12 Best Omega 3 for Cats – Reviews & Analysis

If you’re looking for the right omega 3 supplements for cats, it’s a good thing you’re reading this article. We analyzed the current options on the market and came to the conclusion that the first product that you ought to consider is the Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. The reason why we’re recommending this choice first is that it has received excellent reviews from cat and dog parents alike, and it seems that most pets love it, so you won’t experience any issues with administering it to your furry buddy. This salmon oil provides your feline friend with both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which means that both the health of his/her nervous system will be in check and the pet’s coat will also look nice. If this alternative is no longer available, we suggest going for our next favorite one, the VetriScience Laboratories Omega 3, 6, 9 Fatty Acid Supplement.

Best Omega 3 for Cats (Reviews)

We put together a list of Omega 3 for cats that have received a good deal of appreciation on the part of those who have tried them. Check them out if you haven’t made up your mind just yet.

1. Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats

Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
$36.47 ($1.14 / Fl Oz)

Discover why we're America’s #1 Selling Dog Supplement Brand on Amazon* with our tasty and nourishing Salmon Oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy coat and overall wellness for your cats and dogs. This premium fish oil liquid formula provides essential nutrients to keep your pet looking great, nourishing their skin and coat while serving as a convenient dog food topper for pet parents seeking an alternative to capsules or soft chews.

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02/18/2024 03:43 am GMT

For cats that dislike soft chews and capsules, this liquid salmon oil should do the trick. Made of quality wild-caught Alaskan salmon, the supplement comes in a pump bottle for easy administration. Pump according to the recommended dosage of fish oil based on your cat’s weight.

As liquid fish oil is prone to oxidation and turning rancid, it is recommended to keep the product refrigerated after opening. Zesty Paws made a tasty product that cats love. However, it comes with a strong fish odor that can linger in your cat‘s mouth.

Pure Wild Alaskan Oil is full of essential fatty acids such as DHA for brain enhancement, EPA and OMEGA-3. Add this fish oil supplement to cat food when your cat is ready to eat. This fish oil supplement helps to improve your cat‘s skin and coat for soft, shiny, and dandruff-free fur. It also helps reduce shedding and hairball problems.

2. VetriScience Laboratories Omega 3, 6, 9

VetriScience Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats, 90 Soft Gels
$32.99 $21.42

VetriScience Laboratories presents Omega 3 6 9, a fish oil supplement for dogs and cats, crafted with a blend of non-GMO natural oils to support skin and coat health, immune systems, and joint mobility. Supplement your pet's diet with essential fatty acids they need for total body health, as cats and dogs often don't receive enough from their diets, all made with care in the USA by veterinarians at VetriScience Laboratories.

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02/18/2024 04:00 am GMT

Give your feline buddy a balance of essential fatty acids with this product. It combines Omega 3, 6, and 9 from flaxseed, borage seed, and fish oil. So far, there are not much complaints when it comes to the scent and taste of the product. Most customers fuss about the size of the supplement as it comes in a large, over-an-inch size capsule.

It is best to avoid giving this to kittens. The large capsule also contains a bigger dose. Unless you have multiple cats to give fish oil supplement, you will be wasting a lot of product. The administration could either be by swallowing the capsule or by adding a few drops on their food.

As to the benefits, this vet-approved pet supplement is good for your pets’ skin, joints, and heart health. Most of the satisfied customers used the product to resolve their pets’ dry skin, thinning hair, bald spots, and itchy flakes.

3. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Pure Supplement

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet, Unflavored ..
$16.95 $15.26

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet is specially formulated for cats and small breed dogs, featuring omega-3 fish oil in liquid form for heart, skin, coat, immune, and joint health. Crafted from fresh, wild-caught fish, each batch is guaranteed non-GMO, gluten- and dairy-free, and produced sustainably in a zero-waste facility.

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02/18/2024 04:00 am GMT

Have the same brand of fish oil supplement as your pets with Nordic Naturals Pure Omega-3 Oil Supplement for cats and small breed dogs. It comes with a marked dropper for self-administration directly into your cat’s mouth or added to pet food.

