Fish oil is a great supplement for cats. It contains fatty acids and omega 3 that has many benefits for your cat, especially if they have dry skin, joint, or heart problems.
There are many different options available, but which one is the best?
In this article, we will be discussing five of the best fish oils for cats. All of the options we have chosen are from good sources and are produced by well known and trusted brands.
We have researched these products so you do not have to. We have included a list of pros and cons for each fish oil for you to decide which one is the best option for your cat.
In addition to this, do not forget to check out our buyer’s guide. It includes everything you should know about fish oil before purchasing.
If you do not have time to read the whole article, check out in a hurry section below to find out our top pick.
We hope to cod you find this article useful!
In A Hurry?
Here is our top choice for the best fish oil for cats:
Nordic Naturals Omega-3
Available here!
In terms of quality, Nordic Naturals fish oil is one of the best. It contains only three ingredients – anchovy oil, sardine oil, and d-alpha tocopherol. It is dairy and gluten-free and contains no additives.
The fish oil is responsibly sourced and is all-natural. The product is tested by a third party to ensure that it is harmless and chemical-free. The oil is odorless so you should have no issues with your cat consuming it.
It is fantastic for your cat’s overall health and wellbeing. It will help to improve its joints, immune system, and coat.
Although it comes in a small 2oz bottle, it is reasonably priced and certainly worth purchasing.
1. Nordic Naturals Omega-3
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Nordic Naturals fish oil contains 3 ingredients – anchovy oil, sardine oil, and d-alpha tocopherol. There are no unnecessary additives, it just contains everything that your cat will need. It has an odorless taste.
This supplement is gluten and dairy-free so should not disagree with your cat’s stomach. It is non-GMO, pure, and supplied from sustainable sources.
It is tested by a third party for its purity. This is important because it shows that this product is 100% safe for your cat. The fish used is fresh and naturally caught.
It is in liquid form and comes in a glass bottle with a pipette. It is an award-winning formula that is in the triglyceride molecular form. This will help with the overall absorption of omega 3.
Nordic Natural will help to optimize your cat’s overall health. It will improve your cat’s coat, skin, heart, immune system, and joint health.
It can be purchased in a 2oz bottle. Although this is fairly small, it is reasonably priced. However, it will not last as long, which is worth keeping in mind.
Pros:
- Tested by a third party for its purity
- Does not contain unnecessary additives or ingredients
- Non-GMO and supplied from sustainable sources
Cons:
- Comes in a fairly small 2oz bottle
2. Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
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This Salmon oil is highly palatable and your cat should enjoy its taste. This is natural fish oil made from high-quality ingredients. As a brand, they partner with the best companies that focus on pet nutrition.
The fish oil used is from fresh Alaskan salmon and contains rich omega 3 fatty acids. These are EPA and DHA. The oil will help to improve your cat’s coat, and skin. It helps to encourage a healthy heart and immune system response.
If your cat suffers from arthritis or stiff joints, this fish oil can help to alleviate these symptoms. It comes with a useful pump so you do not have to worry about pouring it out of the bottle. Please note that this supplement needs to be kept in the refrigerator once it has been opened.
This salmon oil comes in a 32 oz, plastic bottle. It is the most expensive oil featured in this article. However, given that the bottle is large, it will last a good amount of time.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality ingredients from reliable sources
- Highly palatable
- High levels of EPA and DHA
Cons:
- Needs to be kept in the refrigerator once opened
3. Vital Pet Life Salmon Oil
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Vital Pet Life uses oil from Alaskan salmon that have naturally been caught on the coast. It is made in the USA and is all sustainably sourced.
The ingredients are all-natural and there are no unnecessary additives. The salmon oil is refined to ensure any toxins, mercury, and heavy metals are completely removed. It is pure and contains no toxins or GMOs.
Vital Pet Life will help with your cat’s joint pain, itching, and allergies. It can be used for several different ailments and will help improve your cat’s overall health and wellbeing. It is worth noting that the company does not state how palatable this oil is.
