NOW^® Pets partners with Dr. Royal, founder and owner of The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center and internationally renowned pioneer in complementary medicine and physical rehabilitation, on the formulation of our pet health products. In this article, Dr. Royal answers frequently asked questions about omega-3 fish oil supplements for pets. NOW^® Pets Omega-3 Support is one of our best-selling supplements for dogs and cats.

How can you tell if a fish oil product is good quality?

It's best to call the company and ask questions. Here are suggested questions to consider when evaluating a fish oil supplement for your pet:

1. What type of fish is used? It should be fish oil from sustainably harvested, smaller pelagic fish sources like mackerel, sardines, anchovies.
2. How is the fish oil processed? There are many ways to process and store fish oil. We are hoping that the processing maintains the integrity of the oil, removes chemicals and toxins, and doesn't add chemicals or toxins.
3. How are any contaminants, chemicals, and impurities monitored and tested? Who does testing and how regularly is the information maintained?
4. How is the oil stored to maintain quality? The main concern for fish oil in terms of storage is avoiding rancidity. Fish oils are fragile. We primarily are concerned with the effects of heat, time, oxygen, and light. In addition, fish oils should not be frozen, as this can also affect the integrity of the oil. Make sure the product is packaged and stored to avoid becoming oxidized/rancid or damaged. Fish oils that are stored in capsule form can minimize exposure to oxygen, improving the integrity of their shelf life.  
5. Are there any added inactive ingredients that compromise the quality or efficacy of the product, or affect the health of the pet in other ways? This can include additives to a chewable product that might increase the carbohydrates in the product or add chemicals, dyes, preservatives, or other possible unhealthy ingredients.

Why are omega-3 fatty acids so important for dogs and cats?

Omega-3 fatty acids are super important fats to help the body manage normal inflammatory responses, support immune systems, brain health and function, and many organ systems. Omega-3 fatty acids are a particular and important type of fat that is not available in high concentrations in many of the vegetable products or meat products we typically feed our pets. Fish oils provide appropriate amounts for supplementation.

We also find adding a supplement is important because both heating and freezing pet foods can affect the integrity of the omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.

Since both processing and freezing foods can affect the quantity and quality of the omega-3 fatty acids that are ingested by a pet, adding a well-sourced omega-3 fatty acid a few times a week can help support these important body systems.

When should dogs and cats start taking fish oil and how frequently?

Omega-3 fatty acids can and likely should be given at any life stage. I typically recommend a maintenance dose of 2-3 times a week for healthy animals. This dose can be changed based on age and health conditions. Giving the right amount involves monitoring for results and recognizing that, as in many supplements, giving too much can show similar signs to giving too little.

I recommend moderate and regular supplementation while monitoring the health of the pet. Pet foods may or may not contain enough Omega-3 fatty acids depending on ingredients, freshness, processing and storage. We see that animals eating ultra-processed kibble food often benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation because the high-heat used to make those foods will affect the omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. As with any new supplement, we recommend introducing them slowly into the diet to monitor their response.