Last updated Jan 9, 2025
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Have you considered adding a fish oil supplement to your cat’s diet? Fish oil can have many benefits, including supporting better skin and coat health, helping to alleviate allergy symptoms, and more.
In this guide, we’ll go over the top 10 fish oils for cats, as well as some pros and cons to help you decide if a fish oil supplement is right for your cat.
At a Glance: Best Omega-3 Fish Oil for Cats
Fera Pets Fish Oil + Vitamin E
- Sourced from various wild-caught fish
- Contains vitamin E to further promote skin health
- NASC certified
Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil
- Brand is well respected by veterinarians
- Trustworthy guaranteed analysis with at least 320 milligrams of omega-3
- Contains large amounts of DHA and EPA
Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula
- NASC certified
- Easy to use bottle and pump
- Comes in three sizes
Deley Naturals Fish Oil Supplement
- Contains fish oil from various wild-caught fish
- Great size for multi-cat households
Pet Protect Omega-3 Snip-Top Capsule Supplements
- Fish oil sourced from anchovies
- Includes vitamin E for added skin health
- NASC certified
Iceland Pure Pet Pharmaceutical Grade Salmon Oil
- Pure salmon oil
- Aluminum-coated bottle reduces microplastics
- Pump is easy to use
Finest for Pets Omegease Fish Oil
- Made from wild-caught sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel
- Purity and quality tested, human-grade ingredients
- Contains vitamin E for added skin health
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement
- Small, 2-ounce glass bottle
- Comes with a dropper for accurate measurements
- Made from wild anchovy and sardine oils
PetHonesty Skin & Coat Health Chews
- Crunchy, treat-like texture
- Contains omegas, zinc, biotin, and vitamins B and E
- Great for cats that won’t eat traditional fish oil
Benefits of Fish Oil for Cats
Fish oil for cats has many benefits, but most healthy cats don’t need it added to their diet. Their daily cat food should contain all the nutrients they need. That said, fish oil can really help some cats. Some people have seen benefits for cats with allergies, especially if they experience skin problems as a symptom.
Fish oil can also help promote good skin, coat, and digestional health. Although fish oil can help with shedding, it won’t stop your cat from shedding normally and is unlikely to resolve underlying issues for cats with excessive fur loss, such as those with bald spots.
Always talk to your veterinarian before adding supplements to your cat’s diet, especially if they’re experiencing skin issues or other symptoms of illness.
Why Trust Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
When buying products, I purposefully chose a variety of products, including different types of fish, and even different supplement types. Most of the products reviewed here are liquid fish oil, but I also included capsules and chewable supplements. Some bottles have flip caps, others have pumps, and one even has a dropper.
I also looked for trusted brands, ideally those with outside certifications to ensure purity and transparency. In addition, every product on today’s list was tested for palatability by my own cats.
The 10 Best Fish Oil Supplements for Cats
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while the Fera Pets fish oil and vitamin E supplement is our top choice, it might not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right fish oil for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the most veterinarian recommended, best salmon oil, best budget pick, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Fera Pets Fish Oil + Vitamin E
Fera Pets fish oil with vitamin E is veterinarian-formulated and lab-tested. It’s also National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) certified. The supplement itself is sourced from several wild-caught fish, including sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, and pollock. It also contains vitamin E from sunflowers and is soy free.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I prefer fish oils that include a pump for easy dispensing, but Fera Pets doesn’t include one on this product. However, the bottle is easy to use and the product isn’t so runny that it spills over while measuring.
What We Liked:
- Sourced from various wild-caught fish
- Contains vitamin E to further promote skin health
- NASC certified
What We Didn’t Like:
- No pump on the bottle
#2 Best Veterinarian-Trusted Brand: Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil
Nutramax is a well-respected brand that is trusted and frequently prescribed by veterinarians. The product is also veterinarian-formulated. This is a huge plus in such an unregulated field.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
This supplement is guaranteed to provide a minimum of 320 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, 160 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 105 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). If you’re strict on feeding a product that’s 100% fish oil, this one does contain some additives and preservatives, but the ingredient list is fairly short.
