Fish Oil Supplement

Feeding your cat a high-quality diet is essential for many reasons, including maintaining health and strengthening the immune system. As with humans, research has also shown that fatty acids are crucial to a pet's diet. There are two main types of "essential fatty acids": Omega-3 and Omega-6, and they are not the same, nor do they provide the same benefits. For this article, we are only discussing Omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), and their particular benefits. Omega-3 belongs to a group of fatty acids known as "long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids." Research into certain benefits of Omega-3's in humans can be contradictory and much more research is needed, however, it never hurts to try something new.

An Omega-3 supplement may benefit a cat (or dog) in the following ways:

Allergies and Auto-Immune Issues

These conditions happen as the body's response to the immune system overreacting. Omega-3 fatty acids can lessen these harmful effects on the body. Research has suggested that fatty acid supplements may help prevent atrophy (allergies to inhaled substances such as pollens and molds) from developing in young animals.

Arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, may help reduce inflammation. EPA is found in marine fish oil.

Inflammatory Diseases

Diseases accompanied by inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease) may respond to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dull and Dry Hair / Coats

Difficult, brittle, and dry hair and coats often respond to supplements with essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (LA). Marine fish oil is an excellent source of LA.

Yeast Infections

Essential fatty acids can slow the progression of common yeast infections in dogs and cats, Malassezia Pachydermatis. I highly recommend Life's Abundance Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement if your pet is prone to yeast infections in the ear.

Skin Conditions

Omega-3 fatty acids are also crucial for properly developing the retina and visual cortex.

Eyes

Omega-3s are essential for maintaining comfortable and clear vision because they prevent age-related macular degeneration, improve tear quality, and reduce dry eye symptoms.

Heart Problems

Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent some heart problems, including ventricular arrhythmias and high blood pressure. The anti-clogging effect of fatty acids on platelets may help animals prone to thromboembolisms (obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot that has become dislodged from another site in the circulatory system).

Cancers

Fish oils have been shown to decrease levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.

Plasma Triglycerides and Cholesterol

There's strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. There also appears to be a slight improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol.

Risks and Side Effects

There seem to be very few side effects of fatty acid supplementation. However, a rare but serious complication is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. (This could be due to abruptly adding a supplement to the pet's diet—just as with any food change, adding something new should be done over a few weeks, little by little, to avoid gastric upset.)

Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They can add calories, so watch your pet's weight. A bit less food and fewer treats may be needed to offset the calories in a fatty acid supplement. Occasionally, a pet may develop diarrhea from adding a supplement (as with any sudden change in a pet's diet). Therefore, a supplement should be started at a low dose and gradually increased to the therapeutic dose to help alleviate this problem.

Why Does Purity Matter in Fish Oil?

Unfortunately, pollution has affected the water quality of all of our oceans. The contaminants in our waters include toxins like mercury, PCBs, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Consequently, many fish now contain these undesirable elements. That is why choosing a fish oil that goes beyond molecular distillation is vital. Molecular distillation is a process that concentrates and purifies the fish oil. Ultra-Pure Fish Oil goes through additional processes to extract harmful toxins. Selecting a fish oil product tested for concentration, toxicity, and safety by an independent third party is also essential. Supplementing your pet’s diet with a first-rate fish oil supplement like Ultra-Pure Fish Oil allows you to give the additional Omega-3 fatty acids your pet needs safely.

IFOS and “5-Star Rating” Definitions

IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) is a Nutrasource Diagnostics, Inc. division that provides independent, third-party testing for our Omega-3 Ultra-Pure Fish Oil Supplements for Cats and Dogs. IFOS testing judges fish oil quality, purity, and concentration based on the international standards established by the World Health Organization and the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Our rating lets you know that Ultra-Pure Fish Oil is of the highest quality available on the market today—there is no better rating than a 5-star.

Conclusion

A complete and balanced diet is indispensable for optimal health and a robust immune system. However, just like us, our pets can suffer from health issues (ranging from dry skin to cancers). Adding a Fish Oil Supplement to a cat's diet may help support your pet's healthy skin, coat, heart, brain, eyes, and joints. We use and recommend Life's Abundance Pet Fish Oil, which has an IFOS 5-star rating for purity, concentration, and freshness.