Salmon oil has become one of the most popular supplements for dogs and cats, usually added straight to their regular food as an easy source of omega-3 fatty acids.
The two you'll hear about most are EPA and DHA.
These marine omega-3s play important roles throughout the body and are commonly used to support areas such as skin and coat, joints, brain and overall health.
But choosing a salmon oil isn't quite as simple as grabbing any bottle that says "omega-3".
Where does the salmon come from? How much should you feed? Does it matter how the oil is stored? What happens every time you open the bottle? And why should you care about oxidation?
Here's what pet parents should know.
Table of Contents
- What Is Salmon Oil?
- What Are EPA and DHA?
- What Are the Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats?
- Do Dogs and Cats Need Omega-3?
- Is Salmon Oil Good for Dogs and Cats?
- How Do You Feed SPRETCH Salmon Oil to Dogs and Cats?
- How Much Salmon Oil Should You Give?
- Introduce Salmon Oil Gradually
- One Thing We Think Is Often Overlooked: Freshness
- Why Does Packaging Matter?
- What Should You Look for on a Salmon Oil Label?
- What About Antioxidants in Salmon Oil?
- Is Wild-Caught Salmon Oil Better?
- How Should Salmon Oil Be Stored?
- What Is SPRETCH's Air-Cut Bottle?
- Can Puppies and Kittens Have Salmon Oil?
- What About Senior Dogs and Cats?
- Can You Give Too Much Salmon Oil?
- SPRETCH Salmon Oil at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats
- The Bottom Line
1. What Is Salmon Oil?
Salmon oil is an oil derived from salmon and is naturally rich in marine omega-3 fatty acids.
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
Both dogs and cats need fats as part of a balanced diet, and oily fish such as salmon are natural dietary sources of EPA and DHA.
Salmon oil is usually sold as a liquid supplement that can be added directly to your pet's existing food, so there is no need to change their entire diet to introduce it.
2. What Are EPA and DHA?
You'll see EPA and DHA mentioned on almost every fish oil supplement, and here’s a simple breakdown of what they are.
EPA
EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid commonly associated with supporting a healthy inflammatory response in the body. This is one reason marine omega-3 supplements are often used to support healthy skin, coat and joints.
DHA
DHA is particularly important for the brain, nervous system and eyes, and is especially relevant during growth and development.
3. What Are the Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats?
Salmon oil isn't a cure-all, but EPA and DHA can support several areas of normal health in both dogs and cats.
Healthy skin and coat
This is probably what salmon oil is best known for. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support normal skin health and a healthy coat, which is why fish oils are often given to pets with dry or flaky skin or coats that could use a little extra support.
Joint support
EPA is also commonly associated with supporting healthy joints and normal inflammatory responses. This can be particularly relevant as pets get older.
Brain and eye health
DHA plays an important role in the brain and eyes and is particularly relevant during the development of puppies and kittens. It continues to form part of normal nutrition throughout adulthood too.
Heart health
EPA and DHA are also involved in normal cardiovascular function. Omega-3 supplementation has been studied for its potential to support heart health, particularly in dogs with certain cardiovascular conditions. Salmon oil should not be viewed as a treatment for heart disease, but it can provide EPA and DHA as part of a balanced diet.
Immune function
Omega-3 fatty acids also interact with the body's inflammatory and immune responses. Rather than simply “boosting” the immune system, EPA and DHA help regulate some of the pathways involved in inflammation and immune function. This is one reason omega-3s are often discussed in relation to skin, joints and overall wellness.
Everyday wellness
Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in many normal functions throughout the body, so we prefer thinking about salmon oil as an everyday nutritional supplement rather than something you only introduce when a problem appears.
4. Do Dogs and Cats Need Omega-3?
Both dogs and cats need essential fatty acids as part of their diet because their bodies cannot produce enough of them on their own.
The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are:
- ALA, commonly found in plant oils such as flaxseed oil
- EPA, commonly found in marine oils
- DHA, commonly found in marine oils
This is one of the main differences between flaxseed oil and salmon oil. Flaxseed oil is naturally rich in ALA, whereas salmon oil provides EPA and DHA directly.
That doesn't mean one oil is automatically better than another. They simply provide different types of omega-3. For pets specifically looking for a direct dietary source of EPA and DHA, marine oils such as salmon oil are the more straightforward option.
5. Is Salmon Oil Good for Dogs and Cats?
Yes. Salmon oil can be a simple way to add the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to the diets of both dogs and cats.
Some pets love the fishy aroma straight away, while others may need a little more convincing. If your pet is fussy, try introducing the oil gradually rather than adding a full serving at once.
If your pet already eats a complete and balanced diet, they may already be getting some omega-3 from their food. Salmon oil should therefore be used as a supplement rather than something that needs to be added in large amounts.
6. How Do You Feed SPRETCH Salmon Oil to Dogs and Cats?
One of the biggest advantages of SPRETCH salmon oil is how easy it is to add to your pet's existing diet.