My cats ate this brand of fish oil well, but I personally didn’t love their bottle design. It comes with a small measuring scoop, but I found it very difficult to fill it without fish oil spilling all over the countertop. I quickly switched to dropping the fish oil directly into their food, which helped, but left me without precise measurements. The oil also ran over the sides of the bottle, leaving stains.
What We Liked:
- Brand is well respected by veterinarians
- Trustworthy guaranteed analysis with at least 320 milligrams of omega-3
- Contains large amounts of DHA and EPA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Bottle design is messy and measuring scoop is difficult to use
#3 Best Salmon Oil: Vital Pet Life Salmon Oil
Vital Pet Life salmon oil is made of pure wild caught salmon oil. The product is sustainably sourced and ORIVO verified, which means it was lab tested by a third party. It comes with a pump and a flip-cap so that you can use the one that suits your preferences.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I found the product easy to open and use. Although some reviewers had issues with the cap or pump leaking, I didn’t experience this myself. It seems like the primary issue might be with the large sizes.
What We Liked:
- ORIVO verified
- Comes in three size options
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers had problems with leakage
#4 Best Budget Pick: Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula
The Zesty Paws Alaskan salmon oil formula contains a mixture of wild-caught salmon and pollock oils. The bottle comes with two tops—a pump and a squeeze top. Both are easy to use. It mixes into cat food easily and my cats ate it well.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
One thing I dislike about this fish oil is that the name is somewhat misleading. Customers are likely to think it contains only salmon oil. Although there’s nothing wrong with supplements that contain pollock oil, it would be better if the name of the product were more transparent.
What We Liked:
- NASC certified
- Easy to use bottle and pump
- Comes in three sizes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Despite being advertised as salmon oil, it also contains pollock oil
#5 Best For Multiple Cats: Deley Naturals Fish Oil Supplement
The Deley Naturals fish oil supplement contains 100% fish oil sourced from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel. It comes in a large, 16-ounce bottle and the dose for an average-sized cat is just half a pump, so you can expect it to last, making it a great choice for multi-cat households. Do keep in mind that the shelf life of fish oil is fairly short, though, so if you don’t have a lot of cats, you might not be able to use it all by the time it expires.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The only problem I had with this fish oil was the pump, which I couldn’t get to open. Since it also came with a flip top, I used that instead.
What We Liked:
- Contains fish oil from various wild-caught fish
- Great size for multi-cat households
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pump didn’t work for me during testing
#6 Best Capsules: Pet Protect Omega-3 Snip-Top Capsule Supplements
Pet Protect’s omega-3 supplement is sourced from anchovy oil, which is easy for a cat’s body to absorb nutrients from. In addition to omegas, these vitamins also contain EPA, DHA, and vitamin E.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The snip-top capsules were easy to use and I liked that I didn’t have to worry about measuring the supplement myself. However, they could be a little messy. If you don’t like fish oil on your hands, you might want to opt for a different product.
Although the capsules could be given in their pill form, they’re pretty large for cats and would likely be difficult for them to swallow. They’d be a better choice for large dogs.
What We Liked:
- Fish oil sourced from anchovies
- Includes vitamin E for added skin health
- NASC certified
What We Didn’t Like:
- A bit messy to use
- Capsules must be broken open, as they’re too large for cats to swallow whole
#7 Best Low-Plastic: Iceland Pure Pet Pharmaceutical Grade Salmon Oil
The Iceland Pure Pet supplement contains only farmed salmon oil and some preservatives to keep the product fresh. It contains high amounts of omegas, EPA, and DHA. Although the product claims to be scent-free, I found it just slightly less fishy than other brands.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The aluminum-coated bottle helps to prevent plastic contamination, though the pump does contain plastic if this is a concern for you. It did come separate from the bottle, though, so you can forego it if needed and measure directly from the bottle.
I did use the pump and found it easy to open and use. However, some reviewers have had problems with faulty pumps.
