Fish oil supplements

tatomm / stock.adobe.com

Fish oil is a popular and safe supplement that has been used for many years in humans and in animals. The supplement can help pets needing anti-inflammatory support for medical problems, as well as those with skin diseases (eg, allergic skin problems), heart disease, and cancer. Fish oil also is often prescribed for pets with kidney disease to slow down the progression of the disease.

Pets with arthritis that take fish oil supplements may benefit from reduced inflammation and pain and may be able to reduce or eliminate their need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Fish oil also supports a normal nervous system and may be helpful for pets with reduced cognitive function. Fish oil can reduce blood triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels. In general, fish oil is helpful for any pets that need reduced levels of inflammation in their bodies.

Because of its low-calorie count, fish oil supplementation is unlikely to contribute to weight gain. Since commercial pet foods often contain increased levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and health problems, many doctors recommend fish oil (omega-3) supplementation instead for all pets, even those eating a homemade or raw diet.

There is a wide variety of quality among fish oil supplements, so please use a product we’ve prescribed for the best results. Although we don’t expect adverse effects to occur, remember that any medication or supplement may cause them in an individual patient, although adverse effects are much less likely to occur with supplements than with conventional medications.