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We all want the best for our cats. If your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis, kidney disease, heart conditions, or allergies, you’re probably doing everything you can to make life less difficult for them. Many cat parents are turning to omega-3 for cats with these health issues. Let’s find out why.
What Is Omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are often sold under the name “fish oil” because two types of omega-3 (EPA and DHA) come from the tissues of fish. The third type of omega-3 (ALA), is derived from nuts and seeds. This article from the Animal Medical Center of Chicago describes omega-3 fatty acids in great detail and notes how supplements can benefit pets in several ways, including:
- Protection for the heart, helping to prevent atrial fibrillation and prevent blood clots in cats with heart disease
- Reduction of itching from dry, flaky skin in allergic pets
- Helping slow the progression of kidney disease by lowering blood pressure and decreasing inflammation
- Decreasing inflammation in arthritic joints
Veterinarian Cailin Heinze, an assistant professor of nutrition in the department of clinical sciences at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, says that omega-3 fatty acids hold promise for helping cats with arthritis. In a comprehensive article on cat joint supplements for Bay State Animals, she cites a study that gathered reports from pet parents whose arthritic cats were given either omega-3 fatty acids or a placebo. The owners of the cats taking the omega-3 reported greater improvements.
“Of course, the owners’ opinions were subjective, so I don’t know how much we can conclude from the study,” Heinze says. “But on the whole, the data—including data derived from studies on people, dogs, and rodents, as well as cats — suggest that supplements containing fish oil offer some degree of benefit.”
Finding the Right Omega-3 Supplement for Your Cat
When it comes to buying omega-3, or any other supplement for your cat, be sure to start by talking with your veterinarian. They are likely to have a product to recommend. In general, be aware that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with medication, which is why it’s important to tell your veterinarian about all of your cat’s medications and supplements before starting them on omega-3s.
These guidelines from Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, are good to keep in mind when choosing omega-3 (or any other supplement) for your cat:
- Look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
- Read labels carefully to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for a lot number on the product. This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
- Choose brands with confirmed expertise.
- Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications.
- Do not give human supplements to your cat, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats.
- In general, the best options will be available through your veterinarian.
The bottom line about omega-3 for cats: Talk to your vet first before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet’s diet.
Finding Omega-3 for Cats
If your vet suggests omega-3 for your cat, there are hundreds of fish oil preparations and supplements with fish oil on the market. They come in several forms, including liquids, soft chews, and softgels. Here are a few to get you started; unless otherwise noted, they’re made in the U.S.
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your cat’s food with this liquid-format cat omega-3 supplement that has fish oil as its main ingredient. The pump bottle makes for an extra-convenient supplement dispenser; made in Canada.
Nordic Naturals offers an omega-3 supplement made from sustainable anchovies and sardines. The dropper allows you to measure the dosage based on your pet’s body weight. It contains fish oil and d-alpha-tocopherol and stays fresh for three months after opening.
How about omega-3 in soft chew form? This formula gets its omega-3 from tiny crustaceans, in the form of krill oil. Note that the recommended dose for pets under 30 pounds (most cats) is only half of a soft chew.
This comprehensive fatty acid formula for cats and dogs is rich in ALA, GLA, EPA, and DHA from borage seed, flaxseed, and fish. It combines the health benefits of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids. The recommended dose for cats is a capsule every other day—the caps can be opened and the contents mixed with food.
This supplement delivers omega-3 fatty acids derived from cold-water fish in a soft gel capsule. Twist or break the capsule and squeeze the oil onto the cat’s food.
Further Reading
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