Published Nov 15, 2019
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cats. Typically found in coldwater fish like tuna, trout, and salmon, fish oil contains two types of fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important component of cell membranes and they help provide energy for the body. Fish oil supplements support these essential functions but may also boost your cat’s immune system and promote healthy skin and coat.
Read on to see our top picks for the best omega-3 fish oil supplements for cats.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Omega-3 Fish Oil for Cats
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
- Made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil
- Packed with EPA and DHA
- Easy to administer liquid form
PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement for Dogs & Cats
- Available in 16- and 32-ounce bottles
- Rich in omega-3s from low-mercury fish
- Purified to remove fishy taste and smell
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement
- Easy to dose with included eyedropper
- Supports healthy skin and coat
- Derived exclusively from wild anchovies and sardines
Vital Pet Life Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
- Choose from three different sizes
- Made with wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil
- Easy to dose with pump applicator
Finest for Pets Omegaease Omega-Rich Fish Oil Dog & Cat Supplement
- Rich in DHA and EPA
- Fish oil from anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel
- Available in three sizes with pump applicator
Iceland Pure Pet Products Unscented Pharmaceutical Grade Salmon Oil
- Made from Norwegian salmon oil
- Ultra-filtered to reduce fishy odor
- Sold in an eco-friendly aluminum bottle
Deley Naturals Wild Caught Fish Oil for Cats
- Packed with omega-3 and omega-6s
- Derived from anchovy, mackerel, sardine, and herring
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement
- Available in both 16- and 32-ounce bottles
- Pump makes it easy to dispense
- Made with 100% sustainably-caught Alaskan salmon
21st Century Essential Pet Alaska Wild Salmon Oil Soft Chews
- Wild Alaskan salmon oil is the main ingredient
- Contains 20mg EPA and 25mg DHA per bite
- Soft, bite-sized chews are easy to administer
Free Form Snip Tips Fatty Acid Capsules for Small Dogs & Cats
- Guaranteed levels of DHA and EPA
- Snip the tip off the administer as a liquid
- Support skin, eye, joint, brain, heart, and kidney health
Our Top Picks for the Best Omega 3 Fish Oil for Cats
Now that you have a better understanding of how we came to our top picks, you’re probably eager to see them!
Here are our top 10 picks for best fish oil supplements for cats:
#1 Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil For Dogs & Cats
Zesty Paws is one of the most trusted manufacturers of pet products including supplements like this wild Alaskan salmon oil for dogs and cats. Packed with EPA and DHA, this supplement is designed to support hip, joint, heart, and immune function.
This supplement contains pure wild Alaskan salmon oil with 850 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per teaspoon (4.5g). In its liquid form, this supplement is easy to add to your cat’s food and he’s sure to love the authentic salmon flavor.
What We Liked:
- Packed with essential omega-3s DHA and EPA
- Easy to administer liquid form
- Supports joint, hip, heart, and immune health
- Made in the USA with wild-caught Alaskan salmon
What We Didn’t Like
- Strong fish odor
#2 PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement for Dogs & Cats
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from wild-caught anchovies, herring, mackerel, and sardines, this liquid fish oil supplement is extremely potent. It is bottled in an FDA and GMP-certified facility located in the United States and made from hormone- and chemical-free fish oil that has been tested by third-party labs for both purity and potency.
Each 2ml serving of PetHonesty’s fish oil supplement contains a guaranteed 800mg of EPA and 425mg of DHA. This omega-3 supplement is available in 16- and 32-ounce bottles. Though some customers did not receive a pump with their order, current product information on Chewy states that a built-in pump is included for easy dispensing of the liquid.
What We Liked
- Available in 16- and 32-ounce bottles
- Rich in omega-3s from low-mercury fish
- Purified to remove fishy taste and smell
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers didn’t receive a pump
- Bottle and pump may leak over time
#3 Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Liquid Supplement For Cats
Derived exclusively from wild anchovies and sardines, this highly concentrated fish oil is distilled for purity and tested by third-party labs for safety. With guaranteed levels of DHA and EPA, this supplement supports your cat’s skin, coat, joints, and heart.
This Nordic Natural omega-3 supplement is packaged in a durable glass bottle which preserves the quality of the product. It comes with a handy dropper for easy dosage as well – simply measure out the desired dose and drop it directly onto your cat’s food.
