Fish oil has many benefits when taken as a supplement. The active components are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These healthy fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, bolster the immune system and maximize the softness of one’s fur.
Most cats (and people, too!) can benefit from fish oil supplements, but there are some important issues to be aware of. The best fish oil supplements are pharmaceutical grade that have been purified, or distilled to minimize contaminants such as heavy metals. Make sure cod liver oil is not listed in the ingredients, as the Vitamin A content is too high and may damage the liver.
For most cats, the contents of a 1g capsule added to our food once a day is sufficient. A recent study from the Netherlands confirmed the benefits of fish oil supplements for arthritic felines. If an inflammatory condition such as osteoarthritis is being treated, two or three capsules a day may be required.
Please check with your Veterinarian before adding any supplements to your cat’s diet.
I personally respond better to pharmaceutical grade human fish oil supplements than an increased diet of fish-flavored cat food, which typically does not contain high-quality, contaminant free fish.