What are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids?
If your pet has dry, flaky skin, a dull coat, stiff joints, or recurring itchiness, or you simply want to support their long-term health, chances are you’ve heard about omega fatty acids. But what are they actually doing inside your pet’s body, and how do you know if your pet needs more of them?
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are healthy fats that your pet’s body needs to function properly. Essential fatty acids can not be made by the body and need to be absorbed through diet.
Essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 help with so many bodily functions, including:
- healthy skin
- joint comfort
- brain function
- immune system responses
Most modern pet diets contain essential fatty acids, but the amounts aren’t regulated, and the balance is often off. Omega-6 isn’t the enemy: both fats are essential, and Omega-6 plays an important role in healing wounds and supporting the immune system. The issue is the ratio. Most commercial pet foods are heavily skewed toward Omega-6 and don’t contain nearly enough Omega-3, which can tip pets into a chronically inflamed state. Pets with this imbalance tend to be more prone to inflammation, which presents as issues such as itchy skin, sore joints, or ongoing health concerns.
Omega-3, on the other hand, works in the opposite way. It helps calm inflammation and support healing. This means that these two fatty acids work well together when balanced in the diet, allowing your pet’s body to respond to problems without overreacting.
How do I know if my pet needs more omega fatty acids?
Most pets benefit from at least some level of omega-3 supplementation, but it’s especially worth considering if you’ve noticed any of the following:
- Skin and coat issues — dry, flaky, or itchy skin; dull or greasy coat; excessive shedding; recurring hot spots or ear infections
- Joint stiffness or mobility changes — slowing down on walks, hesitating to jump, stiffness after rest, or a known diagnosis of arthritis
- Allergies — environmental or food-related allergies that flare up seasonally or year-round
- Senior pets — cognitive changes like disorientation, anxiety, or altered sleep patterns; supporting heart, kidney, and brain function in older age
- Puppies and kittens — DHA supports brain, eye, and nervous system development during the critical growth phase
- Chronic conditions — kidney disease, heart disease, certain cancers, and inflammatory conditions all benefit from anti-inflammatory support
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s worth chatting with your vet about whether a supplement could help, and at what dose.
Where do these fatty acids come from?
Omega-6 fats are very common and found in:
- Vegetable oils (like sunflower, corn, and soybean oil)
- Animal fats (chicken, pork)
- Nuts and seeds
Omega-3 fats come from:
- Plant sources (like flaxseed and chia seeds)
- Marine sources (like fish — salmon, sardines, mackerel)
| Source type | Omega-6 fats | Omega-3 fats |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-based | Vegetable oils (sunflower, corn, soybean) | Flaxseed, chia seeds |
| Animal-based | Chicken fat, pork fat | — |
| Marine | — | Salmon, sardines, mackerel |
| Other | Nuts and seeds | — |
However, absorption of Omega-3 in dogs and cats is not that great. Dogs convert plant-based omega-3 poorly, and cats can’t convert it at all! This means plant oils don’t provide much benefit to our canine and feline friends. This is where marine-based Omega-3 (fish or algae oil) comes in. Marine-based Omega-3s are already in a form that dogs’ and cats’ bodies can use.
Why are Omega fats so important?
- They help form strong, flexible cell membranes
- Control inflammation (turning it “on” and “off” when needed)
- Support the immune system
- Influence how cells behave and repair themselves
Omega-6 tends to trigger inflammation (useful for healing injuries), while Omega-3 helps switch it off once the job is done.
How can they help your pet?
Skin and Coat Health:
Supports the skin’s natural barrier to keep moisture in and allergens out, while reducing inflammation that causes itching and redness. Fatty acids also help maintain a soft, healthy coat. Pets with low levels of fatty acids tend to have dry, flaky skin along with hair loss and a dull or greasy coat.
Joint Health and Mobility:
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of long-term joint pain in pets due to cartilage wear and inflammation. Omega fatty acids help reduce inflammation and slow joint damage, easing pain and swelling. This can improve mobility, comfort, and willingness to stay active, and may reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications.
We recommend: signs of arthritis or recognising arthritis in older dogs.
Brain and Cognitive Function
Puppies and Kittens: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that is vital for early development, improving cognitive abilities, memory, and trainability.
Senior Pets: Supplementing with fatty acids can improve signs of cognitive decline in conditions like Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which manifest as memory loss, disorientation, and anxiety.
Immune System Support
Fatty acids help regulate the immune system by preventing it from overreacting. This helps reduce excessive inflammation and can be beneficial in managing immune-related conditions.
Heart Health
Supports heart health by stabilising heart cell function and helping reduce abnormal heart rhythms. It also helps keep blood flowing smoothly and may reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots, particularly in cats with heart disease. Additionally, it can help blood vessels relax and widen, improving overall circulation.
We recommend: Heart conditions or heart murmurs in cats and dogs.
Other Health Benefits (Kidneys, Cancer, and Weight Management)
Kidneys: Slows the progression of chronic kidney disease by decreasing renal inflammation, lowering systemic blood pressure, and reducing protein loss in urine.
Cancer: While evidence is still emerging, anti-inflammatory properties may create a less favourable environment for tumour growth, as chronic inflammation can drive cancer development.
Weight Management: Reduces excessive inflammation associated with excess body fat, making Omega-3 FAs a useful component of weight management plans.
What are the best sources?
Not all “omega-rich” foods are equal.