This fish oil supplement takes its essential fatty acids from wild-caught, omega-rich sardines and anchovies. The product is in triglyceride form which is better absorbed by cats than fish oil in ethyl ester form.

The product worked wonders in senior cats, in particular with their kidney and joint problems. It also improved the overall physique of most cats. The fish oil also helped reduce concerns over excessive licking, airborne allergies, asthma, and flaking.

To maintain its freshness, the product contains d-alpha tocopherol, a Vitamin-E rich preservative. Refrigerate once opened and consume within 3 months. On the contrary, some cats don’t like its taste. Cat owners also don’t like its smell.

4. Finest For Pets Omegease Omega-Rich Fish Oil

Omegease Omega 3, 6 & 9 Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats, 16 Ounces
$22.95 ($1.43 / Fl Oz)

Finest For Pets Omegease offers 100% pure Omega-3 fish oil for dogs and cats, supporting skin, coat, joint, immune, brain, and heart health with no fishy smell or toxins. Loved by pets and backed by a 100% refund guarantee, Omegease ensures your furry friend receives essential nutrients for overall well-being.

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02/18/2024 04:06 am GMT

Premium cat food often contains Omega 6 fatty acids. However, fish oil is best given to cats in liquid form. This odor-free liquid fish oil supplement contains Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. It is a human-grade supplement with no preservatives or additives.

Compared to other fish oils, Omegease is free of stinky fish odors. It derives its Omega-rich fatty acids from anchovies, herring, and sardines caught in the wild. They use non-predatory fish to ensure there are no contaminants, mercury, and other toxic chemicals.

Leaking can happen as the product comes in a pump bottle. Still, the dispenser makes it easy to add fish oil to your feline’s food. Cat benefits with this product included improvements in flaking, dandruff, cysts, shedding, scratching, joint problems, and overall health.

The product is affordable, but some cats don’t like how it smells. No worries because this supplement comes with a 30-day risk-free money back guarantee.

5. Nutramax Laboratories Welactin Feline Softgel Caps

Welactin Omega-3 Skin and Coat Support for Cats, 60 Softgels

Welactin offers a rich source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids from wild-caught, cold-water fish, supporting healthy skin and a shiny coat in dogs and cats. Derived from small cold-water fish and rigorously quality tested, Welactin ensures purity and safety for your pet's well-being.

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If you dislike leaky pumps of liquid fish oil, try fish oil in soft gel caps. The fish oil comes in uniform dosage. Just twist and open the cap to add fish oil to your cat’s food or to administer in the cat’s mouth.

Cat owners found the supplement beneficial to make cats more intelligent as it contains DHA and EPA. This supplement has helped boost feline health in many ways including those with mild cognitive decline, FIV-positive, itching, dandruff, dry skin, and food allergies. It also affected mood and made cats more playful and active.

All of these benefits are possible if your cat can stomach it. As it turns out, a handful of customer reviews have one thing in common: their cats dislike its smell and taste. Meanwhile, other cats did not mind the smell/taste of fish oil in their food, and so they showed no noticeable changes in their physical condition.

6. Grizzly Pet Products Liquid Omega-3 Supplement

Grizzly Omega Health for Dogs & Cats, Wild Salmon Oil/Pollock Oil Omega-3 Blend
$26.99 ($1.69 / Fl Oz)

Support your pet's healthy skin and coat with our premium supplement, crafted from Wild Alaskan Salmon and containing high levels of DHA and EPA, sourced from wild Alaskan Pollock oil for optimal pet health.

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02/18/2024 04:16 am GMT

The all-natural omega-3 fatty acids in this supplement are from a combination of wild Alaskan pollock and wild salmon oil. This fish oil supplement also has low doses of Omega-6 to avoid overdosing on this essential fatty acid. Keep in mind that Omega 6 is already present in most commercial cat food products.