What We Liked:
- Easy to use, the marked eyedropper for accurate dosing
- Derived exclusively from wild anchovies and sardines
- Supports healthy skin and coat in cats
- Completely free from artificial colors or flavors
What We Didn’t Like
- Has a strong fish odor
- Bottle only contains 2 fluid ounces
#4 Vital Pet Life Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil For Cats
What We Liked:
- One of the most economical options on the market
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified for sustainability
- Great for shiny coat
What We Didn’t Like
- Some reviewers have mentioned a decline in product quality
#5 Finest For Pets Omegease Omega-Rich Fish Oil Dog & Cat Supplement
Packaged in a sturdy bottle with a handy pump applicator, this fish oil supplement is derived from wild-caught sardines, anchovies, herring, and mackerel. All the fish used for this supplement are sustainably caught from the clear waters of the North Atlantic.
Loaded with DHA and EPA, this omega-3 fish oil supplement mixes easily with your cat’s food and adds irresistible flavor. It soothes dry, itchy skin and reduces inflammation associated with allergies and joint problems. The DHA content may also support heart and brain function.
What We Liked:
- Available in three sizes with pump applicator
- Made with fish oil from wild, sustainably caught fish
- Rich in DHA and EPA
- Fish oil from anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel
What We Didn’t Like
- Some cats don’t like the flavor
- Smaller sizes are more expensive per ounce
#6 Iceland Pure Pet Products Unscented Pharmaceutical Grade Salmon Oil
Made with a single natural ingredient – pure Norwegian salmon oil – this supplement is packed with essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Choose from three different sizes, all sold in an eco-friendly, non-toxic brushed aluminum bottle with a convenient pump.
This salmon oil supplement is loaded with EPA and DHA to support your cat’s healthy skin and coat as well as limber joints. The formula is ultra-filtered to remove the fishy odor but still retains the natural fish flavor cats love.
What We Liked:
- Ultra-filtered to reduce the fishy odor
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA
- Made a single natural ingredient, Norwegian salmon oil
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic brushed aluminum bottle
What We Didn’t Like
- Some complaints about the pump
- Some cats may not like the unscented formula
#7 Deley Naturals Wild Caught, GMO-Free Omega 3 Fish Oil For Cats
Made with 100% pure fish oil and no added ingredients, this omega-3 supplement helps eliminate itchy skin, excessive shedding, and painful joints. The GMO-formula also supports your cat’s immune health and cardiovascular function.
Packed with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this liquid supplement is derived from anchovy, mackerel, sardine, and herring fished from the pristine North Atlantic. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle with a pump top and is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What We Liked:
- Helps reduce itching and excessive shedding
- Packed with omega-3 and omega-6s
- Derived from anchovy, mackerel, sardine, and herring
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
What We Didn’t Like
- Not for cats with sensitive stomachs
#8 PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement
Formulated with 100% Alaskan salmon oil, this liquid supplement is rich in both EPA and DHA. It doesn’t contain any filler oils or additives, making it a safe and healthy choice for your cat. It is made in the USA with sustainably-caught salmon.
This salmon oil supplement supports general skin health as well as joint health, eye health, digestive health, and overall wellness. It’s a rich source of essential nutrients like Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, biotin, and potassium. Simply add one pump to your cat’s food to deliver a dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
What We Liked:
- Available in both 16- and 32-ounce bottles
- Pump makes it easy to dispense
- Made with 100% sustainably-caught Alaskan salmon
- Rich source of omega-3s like EPA and DHA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers say the pump leaks
- May give your cat stinky fish breath
#9 21st Century Essential Pet Alaska Wild Salmon Oil Soft Chews
If you can’t be bothered with dosing liquid supplements, these soft chews could be a great option for your cat. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from wild Alaskan salmon, each soft chew contains 20mg of EPA and 25 mg of DHA.
In addition to plenty of wild Alaskan salmon oil, these veterinarian-approved soft chews contain other tasty ingredients like cheese and liver. The soft texture is easy for your cat to chew and each bite is packed with human-grade ingredients.
