What are omega-3s, and why does my cat need them?

You’ve probably heard of omega-3s and their benefits for humans and dogs, but did you know the same rings true for our cats? In this guide, we’ll share the basics of omega-3s and how to safely give your pet the omega-3s they need to improve their overall health.

Omega-3 refers to a classification of 11 fatty acids. When discussing its use among pets, you’ll primarily hear about docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Certain species of ocean algae are the source of these omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish such as salmon, mackerel or trout. They are often called marine omega-3s Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source because the fish eat the algae species that produce them. ZipZyme™ Omega, a fresh, natural source of omega-3 DHA grown directly from the algae, rather than from the fish that eat the algae, helps cats and dogs with everything from immune support to improved cognition, skin health, and more.

How omega-3s work

To understand the importance of omega-3s, consider their role in the human body. Our bodies typically make most of the types of fats they need from other fats or raw materials we consume. But the essential fats provided by omega-3s can’t simply be produced from scratch. Instead, our bodies rely on foods already high in omega-3s to reap their integral benefits. This mechanism applies to our cats, too.

Omega-3s are packed with all kinds of benefits for our feline friends, such as promoting a healthy heart, reducing inflammation in the joints of older cats and  keeping their skin and coat nice and healthy.

Cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fats help make hormones that regulate blood clotting as well as the contraction and relaxation of the artery walls. They also keep the heartbeat from veering into dangerous, erratic rhythms and decrease triglyceride levels in cats, ultimately helping prevent blood clots in felines with existing heart disease.

Healthy skin. The anti-inflammatory qualities of omega-3s are especially beneficial for cats with dry, flaky skin or those with skin conditions like eczema. They help reduce cytokines, the inflammatory substances behind allergic diseases.

Joint health. Joint supplements and omega-3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits to cats with feline osteoarthritis and other joint conditions as they prevent the production of prostaglandins, which exacerbate joint pain.

Shiny coat. In addition to regular grooming to keep your cat’s coat nice and shiny and to prevent shedding, your vet may recommend omega-3 supplements or additives.

Immune support. Research shows omega-3s can lessen the harmful effects of an overreactive immune system by reducing overall inflammation, ultimately strengthening immune cells and preventing illness.

Brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy brain development in cats, as they sustain and improve cognitive function and can even help fight age-associated damage. DHA in particular is an essential building block for brain health and cognition.

Kidney health. If your vet has ever prescribed a kidney-friendly diet for your cat, it probably contained omega-3s. This is because omega-3s have been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease. They reduce inflammation surrounding the kidneys while lowering blood pressure.

ZipZyme™ Omega is an all-in-one source to aid in all of the above benefits. It’s a fresh food sustainably grown from ocean algae. Other omega-3 products are extracted oils made from the fish that eat the algae, but ZipZyme™ is made directly from the source of DHA. It’s ready to go to work in the body immediately after consumption, multiplying the amount of DHA in the body to support a healthy metabolism and prevent serious health conditions.

Cats derive most of their necessary moisture from their food rather than from drinking water, so adding omega-3s in the form of fish oil supplements or additives to their meals is a great way to help balance their diet and help them reap the many benefits of omega-3s.

But remember, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may not be appropriate for every cat, such as those with gastrointestinal or bleeding disorders. Always consult your veterinarian before adding anything new to your cat’s diet.

Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t consider supplements to be foods or drugs Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , their regulation is less comprehensive. So when it comes to finding reputable, high-quality omega-3 supplements, there are certain labels and phrases you should look out for. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Choose brands with confirmed expertise — Such brands often have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
• Read labels carefully — Ensure you’re looking at products intended for felines and keep an eye out for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval on the label. The NASC is a nonprofit group that identifies safe products for pets that are of high quality.
• Look for a lot number on the product — This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
• Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true — Vitamin supplements are just that, supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications. Be cautious of products that make such concrete claims.
• Avoid supplements intended for humans — These supplements often contain ingredients that are harmful to cats or contain too high of a dose that can cause adverse effects.
• Consult your veterinarian before beginning use — Not only can labels be confusing for pet parents, it’s essential that you rule out any illnesses that may conflict with use of omega-3s.

As mentioned, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may not be appropriate for every pet Trusted Source Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University Veterinary school. Go to source , especially if your cat suffers with gastrointestinal or bleeding disorders. Consult your veterinarian before adding anything new to your cat’s diet. Consider adding a whole-cell food source of omega-3 DHA that may be gentler on a cat’s system than extracted oil products.