The 5 Best Fish Oils for Cats

While taking a daily shot of olive oil may have been debunked as a necessary supplement for humans, research shows that adding fats to your cat’s daily meals is more essential than ever. In fact, fats provide twice the amount of energy of protein and carbohydrates for cats, making them an important source of macronutrients. That’s why packing your cat’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids just might be the best way to keep their skin healthy, prevent heart disease, and tame inflammation. Below, everything you need to know about omega-3s and how to make sure your cat is getting enough of them.

What Are Fatty Acids Anyway?

Fatty acids are a specific type of polyunsaturated fat and can be classified into omega 3s or omega 6s. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are those that the body cannot make for itself, which are supplied through our daily diets. The essential fatty acids for cats are omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which are important to your cat’s nutrition as they aid in the absorption of vitamins by transporting fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, and E) into the body from the intestine. They also play a role in cell structure and function, including vision and learning abilities. Plus, they make food, manufactured or homemade, tastier and more palatable. 

The Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Cats

Omega-3 fatty acids are especially crucial for cats because they have a positive impact on so many aspects of their health. According to veterinarian Dr. Annette Louviere, “Omega-3s can act as anti-inflammatory agents in a large variety of clinical cases,” which helps manage chronic inflammatory disorders like colitis, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, joint pain due to arthritis, and allergic skin problems.

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They also support normal neural and nervous system development, cardiovascular and immune systems, and healthy reproduction; help with stress management and cognitive function, especially in senior cats; and support skin and coat health and relieve dry, itchy skin. Fish oils can decrease triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, and omega 3s fatty acids for cats have even been shown to slow the development and metastasis of certain cancers.

How to Max Your Cat’s Intake of Omega 3s

To make sure your cat is getting enough omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health, go beyond the kibble (go ahead, give them some salmon from your dinner plate.) Top their regular food with fish like mackerel, sardines, salmon, or tuna, or do some digging for an essential fatty acid supplement that suits your cat’s needs. 

“While available over the counter and generally considered very safe, pet parents should still use dietary supplements with guidance by their veterinarians,” Dr. Louviere cautions. “This is because there are some medications that can have interactions when given with fish oil.” Once you receive your veterinarian’s stamp of approval, further research each oil’s purity, freshness, potency, and sustainability to ensure you’re selecting the best source of omega 3s for your cat.

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Purity:

The fish oil must meet international standards for heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins, and other contaminants. See the manufacturer’s Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for third-party verification. 

Freshness:

Check that they’re a guaranteed-fresh source packaged in an oxygen-free form, such as soft gel capsules that prohibit air from contacting the oil.

Potency:

The fish oil must contain DHA and EPA. DHA provides the most benefit to cats, so it should exceed the levels of EPA.

Sustainability:

Many fish oils are made from fish that are endangered. Choose products made from fish certified by organizations such as the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).

Best Fish Oils

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

Best Overall

Brilliant Salmon Oil

$20

Brilliant Salmon Oil will support your cat’s hips and joint health, help them maintain a shiny coat, and relieve their dry and itchy skin. Bonus: this oil uses a 100 percent pure distillation process with no acid treatments, solvents or chemicals, artificial additives, preservatives, or colorings added. It’s also sustainable, which means no part of the fish is wasted in the process. Brilliant, indeed.—AF

$20 at Amazon

Best Budget

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

$15

Sourced from Alaska, this wild-caught natural salmon oil is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA that aid your pet’s skin health. All you need is a teaspoon of this fish oil to satisfy your cat’s daily nutritional needs. Use the convenient pump feature to swirl some fishy deliciousness into your cat’s meals once or twice daily to soften their dry food or add some extra fat to their favorite wet food.

$15 at Amazon

Best Splurge

Natural Pet Omega-3 Fish Oil

$43

This omega-3 supplement for cats is made from the oils of sardines, anchovies, and North Atlantic cod. Omega 3 is essential for supporting your cat’s joints, heart, eyes, immune system, and overall organ function. Plus, it’s molecularly distilled and cold-pressed to improve the bioavailability, so you can rest assured it’s worth the larger than usual price tag.

$43 at Natural Pet

Best Sustainable Option

Fera Pet Organics Fish Oil

$34

Using sustainably sourced, wild-caught sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel from Iceland, Fera Pet Organics Fish Oil is unmatched in its purity. With the highest amount of EPA and DHA compared to other leading brands, it’s no wonder this omega-3 supplement packs a punch. Fish oil supplementation may cause lowered levels of Vitamin E, so Fera Pet adds this natural antioxidant through distilled, non-GMO, and soy-free sunflowers.

$34 at Fera Pet Organics

Best Calming

Honest Paws Hemp Oil For Cats

$40

Honest Paws’ organic, full-spectrum hemp oil might be just what your cat needs to fully relax into their daily routine. Made with no GMOs, soy, corn, or dairy, this oil helps with stiff joints, as well as seasonal allergy relief and cognitive health. This oil is especially helpful for pets recovering from illness or undergoing treatment for diseases like cancer, kidney failure, or other painful ailments. It also benefits cats who suffer from anxiety, or tend towards behavioral issues or aggression. Let your cat fully zen out with this essential hemp oil.

$40 at Honest Paws