With dry kibble
Dispense the oil directly over the kibble. You can mix it through if you want the oil to coat the food more evenly. For pets that enjoy fish, the added aroma can sometimes make an ordinary bowl of kibble considerably more interesting. Personally, our cats love this combination the most!
With wet food
Salmon oil can also be mixed directly into wet food. Because wet food is already soft, the oil usually blends through very easily.
With fresh food
You can add the appropriate serving to fresh or home-prepared food too.
Whatever your pet eats, we recommend adding the oil when you're ready to serve the meal, rather than preparing oiled food far in advance and leaving it sitting around, as oil oxidises very easily. It is also advisable not to leave unfinished food with the oil mixed in for extended periods.
7. How Much Salmon Oil Should You Give?
There is no single amount of salmon oil that is right for every dog or cat.
- Species
- Body weight
- Age
- Existing diet
- Health
- The concentration of the particular product
Always follow the recommended feeding amount for the specific salmon oil you're using. With SPRETCH, the recommended daily amount is clearly stated according to your pet's body weight, and the daily serving can be divided between meals.
8. Introduce Salmon Oil Gradually
If your dog or cat hasn't had salmon oil before, there's no need to rush into a full serving immediately.
Introducing a new oil gradually can help your pet adjust to both the taste and the extra fat in their diet. It is especially useful with picky cats, who may immediately notice if their normal dinner suddenly tastes different.
You can start with a small amount mixed into food and gradually work your way up to the recommended serving.
9. One Thing We Think Is Often Overlooked: Freshness
When people compare salmon oils, they tend to look at things like how much omega-3 it has, where the salmon comes from and how much the bottle costs, which are all perfectly good questions.
But there is another one that we think deserves just as much attention: what happens to the oil after you open it?
Fish oils contain polyunsaturated fats, which are naturally vulnerable to oxidation. Exposure to air, light and heat can gradually affect the quality of an oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids oxidise easily; in fact, oxidation begins immediately after opening the container of the food or the oil containing omega-3 fatty acids. Oxidised oil can cause internal organ damage and accelerate aging.
So when choosing an oil, don't just ask how much omega-3 it contains. Also ask how the oil is being protected while you're using it.
10. Why Does Packaging Matter?
Packaging can be easy to overlook, but it matters particularly with oils that are sensitive to air and light. Depending on the design of the bottle, using the salmon oil inside can repeatedly expose the oil inside to the surrounding environment.
When comparing salmon oils, we would look at:
- How the oil is dispensed
- Whether the packaging protects it from light
- How much unnecessary exposure to air occurs during use
- Whether the bottle closes securely
- Whether it is easy to control the serving amount
- What the manufacturer's storage instructions are
SPRETCH features an air-cut bottle with a special structure inside prevents air oxidation and deterioration of oil due to light. Even after the container is opened, the oil in the container does not oxidise and remains fresh and high in quality until the expiration date. This is the reason why SPRETCH does not use any antioxidants as ingredients.
11. What Should You Look for on a Salmon Oil Label?
Always read the labels of your salmon oil. Here are the things you should be looking out for.
The source of the oil
Where does the salmon come from?
EPA and DHA
If you're specifically choosing a marine omega-3 supplement, look for EPA and DHA.
The ingredient list
Check what else has been added. A simple ingredient list makes it much easier to understand exactly what you are giving your pet.
Country of origin
Where is the product actually made? Country of origin alone doesn't determine quality, but we always appreciate transparency.
Recommended serving
A pet supplement should clearly tell you how much to feed. Ideally, serving instructions should take your pet's body weight into account.
Storage instructions
Check what you are expected to do after opening. Some oils require refrigeration, while others are designed to be stored differently depending on their formulation and packaging.
12. What About Antioxidants in Salmon Oil?
You may notice ingredients such as mixed tocopherols on a salmon oil label.
Tocopherols are forms of vitamin E that can be used as antioxidants to help protect oils from oxidation.
For the SPRETCH version sold by Pawberry, our product information lists 99.8% salmon oil and 0.2% mixed tocopherols; the mixed tocopherols in SPRETCH Salmon Oil act as a natural antioxidant to help protect the oil from oxidation and maintain its freshness.
13. Is Wild-Caught Salmon Oil Better?
We personally pay close attention to sourcing when choosing products for Pawberry, and wild-caught fish is something we value. One reason is that wild fish grow in their natural environment and feed on a natural diet, rather than being raised in controlled farming conditions.
We also like knowing more about where the fish comes from, how it was caught, and how the ingredient was handled before it became part of the final product.
But seeing the words "wild-caught" on the front of the bottle shouldn't be the end of your research. You should also take note of:
- Where the fish was sourced
- How the oil was processed
- What else is in the product
- How the oil is packaged
- How it should be stored
- Whether feeding instructions are clear
14. How Should Salmon Oil Be Stored?
This depends on the particular product.
Because of its air-cut bottle technology, SPRETCH salmon oil does not need to be refrigerated and will not oxidise even if it is left outside at room temperature.
However, we recommend keeping away from extreme heat and direct sunlight. If the smell or appearance of an oil changes dramatically or it develops an unpleasant rancid smell, stop using it and check the manufacturer's advice.
