Feline Fish Oil | Safety, Uses, Benefits

The use of healthy oils with omega 3s for cats can support your feline friend's overall wellness. 

Many people have grown up taking Omega-3 fatty acids and are familiar with the fishy odor and taste. We probably have childhood memories of our parents helping us get over the distinct fishy smell and getting us to understand that fish oil supplements help promote healthy skin and joint health.

Fish oil supplements not only help improve human well-being but are also used to support healthy bodily functions in cats, dogs, and other animals.

What is Feline Fish Oil Used for?

Fish oil is added to a cat's diet to support its overall health. Fish oil has many benefits in cats including promoting healthy skin, supporting healthy hearts, maintaining kidney & gastrointestinal wellness, and promoting proper brain functioning, among other things.

Fish oil supports your cat's health. The type and quantity of fish oil given to a pet will depend on the veterinarian's recommendation after a proper evaluation. To understand what fish oils are and how to add them to cat food to help promote cat health benefits, read on.

How do Fish Oil Supplements Benefit Cats?

Fish oil supports various body functions in our feline friends. However, you should consult with your veterinarian before giving cats new supplements. Your vet will assess the pet's health concerns and determine the right treatment plan.

1. Healthy Skin & Support for Skin Allergies

Swelling and itching are typical signs of an underlying condition, and both are associated with discomfort and restlessness. Cats with skin problems can have dry flaky skin, swollen red skin, or patches where their fur has fallen off.

Omega-3s may promote a luscious fur coat, moisturize to reduce dryness and support a healthy inflammatory response, potentially making your cat's skin more comfortable and less itchy.

2. Support for Joint Health

Painful joints can make moving hard and painful for cats. Cats tend to be shy to walk on a hurt heel, may lose their appetite, and even avoid playing altogether.

EPA and DHA in fish supplements promote the development of healthy bones and joints, which helps promote the overall well-being of a cat.

3. Kidney Health

Kidneys help manage blood pressure, support waste removal from the blood, produce hormones and stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

If your cat is having kidney trouble, you may notice signs of weight loss, increased water uptake, or vomiting. When you suspect things are not okay always go to the Vet for professional care. EPA and DHA support proper toxin removal from the blood and may help maintain normal blood pressure.

4. Support for Heart Health

Your cat's heart's key function is to pump blood to other body organs and help circulate oxygen collected from the lungs.

The heart also supports the supply of nutrients, chemicals, and hormones to other body organs for proper body function. Fish oils are believed to play a role in supporting normal heart rate, normal heart pressure, and balanced immune function.

Fish oil is typically safe for use unless consumed in high doses. Too much of anything can be harmful.

These side effects include:

• Altered platelet function which results in platelets not forming a strong blood clot. Platelets form blood clots that act as plugs to stop excessive bleeding when a person is hurt. Taking too much fish oil may contribute to excessive bleeding.

• Delayed wound healing may also result from fish oil consumption. Fish oil is commonly associated with supporting the body’s normal inflammatory response. Studies are showing that the process of wound healing is dependent on sufficient inflammatory responses which fish oil numb. This is just one stage among the 4 stages of healing.

• Ingesting too much fish oil could irritate the GI tract causing a tummy ache, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Excessive Omega-3 consumption could also lead to altered immune function affecting how the body tackles diseases.

• Fishy odor in the breath and skin can also result from excessive consumption of fish oil.

Fish Oil Dosing For Cats

Your Vet is best placed to advise you on the best amount of cat supplement to use. Your vet will examine your cat, determine the most suitable regimen for the issue at hand, and determine the correct daily dose to use.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that a diet for cat reproduction and growth should have 0.012% EPA and DHA or 3 mg/100 kcal.

How to Administer Fish Oil

Administer the cat supplement directly in the mouth. They are available in various forms like pills, capsules, or liquid. Mix the cat supplement with wet food to make it more palatable for your cat.

Pay careful attention to the first time your cat is having fish oil. If you notice they are reacting, go to the Vet for a professional opinion. Keep in mind that it is not advisable to give the fish oil supplement on an empty stomach.

Which Fish Oil Should You Buy?

Fish oil supplements fall under a category of dietary supplements not regulated by the FDA. This means that not all of them are of good quality and efficiency. Manufacturers are also not required to disclose the ingredients they use.

However, there is a standard that you can work with. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is an independent non-profit organization that assures the quality of animal supplements. They promote quality products for dogs, cats, and horses. Check if fish oil is NASC verified.

Conclusion

Fish oil has numerous health benefits for our feline friends. This omega 3 supplement used in moderation may help to promote joint, heart and brain health. If you need support for your cat's wellbeing, adding feline fish oil to your cat's diet could be a good start.

As cat owners remember to consult your Vet before you give your cat supplements with omega 3s. Fish oil administered in high dosage has serious implications for your cat. Your Vet will let you know about the proper dosage, but please consult the vet if your cat reacts.

References

1. Learn More About Omega-3 and Kidney Health

2. Learn About the Impact of Excess Weight on Cats

3. Learn about Fish Oil-Cell division link

4. Learn more about how fish oil could contribute to excessive bleeding

5. Learn more about wound healing 

6. Learn more about fish oil and the GI tract

7. Learn more about antiplatelet drugs

8. Learn about anti-coagulant herbs

9. Learn about controlling blood pressure

10. Learn about NSAIDs