open, allowing allergens, bacteria, and fungi to enter the skin, promoting allergic reactions (involving swelling, itchiness, and redness) and the development of skin infections (infectious dermatitis). Secondly, omega-3 fatty acids also aid the skin due to their anti-inflammatory effects, meaning that even if a break in the skin does develop, the omega-3 fats in the body will decrease the subsequent inflammatory response to such a skin injury, thereby decreasing overactive dermatologic inflammation.
Please keep in mind that improvements may take up to 4-12 weeks to be noted once omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is initiated.
Click here to learn more about essential fatty acids and other nutrient requirements of dogs and cats.
Wondering how to best manage your dog’s osteoarthritis? Click here.
How else can fish oil improve my pet’s overall health?
In addition to improving your pet’s skin and hair quality, fish oil can also improve eye, brain, kidney, gastrointestinal, heart, and joint health to due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may also mitigate the effects of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
For instance, omega-3s may alleviate GI distress in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid use in dogs with neurologic disorders (such as canine cognitive dysfunction, a.k.a. canine dementia) and behavioral issues (such as aggression) have been yielded positive results. Additionally, discuss omega-3 supplementation with your veterinarian to appropriately dose your pregnant dog or cat or growing puppy or kitten to aid nervous system and retinal development. Omega-3 fat supplements are also recommended for patients with renal disorders, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), as these fats may slow progression of such diseases.
For joint health, consult your vet about a prescription veterinary diet specially formulated to improve osteoarthritis and subsequent pain, such as Hill’s j/d, Purina JM, or Royal Canin Mobility. These diets have high amounts of omega-3 fats and are an excellent starting point to enriching your pet’s diet with omega-3s before adding in an additional supplement if indicated. In addition to reducing inflammation (and thereby, alleviating joint pain), omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to decrease cartilage degradation, perhaps slowing down further joint deterioration. After adding in an omega-3 supplement, some pets on chronic pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDS, such as carprofen, meloxicam, or firocoxib) may be able to decrease their NSAID dosages.
Moreover, cardiovascular health is also improved by omega-3 fats, which, in addition to reducing inflammation, also reduce high blood pressure and risk of strokes (a.k.a. vascular accidents), improve cardiac rate and rhythm, and aid the function of blood vessel contraction and dilation.
A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids has also been associated with decreased risk of autoimmune disease and cancer, thought to be a result of the fat binding to cellular receptors responsible for genetic regulation. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been used as an adjunctive treatment of both canine and feline patients with mammary gland adenocarcinoma (“breast cancer”) as well as in canines with lymphoma.
Do all fish oils and other omega-3 fatty acids have the same benefits?
No, not all fish oils or other omega-3 fatty acid sources are created equal. For starters, of the omega-3 fatty acids, the most active anti-inflammatory products for dogs and cats are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thus, EPA and DHA should predominate when you read the supplement product label. These are the active ingredients, and without them, the product is largely useless to your pet. Marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids, meaning fish oils rather than vegetarian or meat sources (such as grass-fed meats), contain a higher amount of EPA and DHA.
Certain vegetarian sources also serve as a source of omega-3s, including flax seeds and oil, chia seeds and oil, certain nut oils (such as walnuts), and particular vegetable and other assorted oils (canola, corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower). However, these options tend to have a higher content of omega-6 fatty acids in proportion to omega-3s, leading to an imbalance between these two fatty acids, negating the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3s in favor of the pro-inflammatory nature of omega-6 fats. (However, please note that some omega-6 fatty acids are vital to your pet. For instance, cats have a higher requirement of dietary arachidonic acid, a type of omega-6 fat required for proper skin growth, blood clotting, and gastrointestinal function. Whereas dogs are better able to convert omega-3 fatty acids into arachidonic acid, cats must largely obtain this acid from omega-6 sources. ) Additionally, plant-based oils contain more of the omega-3 fat known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), rather than EPA and DHA. Dogs and cats largely lack the ability to efficiently convert ALA into EPA and DHA, while humans have a greater ability for this conversion. Therefore, dogs and cats require an omega-3 source with higher EPA and DHA content than we humans need.
Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids may come in three forms: as a triglyceride, an ethyl ester, or a free fatty acid. Some commercially available fish oils and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements greatly reduce the ability of the body to absorb and utilize omega-3s during the manufacturing process in which the omega-3 fatty acids are converted from their utilizable natural triglyceride form into an ethyl ester form. This process can reduce the absorption (or bioavailability) of omega-3s by up to 70%. However, recent improvements in fish oil processing allow the omega-3 fatty acids to remain in their natural triglyceride form, increasing the body’s ability to obtain more use of the healthy fat. A step above triglyceride form is free fatty acid form, which not only allows for good absorption of the fats by the GI tract, but free forms also contain a higher concentration of EPA and DHA in comparison to triglycerides. Free Form™ Snip Tips or Liquid by Bayer is available in this ideal formulation.
What oral omega-3 fatty acid supplements should I discuss with my veterinarian?
I ideally recommend a veterinary product from your vet’s office when choosing a fish oil supplement for your pet. Products currently on the market include Free Form™ Snip Tips or Liquid by Bayer; Derma-3 Softgels, Twist Caps, or Liquid by Sogeval; EicosaDerm Liquid by Dechra; AllerG3 Capsules or Liquid by Vetoquinol; Allerderm EFA-Caps by Virbac; Omega-3 Pet by Nordic Naturals; and Welactin by Nutramax. Otherwise, you need to really be careful if choosing an over-the-counter (OTC) option since not all fish oils are equally effective. OTC products may be targeted for the veterinary market or either intended for the human market. Regardless of your choice, the predominate ingredient needs to be omega-3 fatty acids, and of the omega-3s, EPA and DHA should predominate.
As far as whether to choose a liquid, tablet, or capsule form, consider your pet’s size and dosage needs. If you have a large dog, tablets or capsules are typically easier and less expensive than a liquid product (and less smelly!). Appropriate dosing with capsules may be difficult for small dogs and cats, so you may wish to opt for a liquid or tablet form.
Can I choose an over-the-counter product?
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee the regulation of many human dietary supplements. Therefore, be sure to choose a product from a reliable company. We want a product that is not only efficacious but also one that is safe and free of heavy metal toxins (such as mercury) and other chemicals and welfare concerns (such as those associated with farm-raised salmon). Current recommendations for fish oil sources are those from wild, non-predatory fish species with a high fat content, such as sardines and anchovies.
One of the best OTC product that I have found so far is a human one: Nature’s Bounty® 1400 mg Fish Oil capsules containing 980 mg of omega-3s (comprised of 647 mg of EPA and 253 mg of DHA). It is packaged in a green plastic bottle and can be found at most human pharmacies or grocery stores as well as online. This product comes in capsule form rather than a liquid. For the most part, I recommend encapsulated or tablet forms of fish oil as they are less prone than liquid formulations to oxidation, which inactivates the product and promotes the development of harmful free radicals. However, some OTC capsule formulas, such as this one by Nature’s Bounty®, may be more difficult to appropriately dose smaller dogs and cats, as previously discussed.
If you are unsure whether your OTC product is in free fatty acid, triglyceride, or ethyl ester form, consult the manufacturer. Also call the product manufacturer if you have questions about quality control such as omega-3 content testing and screening for heavy metals and microbes.
What are the dosing directions for fish oil supplements for pets?
If you are using a veterinarian product, follow the dosage directions on the label, or ask your vet for special instructions. Consult with your veterinarian prior to attempting to dose your pet with any over-the-counter supplement, especially those marketed primarily for human use.
For skin improvement, give 66 mg/kg/day (or 30 mg/lb/day) of combined EPA+DHA.
For osteoarthritis improvement, give 70-100 mg/kg/day (or 32-45 mg/lb/day) of combined EPA+DHA.
Suggestions for OTC dosing of fish oil supplements for dogs and cats:
Step 1: Look at the product label and add the number of milligrams of EPA with the number of milligrams of DHA to obtain your combined EPA+DHA total.
Step 2: Weigh your pet. If you have a bathroom scale, first weigh yourself, then pick up your pet and look at that weight on the scale. Subtract your solo weight on the scale from the combined weight of you and your pet together to calculate your pet’s weight. [i.e. (Human+Pet) – Human = Pet]
Step 3: Figure out how many milligrams of combined EPA+DHA that your pet requires per day. For example, if your dog weighs 22 pounds (equivalent to 10 kilograms) and you want to improve his skin (requiring 30 mg/lb/day), he would require 660 milligrams (mg) of EPA+DHA daily (22 pounds X 30 mg/lb/day = 660 mg). If you wanted to improve joint health instead, he would require between 704 to 990 mg of combined EPA+DHA per day to notice improvement of osteoarthritis pain and stiffness (22 pounds X 32-45 mg/lb/day = 704 mg up to 990 mg).