The oil comes in a 16oz bottle and should last a good amount of time. Considering all of the ingredients are natural and it is a big bottle of salmon oil, it is reasonably priced.
Pros:
- Refined to remove metals and mercury
- Sustainably sourced Alaskan salmon oil
- Great value for the money
Cons:
- Palatability of this oil not stated
4. Omegease Fish Oil
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Omegease Fish Oil comes in a handy 16oz pump bottle. It is good value for the money overall. Some users have noted issues with the pump breaking after a short while, however.
The company is so confident in their product that they will give you your money back within 30 days if you see no results. The oil comes with a 100% risk-free guarantee so you can be certain that it is safe for your cat.
It is 100% pure omega 3, 6, and 9. The company states that it is a better source of DHA and EPA in comparison to farmed and wild salmon. This fish oil is sourced from mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies. The oil is independently tested by a third party for any impurities, to ensure that it is safe.
The fish are caught naturally in the North Atlantic, and all of the ingredients are human-grade. There are many benefits your cat will receive from this oil, such as improved joint mobility, better skin and coat, and reduced allergens. It is palatable and does not have a fishy smell.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Its purity is tested by a third party
- It is a better source of DHA and EPA compared to some other brands
Cons:
- Some users have had issues with the pump breaking
5. Deley Naturals Fish Oil for Cats
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Deley Naturals Fish Oil comes in a 16oz plastic bottle with a pump for easy administration. It is reasonably priced and uses 100% pure Icelandic fish oil. It contains omega 3, 6, and 9 that is great for cats.
The oil is all-natural and sustainably sourced. It is GMO-free and although it has a low odor, it is not odor-free. The oil is human grade and does not contain any additives or preservatives. There is no mercury or toxins in the oil.
The company has a hassle-free return policy if you are unhappy with the product and you can receive a full refund.
The oil helps to alleviate itching, flaky skin, and will support your cat’s coat, joints, and heart. The oil is taken from herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. It also has a high EPA and DHA potency.
Pros:
- High EPA and DHA potency
- Hassle-free money-back guarantee
- Sustainably sourced
Cons:
- Has a low odor, but it is not odor-free
Best Fish Oil For Cats Buyer’s Guide
Here is a useful buyer’s guide that contains everything you should know about fish oil before purchasing it for your cat.
Cost
When purchasing any item, you should always take into consideration the cost. The majority of cat fish oils come in large bottles. Given this, it should last you for a good amount of time.
We always recommend shopping within your budget and choosing the best quality fish oil based on this. You do not necessarily have to purchase the most popular brand of fish oil for it to be of good quality.
Type of Fish Oil
The type of fish oil you purchase is important for some cat owners. While all fish used in cat fish oil will have benefits, there are slight differences. Some fish oils are preferred over others.
A popular oil that is used in cat fish oil supplements is salmon. They are typically used because of their high omega 3 levels. However, fish like anchovies, herring, and mackerel are often used too.
Salmon Concerns
It is worth noting that some cat owners prefer not to use fish oils that contain salmon unless it is from a reliable source. When choosing an oil, we do recommend that you ensure that the salmon is from a sustainable and eco-friendly source. This will be clearly labeled on the packaging.
In general, there are some concerns that people have regarding salmon oil. This is mainly with the oil that is taken from low-quality sources. Salmon is a fish that is highly popular and the overfishing of this breed has caused some concerns with environmentalists.
Overfishing has negative effects on the environment and can potentially cause the omega 3 and fatty acid levels in salmon to drop. Given this, if bad quality salmon is used, your cat is not getting as much nutrition from the salmon as it ought to.
In addition to this, some people do have concerns over toxicity and mercury levels in salmon given that they are predatory fish. You should always check that any hard metals or toxins have been tested for, preferably by a third party. In any good fish oil, this will be stated on the packaging.