What We Liked:
- Wild Alaskan salmon oil is the main ingredient
- Contains 20mg EPA and 25mg DHA per bite
- Soft, bite-sized chews are easy to administer
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some unspecified ingredients like liver meal
- Contains brewer’s dried yeast, by-product of the beer industry
#10 Free Form Snip Tips Fatty Acid Capsules For Small Dogs & Cats
Sold in a 60-count bottle, these fatty acid supplements contain guaranteed levels of DHA and EPA. With a recommended dosage of one capsule per day for cats 5 to 14 pounds, each serving contains 262 mg of EPA and 172 mg of DHA.
These omega-3 capsules offer an easy-dosing alternative to liquid supplements, though you can also snip the tip off the capsule and squeeze the liquid directly onto your cat’s food. Packed with omega-3s, these capsules support your cat’s skin, eye, joint, brain, heart, and kidney health.
What We Liked:
- Guaranteed levels of DHA and EPA
- Snip the tip off the administer as a liquid
- Support skin, eye, joint, brain, heart, and kidney health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fish oil source isn’t specified
- Some cats may not accept capsules
Why Should You Give Your Cat Fish Oil Supplements?
Just like humans, cats require a balanced diet for optimal health, and that includes adequate intake of essential fatty acids.
An essential fatty acid is simply one your cat’s body can’t synthesize on its own. The essential fatty acids cats need are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which can come from dietary sources or nutritional supplements. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids while linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are omega-6s.
Omega 3 fatty acids support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response while also supporting skin and coat health. With their anti-inflammatory benefits, omega-3s can be helpful for cats with joint disease, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and more.
The main source for these fatty acids is cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, bakala and anchovies, but an omega-3 supplement is a great way to increase your cat’s dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
What Are the Benefits?
If you’re looking for a simple way to address an omega-3 deficiency – or you simply want to support your cat’s health in other areas – a fish oil supplement could be a good choice. Here are some of the benefits:
- Vets recommend it – Recent studies indicate that fish oil is effective in treating allergic skin disease in pets as well as certain types of cancer. The VCA also recommends it for inflammatory diseases like arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties – Omega-3 fatty acids support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response and can be beneficial for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Supports brain health – DHA plays a key role in eye and brain development in kittens, so supplementing fish oil in pregnant or nursing cats may support healthy development in kittens. It also supports continued cognitive function in adult cats.
- Helps reduce shedding – Adequate intake of essential fatty acids promotes a shiny, healthy coat, and reduces shedding. Controlling your cat’s shedding may have the added benefit of reducing issues with hairballs.
- Relieves itching – Omega 3 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat and have been known to reduce the symptoms of skin allergies in cats. They can also help with dry skin and other causes for itching and scratching.
The benefits of fish oil supplements are tied to their quality. When shopping for omega-3 supplements for cats, look for pure, high-quality fish oil from a reputable company.
Avoid fish oil that comes from cod liver because it often contains vitamin A which, in high levels, can be toxic for cats. Be sure to check the best by date as well because fish oil is highly sensitive to oxidation and you don’t want to give your cat a product that has gone bad.
How Much Fish Oil To Give a Cat Daily?
There is no exact recommended dosage for fish oil because your cat’s needs may vary depending on his diet and concurrent medical conditions. Dosing fish oil can be tricky as well because different formulas contain different concentrations of EPA and DHA.
There are several ways to determine dosage for fish oil:
- Milligrams EPA + DHA per kilogram of body weight
- Grams per 100g of pet food (as fed or dry matter basis)
- Grams per 100 or 1,000 kcal of pet food
- Ratio of omega-6 to omega-3
Catherine E. Lenox, DVM, and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) offer general dosing recommendations of 30 to 50 mg of fish oil per kilogram of body weight.
PetCareRX offers the following dosage recommendations:
| Daily Dosage For Cats Over 2 Pounds | |||
| EPA | DHA | Total Long Chain Omega-3 | |
| 35 mg | 21 mg | 71mg | |
| 69 mg | 41 mg | 143 mg | |
| 104 mg | 62 mg | 214 mg | |
| 138 mg | 83 mg | 285 mg | |
| 173 mg | 104 mg | 356 mg | |
While fish oil is generally safe for cats, you should be aware of the potential for side effects. In large doses, fish oil can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats so be sure to start with a low dose and work your way up. It can also slow blood clotting, so talk to your vet if your cat is taking blood-thinning medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my cat human fish oil supplements?