Grizzly Omega Health is beneficial for dogs and cats, specifically with their joints, organs, heart, skin, and coat health. It also contains high levels of DHA and EPA which boosts nerve-based functions including vision and cognition beneficial for growing pets and senior maintenance.

Most of the good points from satisfied buyers included improvements in their pets’ mood, agility, and overall health. It also helped resolve scratching, itching, and shedding problems in many cases. When it comes to taste, some cats didn’t mind the natural fish taste of the product. In some cases, even non-picky eaters were bothered.

7. Wholistic Pet Organics Wild Cod Liver Oil

Wholistic Pet Organics Feline Cod Liver Supplement, 4 fl. oz

Experience a rich source of readily available Omega-3 fatty acids along with essential vitamins A, D, and E in our pure Cod Liver oil supplement, made from raw, natural whole food ingredients sourced and regulated in the USA by the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) for your pet's optimal health.

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Wholistic Pet Organics tapped into the power of pure cod liver oil to improve the overall health and well-being of our feline buddies. The product does not contain any other fish oils. It is believed that the potency of pure cod liver oil is unsurpassed. The product also does not include any additives or synthetic vitamins.

This potent supplement has Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A. It is recommended for cats of all ages. Pure Wild Cod Liver Oil is beneficial for the relief of cat constipation and concerns over their digestive system. It also helps improve the mood of cats.

One satisfied customer was apprehensive with this product at first, but as it came highly recommended for coat health, the cat parent chose to administer the pure wild cod liver oil to kittens who suffered from itching. The product was able to reduce scratching in a short period.

8. Bayer Animal Health Free Form Snip Tips Omega-3’s

Elanco Snip Tips Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Supplement for Small Dogs and Cats, 60 Count
$20.38 $16.98 ($0.28 / Count)

Developed and tested by the makers of vet-recommended Advantage flea & tick protection, our 60-count daily Omega-3 fish oil liquid for small dogs and cats, sourced from small non-predatory fish like anchovies, supports overall health and wellness for sensitive skin, eyes, joints, brain, heart, and kidneys, with highly concentrated dosing for fewer pills needed.

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02/18/2024 04:16 am GMT

Free Form Snip Tips is a concentrated source of essential Omega 3 fatty acids necessary for optimum health and metabolic functions. Just snip the tip of the capsule and add the fish oil to their wet food.

It is beneficial for cats and small dogs ranging in weight from 5lbs to 60 lbs. For small cats, give only one capsule once every other day. Most of the customer reviews gave the supplement for dogs, average-sized cats, and large felines like Maine Coons.

This product is an economical choice to help ensure a healthy coat for your cats. It has helped cats with dry and dull skin. It also provides relief to cats with arthritis pain, kidney problems, issues with eyesight, and heart health.

Some cats did not like the smell and taste of this product. It can be helpful to administer these omega-3’s directly into your feline’s mouth, but vomiting may occur.

9. Life Line Pet Nutrition Premium Wild Alaskan Fish Oil

Life Line Pet Nutrition Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Omega-3 Supplement for Skin & Coat – Supports Brain, Eye & Heart
$69.99 ($0.55 / Fl Oz)

Experience the excellence of super premium wild Alaskan salmon oil at an unbeatable price point, gently filtered within hours of harvest to preserve its natural goodness, replenishing moisture for a healthy coat and supporting brain, eye, and heart health. Our cold-filtered, GMO-free fish oil from wild Alaskan Pollock is tested for safety and purity, packaged in the USA, and equipped with dripless silicon-valve dispenser caps for mess-free use and tamper-proof packaging options.

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02/18/2024 04:31 am GMT

This is a good product to try if you have cats that are particular about the taste of fish oil. Plus, the fish oil comes in a no-mess and no-drip bottle. It contains the minimum requirements for Omega 6 as well as Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA, DPA, and EPA.

This Premium Wild Alaskan Fish Oil is taken from wild-caught Alaskan pollock. This type of fish is commonly used in imitation crab meat and fish sticks. The process is also crucial as Life Line gently filters the wild pollock oil a few hours after the fresh harvest.