If you ensure that your fish oil has been purchased from a sustainable source, the risks of this are far lower. In addition to this, it is not as harmful to the environment either.
If this is something that concerns you, and you would rather give your cat an alternative source of fish oil, we would recommend that you use mackerel or herring instead.
However, it is worth noting that all of the fish oils we have included in this article are tested and have come from sustainable and reliable sources.
Quality
The quality of the fish oil is important. If you purchase cheaper fish oil that does not use a good quality source, the overall quality of the fish oil will be affected.
It is important to remember that the nutrients provided in fish oil will vary from source to source. The best way to check the quality of the fish oil is to look at the packaging.
If the fish oil is produced by a brand that uses reputable sources this is the best. You want to look for a well-trusted company that states that the fish they use have been tested for heavy metals, contaminants, and oxidation.
This is what any good brand should be doing to ensure that the fish oil is completely safe for your cat.
Product Packaging
Ideally, the fish oil you purchase should come in a glass or aluminum container.
This will help to keep the fish oil fresh for as long as possible.
However, plastic containers are perfectly fine too.
Ingredients in Fish Oils To Avoid
Some fish oils can contain other ingredients, such as added vitamins and minerals to help with your cat’s overall health.
There are a few vitamins that are sometimes added to fish oil that you should try to avoid. These are vitamin A and D. While they are mostly present in cod liver oil which should not be given to cats, they may potentially feature in other fish oil products too.
While vitamin A and D are great for cats in small doses, your cat can become ill if they ingest too much vitamin A. High doses can be toxic in cats. This is worth keeping in mind.
Why You Should Give Fish Oil To Cats
There are many reasons why you should give fish oil to cats. Firstly, it is great for their overall health.
Secondly, if your cat is struggling with certain health issues the fatty acids and omega 3 in fish oil can help improve and alleviate their symptoms.
Here are some of the health benefits that your cat can receive from fish oil:
Helps to improve dry skin
If your cat suffers from dry or flaky skin that is not improving, it can become quite painful for the cat. Dry skin can lead to sores, cuts, and issues such as eczema if left untreated.
Fish oil works by limiting its production of cytokines. This is an inflammation stimulator. While it is needed for your cat’s body to recognize allergens, if too much is produced it can cause excessive itching and dry skin.
It also helps to stop shedding which will lead to fewer hairballs. Your cat will appreciate this!
Good for arthritis
As cats get older, more often than not, they suffer from arthritis. This is an inflammation of the joints that can affect mobility.
Fish oil helps to decrease the production of prostaglandins, which causes arthritis. Overall this will help your cat’s mobility and make exercise more comfortable for them.
Helps Kidney Disease
Fish oil cannot stop kidney disease, however, it can help to alleviate some of the symptoms it causes.
It can help your cat’s body to retain protein that can be lost in the urine. In addition to this, it can also help to reduce higher blood pressure.
Supports The Heart
Fish oil has been proven to help with cat’s hearts. If your cat regularly has fish oil, their chances of having an irregular heartbeat are lowered. It can also help to prevent blood clots in cats with heart disease.
As you can see, many health benefits come with giving your cat fish oil. While fatty acids and omega 3 are often present in your cat’s food, it is worth giving them an added supplement of it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Fish Oil Should I Give My Cat?
The amount of fish oil you should give your cat will vary depending on their age and size. We would recommend weighing your cat and then checking the back of the packaging before giving a fish oil supplement to your cat.
Different brands may suggest different amounts of fish oil. In addition to this, if you are still unsure, it is worth checking with your local veterinarian to see how much they would recommend you give daily.
Is Too Much Fish Oil Bad For Cats?
While fish oil is good for cats, if your cat ingests too much this can potentially cause some unwanted side effects. The side effects could include vomiting, diarrhea, and flaky skin.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, we would recommend that you stop giving your cat the supplement. If you have any concerns regarding side effects, you should book an appointment with your local veterinarian.