What We Liked:
- Pure salmon oil
- Aluminum-coated bottle reduces microplastics
- Pump is easy to use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Made from farmed fish, rather than wild-caught
#8 Best Human Grade Ingredients: Finest for Pets Omegease Fish Oil
Finest For Pets Omegease fish oil is made from wild-caught mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies from the North Atlantic. It comes in a sturdy plastic bottle with a pump. The supplement is made from human-grade ingredients and is purity and quality tested. It also contains vitamin E alongside high amounts of EPA and DHA.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I couldn’t find anything wrong with this fish oil. The pump worked well, it was easy to mix into food, and my cats ate it well. Although it’s advertised as scent-free, I’d call it low-fragrance compared to other products—it’s hard to remove that fishy smell completely!
What We Liked:
- Made from wild-caught sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel
- Purity and quality tested, human-grade ingredients
- Contains vitamin E for added skin health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not entirely scent-free as claimed
#9 Best for Single Cats: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement
Nordic Naturals omega-3 supplement contains wild anchovy and sardine oil that’s been third-party tested for purity, as well as a preservative ingredient (D-alpha tocopherol).
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
One of my favorite things about this fish oil is that it comes in a small, 2-ounce bottle. This makes it perfect for people with one to two cats or who don’t want to waste leftovers. However, I do wish the price better reflected its size, as it’s as expensive as other products that contain 8 ounces or more.
It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper to accurately measure the amount of fish oil you’re feeding. The dropper can also be used to easily dose your cat directly if you’d prefer not to mix it into their food.
What We Liked:
- Small, 2-ounce glass bottle
- Comes with a dropper for accurate measurements
- Made from wild anchovy and sardine oils
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive for the size
#10 Best Chewable: PetHonesty Skin & Coat Health Chews
If your cat isn’t a fan of traditional fish oils, they might prefer PetHonesty’s chews. They contain omegas 3, 6, 9 as well as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and biotin. These vitamins and nutrients all combine in a tasty, crunchy treat that promotes coat and skin health.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
All of my cats enjoyed the supplements during testing. They’re the same texture as crunchy cat treats, and I don’t think my cats could tell the difference. It felt like hiding vegetables in a child’s meal! There was definitely some bickering and attempted treat-stealing that I had to mediate, or some of them would’ve eaten more than their fair share.
What We Liked:
- Crunchy, treat-like texture
- Contains omegas, zinc, biotin, and vitamins B and E
- Great for cats that won’t eat traditional fish oil
- NASC certified
What We Didn’t Like:
- None
How to Choose the Best Fish Oil for Your Cat
Here are some things to look for when purchasing fish oil for your cat:
Taste
In my experience, most dogs will happily eat fish oil by itself. Cats, however, are much more selective and you’ll typically have to mix the supplement into their food or wet treats. I recommend buying a small bottle of fish oil to start with to ensure your cat will eat it. You might have to try a number of brands to match your cat’s tastes, or they might refuse all fish oils.
Purity
Some products contain 100% fish oil, while others contain additives or preservatives. Additives aren’t always bad—sometimes they can add extra vitamins and nutrients to the product or make it last longer before expiring. It depends on what you’re looking for and whether you prefer single-ingredient products.
Formulation, Testing, and Certifications
The best fish oils are formulated by veterinarians, tested by unaffiliated laboratories, and certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fish oil good for cats?
Fish oil can help promote a healthy skin and coat in cats. It also helps some cats with allergies. However, you should never add supplements to your cat’s diet without talking to your veterinarian first. Fish oil isn’t typically recommended for healthy cats, as their daily diet should include all of the nutrients they need already.
How do I add fish oil to my cat’s diet?
The best way to feed fish oil to your cat is by mixing it into their food or a lickable treat. You can also syringe-feed it to your cat if they’re stubborn about eating it on their own. Check the product label or consult with your veterinarian about dosages.
Does fish oil help cats with shedding?
Fish oil will not prevent your healthy cat from shedding. However, it might help to resolve skin and coat problems that cause fur loss. If your cat is shedding excessively or has bald spots, please see a veterinarian for advice. Remember that while fish oil is a great supplement, it’s not a replacement for prescription medications or veterinary care.
How is fish oil stored?
Most fish oil is stored in the refrigerator after opening, but some products are stored at room temperature. There are usually storage instructions on the bottle. Also, remember that fish oil has an average shelf life of around 90 days when stored properly. Choose a size that will last approximately this amount of time and toss away any leftovers once they’ve expired.
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.
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!
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.
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!