Step 4: Divide your pet’s dose requirement in milligrams by the combined EPA+DHA amount in your product of choice to calculate how much of the product you need to give per day. Then, multiply by 100%. For instance, if you’re using Nature’s Bounty® 1400 mg Fish Oil capsules containing 980 mg of omega-3s (comprised of 647 mg of EPA and 253 mg of DHA): your 22 pound dog would need about 2/3 of a capsule by mouth per day for skin improvement (660 mg required / 980 mg in the product = 0.67. 0.67 X 100% = 67%, which is roughly 66% or 2/3 of a capsule.) That same sized dog would require up to a whole capsule for joint improvement (990 mg required at the upper level / 980 mg in the product = 101%, which rounds to 100% or an entire capsule). If your pet requires 2/3 of a capsule, how can you dose in this way? Consider using a clean syringe obtained by your veterinarian to pull out roughly 2/3 of the fish oil in the capsule and squirt on your pet’s food or by mouth. Alternatively, you may make a small nick in the capsule and press out roughly 2/3 of the contents directly onto your pet’s food.
How can I help my pet adjust to fish oil supplements?
Since additional fats to your pet’s diet has the potential of causing some GI upset (such as loose stools), start with half the recommended dose for a few days, and as long as your pet tolerates that dose well, increase to the recommended dose.
Other side effects of oral fish oil supplements include “fishy”-smelling breath and burps. This side effect is more common with liquid rather than encapsulated formulas. This unpleasant odor may be further reduced by choosing a product with omega-3 fatty acids in their natural triglyceride form rather than the less absorbable and less effective ethyl ester form.
Are there topical options for omega-3 fatty acids?
Yes! If your pet is having serious skin issues, ask your pet about a topical omega-3 fatty acid supplement to use in concert with the oral fish oil. Such topical veterinary products include Dermoscent Essential 6® Spot-On treatment or HyLyt® Bath Oil Spray, both manufactured by Bayer, or the DOUXO® Calming line of shampoos, mousse, and gel. These products replenish the skin’s fat barrier to rehydrate the skin and may be especially helpful in cases of canine or feline atopic dermatitis (or atopy) in which the body has a genetic predisposition to skin barrier disruptions and responds with excessive inflammation to environmental allergens. If your pet has atopy and is on immunosuppressant medications such as cyclosporine (Atopica®) for management, the addition of omega-3 fatty acids in oral and topical form may allow for lower doses of cyclosporine. Cases of recurrent pyoderma (skin infections), feline chin acne, sebaceous adenitis, color dilution alopecia, certain ear infections and oily ear margins, as well as cases of idiopathic nasal or footpad hyperkeratosis have also improved with use of such products. These topical products also deodorize the skin, meaning your pet may require less medicated baths. Win-win!
Summary of the Key Points:
- Omega-3 fatty acids that predominate in fish oils have anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit multiple body systems, including the skin and joints.
- Opt for a marine rather than vegetarian source of omega-3 fats for your dog or cat (i.e. a fish oil).
- Search for a fish oil that is predominately made from wild sardines and/or anchovies.
- Ideally, consult with your vet about a veterinary product for omega-3 supplementation.
- If you must choose an over-the-counter product, select one from a reputable company and one that is high in EPA and DHA. Ask you vet for dosing advice for your pet.
- Free fatty acid forms are the best but may be more difficult to come by. Triglyceride form is the second best choice and is more readily available. Avoid omega-3 supplements in ethyl ester form.
- Consider adding a topical treatment to use with an oral omega-3 fatty acid supplement to optimize skin improvement.
If your dog or cat’s coat starts looking a little dull or his or her skin becomes flaky, talk with your vet and try some fish oil per The Meowing Vet‘s recommendations. Or if your pet’s osteoarthritis is worsening, consider fish oil supplementation to reduce joint inflammation. Ask your veterinarian today if an omega-3 fatty acid supplement in either oral or topical form may benefit your pet. And while you’re at it, consult your own human physician about a fish oil supplement for your own health! 🐟
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– Maranda Elswick, DVM
Special thanks to Kenneth W. Kwochka, DVM, Diplomate ACVD, and Michael Kraun, DVM, DACVS-SA