Cats only need a recommended dosage of a ¼ teaspoon or 1.25ml for the daily supplementation. The premium fish oil supplement helped many cats get a luxurious, shiny coat with regular use.

It also helps improve brain and heart health. Many cat owners also found this supplement helped to increase appetite even with cats that are malnourished.

10. Iceland Pure Unscented Sardine-Anchovy Oil

Iceland Pure Sardine Anchovy Oil
$49.90 ($1.51 / Ounce)

Experience the safest and purest omega-3 fish oil for your pet with Iceland Pure's Unscented Pharmaceutical Grade Sardine Anchovy Oil, free from additives and preservatives. Reduce inflammation, support joint health, and boost your pet's immune system with this easy-to-serve oil, sourced from wild-caught fish in Iceland and rigorously tested for purity and quality by third-party companies.

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02/18/2024 04:31 am GMT

This fish oil does not contain herbs like rosemary which can cause health concerns for cats. Iceland Pure opted to use FDA-approved green brushed aluminum instead of plastic bottles. This ensures toxic-free fish oil without affecting the purity of the oils. Additionally, third-party testing companies have approved the purity of this fish oil.

The supplement is composed of 60% sardine oil and 40% anchovy oil that is processed in a short time under high vacuum. The shorter sitting time guarantees zero trans fat in the product. The natural purification process also removes toxins and heavy metals in natural fish oil.

If your cat is on a raw diet, opt to supplement with high levels of Omega 3, Omega 6, EPA, DHA, and Vitamin E. It is also unscented, and several customers can attest to it being odor-free. The product can turn rancid in transit. Refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness.

11. Ark Naturals Royal Coat Express Omega Mender! Itch Ender!

Ark Naturals Omega Mender Itch Ender, Omega 6 & Omega 3 Dietary Supplement for Pets
$44.00 ($5.50 / Fl Oz)

Improve your pet's skin and coat with Omega Mender Itch Ender, a fish oil supplement specially formulated for cats and dogs 12 weeks and older. Reduce shedding, dry skin, and itchiness while promoting brain function, eyesight, and cellular health with this natural omega-3 and omega-6 supplement, carefully crafted in the USA with high-quality, corn-free, soy-free, and wheat-free ingredients.

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02/18/2024 04:37 am GMT

This product is 100% sourced from wild fish oil and borage oil. It is highly concentrated with EPA and DHA Omega-3 acids as well as GLA and LA Omega-6 acids. It also contains high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and d-I-alpha tocopherol Vitamin E. The U.S.-made product is free from preservatives and can last up to 12 months in the fridge.

The Royal Coat Express is specially formulated to reduce itching, shedding, excessive grooming, hotspots, bumps, scabs, and dry, flaky coats. It is safe to use for cats and dogs with fat-restricted diets. It does not contain corn, wheat or soy. Your cat should be 12 weeks or older to safely consume this fish oil supplement.

Most of the satisfied customers found noticeable changes with their cats’ coat in a matter of days. Most cats like the taste of the fish oil and should not smell fishy unless they are overdosing.

Omega 3 for Cats – Guide 

If you’ve heard about Omega 3 fatty acid supplements for cats and you are considering giving them to your feline buddy once in a while, you should read the guide that we have prepared for you below.

Why go for cat Omega 3 oil?

Healthy fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 have plenty of anti-inflammatory effects and they can be beneficial for a broad array of medical conditions from chronic kidney disease to arthritis, skin issues, as well as allergies. But as is the case with everything else in life, you can get a bit too much of a good thing. We will discuss that later on. Let’s see what sources of Omega 3 there are out there.

Nuts, flaxseed, and vegetable oils

Most nuts and seeds contain Omega 6, not Omega 3, but there are some that have a good amount of the latter, too. Flaxseeds are just an example.