Best options:
- Fish oil
- Algae oil
Less effective:
Flaxseed oil or plant oils (poorly absorbed by pets).
How much does my pet need?
As a general guide:
- 30–75 mg of EPA + DHA per kg of body weight daily
To put that in perspective: a 10 kg dog needs around 300–750 mg per day. A typical fish oil capsule contains around 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA, which is why most pets benefit from a dedicated supplement rather than relying on diet alone. Even pet foods marketed as “rich in omega-3” often don’t contain enough to make a real therapeutic difference.
Some conditions, like arthritis or chronic kidney disease, may require higher doses, so it’s best to get personalised advice from your vet.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Daily requirement (10 kg dog) | Around 300–750 mg per day |
| Typical fish oil capsule | Around 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA |
How to choose a good food or supplement
Ingredient List: Look for specific marine sources high up in the ingredient list, such as “salmon oil,” “fish oil,” or other fish-specific oils, which are good indicators of beneficial Omega-3s. Common fat sources like chicken fat or pork fat provide Omega-6s, but should be balanced with marine sources. If only vegetable oils (like flaxseed or canola oil) are listed, the diet will likely have a very high Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, lack potent EPA and DHA and have poor bioavailability for your pet.
Supplementation: If your pet’s current diet is not a therapeutic veterinary-formulated diet or does not contain the recommended fatty acids as mentioned above, supplementation with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is advised.
Recommended Products:
Virbac Megaderm Omega 3 & 6 Supplement
Dose: 0.5 – 1.0 mls per kg of Body weight
Natural Animal Solutions: Omega 3,6,9 oil for Cats and Dogs
Dose:
- Small Dogs (1-10kg): 1 teaspoon daily (5mls)
- Medium Dogs (11-26kg): 2 teaspoons daily (10mls)
- Large Dogs (27-45+kg): 3 teaspoons daily (15mls)
- Cats: ½ to 1 teaspoon daily
Both supplements are available through our clinic or our in-house pharmacy.
We recommend: Should I order from an online pharmacy or at my vet?
Can’t I just feed my pet some fish?
Feeding fresh fish occasionally is fine for most pets and provides some omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s not a reliable way to reach therapeutic levels. The omega content of fish varies significantly between species and even between individual fish, and cooking can degrade some of the beneficial fats.
| Fish (cooked) | Omega-3 level | EPA + DHA per 3 oz (85 g) portion |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic salmon (wild-caught) | High | Up to ~1,564 mg |
| Tilapia | Low | ~115 mg |
Raw fish also carries risks of parasites and, for cats, an enzyme called thiaminase that can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency over time. For consistent, safe, therapeutic dosing, a vet-recommended supplement is the way to go.
A B1 deficiency in a dog would start with vague gut signs like poor appetite, vomiting, and weight loss, then progress to neurological problems such as weakness, incoordination, vision issues, dilated pupils, and seizures as it damages the brain. It can be fatal and is usually diet-related, since thiamine is fragile and easily lost in poorly stored or improperly prepared food.
Are Omega Supplements Safe For Pets?
Omega-3 supplements are very well tolerated by most pets, but a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- Loose stools can occur if the dose is increased too quickly. Start low and build up gradually over a week or two.
- Bleeding risk — high-dose omega-3s have a mild blood-thinning effect, so let your vet know if your pet is on anti-inflammatories or scheduled for surgery.
- Pancreatitis — pets with a history of pancreatitis or fat sensitivity should only start supplementation under vet guidance.
- Quality matters — fish oils can go rancid, which negates the benefits. Store supplements in a cool, dark place and follow the use-by date carefully.
When in doubt, check with our team before starting a new supplement. We can help you choose the right product and dose for your pet.
Omega fatty acids are one of the simplest, most evidence-backed ways to support your pet’s skin, joints, heart, brain, and overall long-term health. But getting the right product, dose, and formulation matters, and that’s where we come in.
Whether you’re not sure if your pet would benefit, want help choosing between products, or you’re managing a specific condition like arthritis or kidney disease, our team at Berwick Clyde Vet is here to help.
Get in touch with our team today for personalised advice, or call us on (03) 5902 7087. Small dietary changes can make a big difference to how your pet feels and ages.
Frequently asked questions
How long until I see results from omega supplements?
It depends on what you’re targeting. Pets with joint issues often show improved mobility within 4–6 weeks. Skin and coat improvements typically take 8–12 weeks, since the coat needs time to grow through. Cognitive and immune benefits build over months of consistent use.
Can I give my pet human fish oil?
Yes, the oil itself is the same, but human supplements often come in higher doses than small pets need, and some contain added flavourings or ingredients (like xylitol in flavoured liquid versions) that aren’t safe for pets. Vet-formulated products are dosed and flavoured specifically for cats and dogs, which makes them safer and easier to administer.
Can my pet have too much omega-3?
Yes, at very high doses, omega-3s can cause loose stools, slow blood clotting, and contribute to weight gain. Stick to the recommended dose for your pet’s weight and condition, and check with your vet before increasing it.
Are there pets who shouldn’t take omega supplements?
Most pets are fine, but pets with a history of pancreatitis, bleeding disorders, or those scheduled for surgery should only start supplementation under vet guidance. Always let your vet know about any supplements your pet is taking.
Do I need to refrigerate fish oil?
Once opened, liquid fish oils should be refrigerated and used within the timeframe stated on the label (usually 1–3 months). Capsules can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Rancid oil smells unpleasant and shouldn’t be given.