15. What Is SPRETCH's Air-Cut Bottle?
SPRETCH uses a specially designed Air-cut bottle, which is is designed to help protect the oil from two things that can affect its quality: air and light.
Instead of repeatedly unscrewing a conventional bottle and pouring the oil out, SPRETCH dispenses the oil while helping limit unnecessary exposure of the oil remaining inside.
To use it:
- Hold the bottle upside down.
- Press the protruding dispensing section.
- Apply the oil directly over your pet's usual food.
There is no need to repeatedly open and close the bottle.
SPRETCH can be kept at room temperature even after opening, which makes everyday storage and feeding particularly convenient.
16. Can Puppies and Kittens Have Salmon Oil?
EPA and DHA are nutrients relevant to growth and development, with DHA playing an important role in the developing brain and eyes.
SPRETCH can be given to puppies and kittens once they have started eating regular dog or cat food and are able to properly digest oils.
17. What About Senior Dogs and Cats?
Salmon oil can also be used with older pets.
Omega-3 supplementation is commonly discussed in relation to areas such as skin, coat and joint health, all of which can become more relevant as pets age.
But age also makes it more likely that a dog or cat may have an existing medical condition or be taking medication. If your senior pet is under veterinary care, it is worth letting your vet know about any supplements you're adding to their diet.
18. Can You Give Too Much Salmon Oil?
Yes. More omega-3 does not automatically mean more benefit.
Salmon oil is still an oil, so it adds fat and calories to your pet's diet. Too much may also lead to digestive issues such as loose stools in some pets.
Fish oil supplements may also require additional caution in pets with certain medical conditions or those taking particular medications.
Follow the recommended serving instructions, and speak to your veterinarian if your pet has an existing health condition.
19. SPRETCH Salmon Oil at a Glance
- Made in Japan and developed under veterinary supervision
- Made using natural Alaskan salmon
- A source of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA
- Contains naturally occurring astaxanthin
- Packed in a patent-pending Air-cut bottle
- Designed to help protect the oil from air oxidation and deterioration caused by light
- Designed to help minimise the development of a stronger fishy smell associated with oxidation
- Easy to add directly to your pet's usual food
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Suitable for room-temperature storage, including after opening
- Available through Pawberry in Singapore
20. Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats
Is salmon oil good for dogs?
Salmon oil provides EPA and DHA, marine omega-3 fatty acids that support normal functions throughout the body, including skin, coat, brain and joint health.
Is salmon oil good for cats?
Yes. Cats can also consume salmon oil as a dietary source of EPA and DHA. Introduce it gradually, particularly with picky cats.
Can I put salmon oil directly on my pet's food?
Yes. Liquid salmon oil can be added directly to kibble, wet food or fresh food.
Is salmon oil better with wet or dry food?
Either is fine. It can be dispensed over dry kibble or mixed through wet food. The best option is whichever your pet prefers.
Can dogs and cats have salmon oil every day?
Many pet salmon oil supplements are intended for regular use. Follow the manufacturer's recommended serving amount and take your pet's existing diet into consideration.
Does salmon oil need to be refrigerated?
It depends on the product. Always follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. SPRETCH Salmon Oil can be stored at room temperature, including after opening.
Why does salmon oil oxidise?
Fish oils contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that can react with oxygen and are also sensitive to environmental factors such as light and heat. That is why packaging and proper storage matter.
How do I know if salmon oil has gone bad?
A significant change in smell, flavour or appearance may indicate that an oil has deteriorated. A noticeably rancid smell is a good reason to stop using it and check the manufacturer's guidance.
Is salmon oil the same as fish oil?
Salmon oil is a type of fish oil specifically derived from salmon. Fish oil is a broader term and can refer to oils made from salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel and other oily fish.
Is salmon oil the same as krill oil?
No. Both are marine sources of EPA and DHA, but they come from different sources and have different compositions. Krill oil naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids largely associated with phospholipids and also naturally contains astaxanthin.
Is salmon oil the same as flaxseed oil?
No. Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA. Salmon oil provides the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA directly.
Should I choose the salmon oil with the highest omega-3 number?
Not necessarily. EPA and DHA content matters, but we would also look at the source of the oil, ingredient transparency, recommended serving, manufacturing information, storage requirements, freshness and packaging.
Can salmon oil help with tear stains?
Salmon oil isn't a specific treatment for tear stains. Tear staining can have several causes. While good nutrition can support overall skin and coat health, we wouldn't choose salmon oil specifically to treat tear stains.
21. The Bottom Line
Salmon oil is a convenient way to add the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to a dog or cat's diet.
But choosing a good salmon oil involves more than simply looking for the biggest omega-3 claim on the bottle.
We think it's worth asking where the oil comes from, what else is inside it, how much your pet should actually have, how it should be stored, and one question that is often overlooked: how is the oil protected once you start using it?
That's one of the things we like most about SPRETCH.
The Alaskan salmon oil and simple ingredient list matter to us, but so does the thought that has gone into its Air-cut bottle and protecting a sensitive oil from unnecessary exposure to air and light.