What’s important to note here, however, is that dogs and cats aren’t capable of ‘processing’ the entire Omega 3 they might get from these sources, so they only get about 1-2% of what they’re supposed to. Omega 3 must convert into DHA and EPA, and plant-based sources can only be converted into EPA, anyway, and only in a small amount. By the way, vegetable oils – from sunflower oil to coconut oil – contain no Omega fatty acids at all.

Squid oil, fish oil, and krill oil

Squid oil contains nine fatty acids, and DHA tops the list. However, EPA comes in only fourth. Squid oil isn’t the best of choices because it also contains a high quantity of cholesterol, which, as we all know, is linked to the development of various medical conditions.

Fish oil, along with cod liver oil, are two of the most popular and common sources of DHA and EPA. While it is true that this option is probably the best because it is the only bioavailable source and one that contains enough of both fatty acids, there can be some issues connected to this type of product.

One of them is the fact that some fish are farmed, they aren’t wild. Farmed salmon has been linked to exposure to all sorts of chemicals. Naturally, you do not want to give your pet a fish oil supplement that comes from such sources. To avoid any such issues, check out the International Fish Oil Standards Program, an independent group that tests oils extracted from fish.

Krill oil is a healthy non-fish alternative that contains Omega 3. It’s also quite healthy, provided that it is harvested from clean waters.

Algae oil is another option you have at your disposal, but we’d like to note that it is mostly recommended for vegans (humans), not for cat, because it also contains Omega-6 fatty acids which could be problematic. Some algae have been genetically modified to produce more EPA, so there’s that controversy to take into account, as well.

Form

Despite the Internet being filled with dozens (if not hundreds) of videos that can explain how you can give a cat a pill, the truth is that many cat parents will shy away from it and won’t want to upset their feline friend. I have personally gone through horrible such experiences in the past, and the truth is that I love my cat so much that I turn to mush and can hardly use any vet skills I might have acquired during my 7 years of practice if I notice that she’s experiencing any discomfort.

When it comes to omega 3 fatty acids for cats, you have three major options – capsules, liquid, or chewy tablets. Not all cats like the taste of the chewy tablets, so they might not want to take them on their own.

Capsules are the most difficult form to administer, and that’s because they’re usually on the bigger side of things. Oils and liquids are to be preferred, in my opinion, and that’s because they can be added to wet food or administered directly.

Side effects

As we said in the beginning, there is something like too much of a good thing, and overzealous and over-caring pet parents might feel the need to pour a gallon of fish oil onto their pet’s food, but that is definitely not recommended. Every formula comes with clear instructions and dosages, so you should always respect them.

Fish oil can cause some serious side effects when it is overdosed and these range from gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in the immune system to weight gain and an alteration of drug metabolism.

The recommended dosage of omega 3 for cats is 2.5mg EPA+DHA per metabolic body weight. For dogs, it’s 30mg EPA+DHA per metabolic body weight.

Frequently asked questions about Omega 3 for cats

Can I give my cat omega 3 fish oil?

There’s no easy way of providing an answer to this question, and that’s because every cat is different. If your cat has perfect health but you’ve noticed that her coat isn’t as shiny or soft as it used to be, sure, you can supplement with a bit of Omega 3.

However, always make sure that you respect the right dosage, and if it’s not been recommended by a vet, I would actually suggest using half of the typical dosage. It’s practically impossible to administer an overdose if you give half of the dose to a healthy cat.

Do cats need Omega 3?

Not necessarily, but it isn’t a bad idea to give it to them, anyway. Omega 3 can offer plenty of benefits, but if your cat is perfectly fine and eats only the right things, you might find that it makes no sense to add the supplement to her diet. I would recommend trying to switch to a raw diet instead of one based on commercial cat food and you’ll see the difference. If your cat likes it, perhaps it’s not a bad idea to feed her some salmon once in a while since it’s rich in Omega fatty acids.

How much Omega 3 does a cat need?

The recommended dosage of omega 3 for cats is 2.5mg EPA+DHA per metabolic body weight. For dogs, it’s 30mg EPA+DHA per metabolic body weight.

Can I give my cat human Omega 3?

