August 12, 2026, 2:10 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered important nutrients for dogs and cats. Nutrition and health consultant for cats and dogs, Philine Ebert, explains their effects, which oils are suitable, and what owners should pay attention to.
What is Omega-3 Oil?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients derived from animal or plant oils. Unlike omega-6 fatty acids, which primarily serve as flavor carriers and bring a lot of fat, omega-3 fatty acids are vital and indispensable for a healthy organism.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty sea fish or plant oils and are crucial because the body cannot produce them on its own. They must be ingested through food.
There is a distinction between a base oil, which is a regular part of feeding, and functional or special oils for individual supply of omega-3 fatty acids.
Which Plant Oils are Suitable for Dogs
Plant oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Dogs can partially convert this into the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with the help of enzymes. Therefore, plant oils are more suitable for dogs than for cats, whose bodies can only perform this conversion to a very limited extent.
Common plant oils such as sunflower, safflower, olive, hemp, or canola oil are a good addition to food as a base oil but contain far less omega-3 fatty acids than fish oil, making them more suitable as a base oil. They should be cold-pressed, unrefined, and ideally organic for animals. Algae oil, due to its high omega-3 content, is an alternative to fish oil and is also suitable for cats.
Plant Oils for Cats?
Cats do have the enzymes to convert alpha-linolenic acid into EPA and DHA, but these are much less active and present in much smaller quantities than in dogs.
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Therefore, plant oils (except algae oil) are unsuitable as omega-3 sources for cats, and fish oil should be used instead.
These Animal Oils are Suitable for Cats and Dogs
In animal-derived oils, EPA and DHA are directly available and can be optimally absorbed and utilized by the bodies of dogs and cats.
Fish oils such as cod liver oil, salmon, cod, krill, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, or tuna are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The content should be as high as possible, ideally at least 20%.
Disadvantages of Fish Oil:
- Quality: potential contamination with microplastics and heavy metals
- Sustainability and Environment: overfishing of the seas
- Shelf Life: If fish oil is stored incorrectly or not used quickly enough, it becomes rancid and loses its effectiveness
When is Omega-3 Oil Specifically Used for Animal Health?
For cats and dogs, fish oil, especially salmon oil, is often used as a special oil to support health issues. It is characterized by a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids, is well-tolerated, and is usually well-accepted because it is relatively odorless and tasteless.
Omega-3 oil is recommended for treating ailments and supporting important body functions such as:
- orthopedic diseases, such as joint inflammation (arthritis) and joint wear (osteoarthritis), to inhibit inflammation and to regenerate and build joint cartilage
- chronic diseases (kidney diseases in cats, etc.)
- inflammations, e.g., skin
- strengthening the immune system
- supporting heart and circulation
- a healthy digestion and a good balance of gut flora
- healthy skin and beautiful coat
- strong brain function and healthy eyes
- well-being and vitality
As support for diseases and ailments, an omega-3 oil is usually recommended as a course over about three months. The dosage depends on the type and size of the animal and is usually specified by the manufacturer.
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What Owners Should Consider When Giving Omega-3 Oil
To maintain balance, there should always be a balanced ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in feeding. Since both fatty acids require the same enzymes for conversion, too much omega-6 can promote inflammation. Additionally, the effect of omega-3 could be blocked, increasing the risk of diseases.
Ready-made pet food usually contains more than enough omega-6 fatty acids due to the high meat content, so a deficiency is rarely a concern. However, with BARF feeding and home-cooked meals, it is essential to supplement omega-3 fatty acids.
Possible Side Effects of Giving Additional Omega-3 Oil:
- Gastrointestinal issues: start slowly with the dosage to allow the body to adjust
- Metabolic fluctuations: Fat and sugar levels in the blood can change (consult with a veterinarian)
- Blood thinning when taken with painkillers (consult with a veterinarian beforehand)
My Experience as a Health Consultant for Dogs:
Especially in painful, inflammatory joint diseases like osteoarthritis in dogs, an omega-3 course in consultation with the treating veterinarian can bring significant improvement. For acute issues, omega-3 oil as a dietary supplement is a good way to support your pet naturally.
My Recommendation as a Nutrition Consultant for Cats and Dogs:
Algae Oil: For dogs, and also cats that are allergic to fish or do not accept fish oil well, algae oil is a good alternative. It provides at least as many omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil, is directly usable, but without the risk of contamination from heavy metals or microplastics. It is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and has a longer shelf life than fish oil.