No, it is generally not recommended that you give your cat fish oil supplements intended for humans. These often contain flavorings and other additives like xylitol (a type of sweetener) which could be harmful or toxic to cats.
What type of omega-3 fish oil is best?
Fish oil supplements typically come in capsule or liquid form, though you may find them in soft chews as well. Look for a natural omega-3 supplement made with fish oil in its triglyceride form - the form your cat would naturally consume in pet food. Fish oil supplements made with synthetic oil (known as ethyl ester) contain high concentrations of EPA and DHA but they are more difficult for your cat’s body to absorb.
How much fish oil can I give my cat?
There is no known optimal dose of fish oil for cats and your cat’s required dose varies depending on what you’re trying to treat. The recommended intake is 2.5 mg per kg of body weight or about ½ teaspoon of pure omega fish oil per day.
Was puzzled by the What We Didn’t Like statement-for the for Vital Pet Life Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil For Cats–“Small quantity for the price.” It’s half the cost of the Zesty Paws…
Good catch, Jim. I’m editing that. Thanks!
My Scottish fold cat has been diagnosed with osteochondrodysplasia and the vet told me to read and look into fish oils do you know exactly which brand would help ease the pain more?? Thanks
Hello Aisha, I’ve seen good things about Nordic Naturals—it’s regarded as a reputable brand, and it seems you can trust its concentrations of relevant fatty acids.
I understand your caution about cod liver oil, but what are safe dietary levels for Vitamins A, D, and E in kittens and adult cats? I use a cod liver oil for myself (Carlson), and I could use an unflavored version of that product if I use a safe amount for my adults or kittens. It is rich in DHA, EPA, and DPA; and 1 tsp. contains 255 mcg RAE of Vitamin A, 10 mcg (400 IU) of Vitamin D, and 6.7 mg of Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol). I also have cats that have miliary dermatitis that would probably benefit from this supplement (yes, flea control is essential, but flea elimination is not possible in these cases). So, if I could use cod liver at a safe level, it would be helpful. Of course, it might just be irrelevant, because they might just reject it.
By the way, I think you do a great job, Mallory.
-CH.
Hello Chris, my apologies for the late reply. Hope you’re doing well. This is a good and thoughtful question—I’m glad you’re thinking so critically about this. You’d have to know exactly how much vitamin A, E, and D your cats are already getting from their food to know whether or not your cod liver oil supplement fits within the recommended daily dose, but the
According to the AAFCO, cats have a Vitamin A requirement of:
At least 9,000 IU/kg DIET (not bodyweight)- kittens or nursing
At least 5,000 IU/kg – adults
Up to 750,000 IU/kg of food.
Vitamin D: 750 IU/kg food for kittens, 500 IU/kg for adults, and no more than 10,000 IU/kg.
Vitamin E: at least 30 IU/kg for both kittens and adults, and no established maximum level.
So I would make sure that you know how much is in your cats’ existing food and work from there. Hope this helps!
Conversion from kgs is going to be interesting. My first thought is that, if they are not dosed every day, in every feeding, an overdose is extremely unlikely. My second thought is that I forgot to mention that 255 mcg = 850 IU of Vitamin A. So, if I understand your findings correctly, 1 tsp. of cod liver oil contains 850 IU of A, with minimal requirements of 5,000-9,000 IU (depending on life stage), and a max of 750,000 IU (if I understand you correctly); 400 IU of D (with MDAR of 500-750 IU, depending on life stage) and a max of 10,000 IU; and 6.7 mg of E (my label does not give IU), and there is no apparent max given. So, the amounts of these nutrients in one teaspoon of cod liver oil are quite a bit below MRs or DVs, and substantially below toxic levels. The big question is: What are they getting from their food? I do not have misplaced faith in labels, nor corporate obsession with truth and accuracy; but that is all we have to work with, unless you want to conduct a lab analysis with each container of food. And you should take it seriously (witness the recent recall for cat food overdosed with Vitamin D). However, even the most careful monitored manufacturing processing results in a range of values buffered by statistics–still, I wonder about the cheaper brands (or, shall I say, less fidelity to exactitude). But, for a serving of cat food, for one cat, you would be talking about closer to an eyedropper than to a teaspoon of cod liver oil. Then, they might just reject it. You might have to go down to one drop. Or none. Those amounts would certainly be safe, and the best benefits of that supplementation might be the omega-3 fatty acids.