If it contains the right things and you always make sure that you never exceed the dose, you can. However, I would suggest calling your veterinarian before you give any type of supplement at all, especially considering that he or she is the person that’s aware of your cat’s medical history and can recommend you the right products in accordance with your pet’s health status.

Can you give a cat with pancreatitis Omega 3?

Pets with sensitive digestion can experience a series of issues when you increase their dietary fat. Any cat with a history of pancreatitis or gastrointestinal problems should be weaned onto fatty acid supplementation with care so that the fat levels are well tolerated.

Cats that are particularly sensitive to dietary fat might show changes in the consistency of their stool, and some might even experience diarrhea. If you notice that this has happened, get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as you can and stop supplementing your cat’s diet with any oil that contains Omega 3.

Does Omega 3 lower cat shedding?

It does lower the shedding, but it is not guaranteed to stop it, especially if the pet you’re administering the fatty acids is known to have a history of dermatological issues. It does help, that’s for sure, as attested by many people who have tried it and the results I have noticed in the past, too.

What cat food is high in Omega 3?

If you are expecting an answer in the lines of ‘this brand’, I’m going to be completely honest and say that I do not trust any brand of cat food currently available. Sure, I feed Royal Canin to my cat, too, especially when I’m extremely busy, and I usually make sure to select the varieties that contain as little artificial preservatives and colors as possible. However, the only way of making sure that your cat benefits from healthy nutrients is to feed her a raw diet.

If you haven’t gotten your kitten accustomed to the taste and consistency of commercial dry food, I would suggest starting her on a raw diet now. Pets can become addicted to certain food brands as such companies might use taste enhancers or oils (not necessarily the good ones) in the manufacturing process. I’d say to feed your cat a raw diet and use fish oil to supplement the Omega 3 – that is, unless you’re feeding her real cod and wild caught salmon.

Omega fatty acids – Therapeutic sources and effects

Fat can contain fatty acids, but in varying amounts. Beef fat has a low percentage of fatty acids while fish oil or sunflower oil have significantly larger percentages. Marine oils are great sources of both EPA and DHA, but there are other plant sources, too, such as safflower oil and sunflower oil.

Therapy

Fatty acids can help pets deal with certain medical conditions, or rather, the clinical symptom of diseases. For example, Omega 3 helps with allergies and autoimmune conditions, arthritis, as well as several other inflammatory diseases such as colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

EPA is extremely helpful when it comes to slowing down the growth of certain yeast strains such as Malassezia spp. Omega 3 fatty acids can also prevent many cardiac issues, particularly in older pets. Last, but not least, one of the most important therapeutic effect that fatty acids have is that they can prevent cancer, at least to some extent.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential when it comes to the healthy development of the retina and visual cortex, so they can do a bit of difference with regard to your pet’s eyesight, too. Of course, they won’t naturally reverse conditions such as cataracts, but they can prevent them.

What do fatty acids do for skin?

Brittle, dull, and dry hair coats usually respond to supplementation with fatty acids.

Cats can suffer from a medical condition known as miliary dermatitis (also known as ‘blotch’ or ‘feline eczema’) that can be caused by a wide array of factors such as bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections to autoimmune diseases, hormonal abnormalities, as well as autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by the presence of crusty, small-sized bumps spread on the cat’s skin, which can have redness underneath. In a nutshell, this skin condition can be significantly improved with fatty acids supplementation.

Fatty acids in conjunction with treatments

One thing that we would like to make clear is that fatty acids do not cure diseases. They do not have the ability to work like a magical charm, but they can do a lot of beneficial things if they are associated with medication. For example, a veterinarian might have to administer just half of the dose of glucocorticoids if the animal is suffering from an allergy and also receives omega 3 fatty acids during treatment.

Another aspect that needs to be considered is that omega 3 fatty acids don’t have an immediate effect. They usually take about a month to show any results, which means that pet parents have to have a lot of patience. Many dermatologic conditions in cats respond to fatty acid supplementation with success rate ranging from 40% to 65%.

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