Curious about Japan's SPRETCH Omega-3 supplement oils? We've put together a handy FAQ covering everything you need to know about the range, from ingredients and benefits to feeding guidelines, storage and what makes SPRETCH's Air-Cut bottle technology different. Whether you're new to SPRETCH or already using it for your pet, we hope this guide makes choosing the right oil a little easier.
In this guide
- What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?
- Where is SPRETCH made?
- What makes SPRETCH different from other oil supplements?
- What is the composition of SPRETCH oils?
- What is krill oil, and how does it compare to salmon oil?
- What is the difference between the oils, and which one should I choose?
- How many calories are in SPRETCH oils?
- Can SPRETCH oils be used for other pets such as rabbits and hamsters?
- How should I store SPRETCH oil?
- Does the oil oxidise after it has been dispensed?
- When can I start giving SPRETCH to my pet?
- Can SPRETCH be used every day?
- Can the larger salmon oil bottle be used for cats too?
1. What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in supporting many areas of your pet's health, including the brain, eyes, skin and coat, joints, heart, immune system and normal cell function.
Dogs and cats cannot produce sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids on their own, so they need to obtain them through their diet. A deficiency in essential fatty acids may contribute to signs such as dry or flaky skin and a dull coat.
2. Where is SPRETCH made?
SPRETCH is made in Japan and developed under veterinary supervision.
3. What makes SPRETCH different from other oil supplements?
Omega-3-rich oils are sensitive to their environment and can gradually oxidise when exposed to factors such as air, light and heat. As an oil oxidises, its quality, aroma and flavour can change.
SPRETCH uses a specially designed Air-Cut bottle, which is patent pending and designed to help limit air oxidation and deterioration caused by light while the oil remains inside the container.
Rather than focusing only on what goes into the oil, SPRETCH also puts a lot of thought into how the oil is protected during everyday use. The exact formulation differs between products: for example, SPRETCH Salmon Oil contains a small amount of mixed tocopherols, while the Krill Oil is 100% krill oil and the Pure Flaxseed Oil is 100% flaxseed oil.
4. What is the composition of SPRETCH oils?
SPRETCH Salmon Oil
SPRETCH Salmon Oil is made with 99.8% Alaskan salmon oil and 0.2% mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E. The mixed tocopherols act as an antioxidant to help protect the oil and maintain its freshness.
SPRETCH Krill Oil
SPRETCH Krill Oil contains 100% krill oil, with no additional ingredients.
SPRETCH Flaxseed Oils
SPRETCH Flaxseed Oils are extracted using a low-temperature cold-press method. The Pure variant contains 100% flaxseed oil, while the flavoured variants contain less than 1% human-grade flavouring to make them more aromatic and appealing to pets.
5. What is krill oil, and how does it compare to salmon oil?
Krill oil is an omega-3 oil extracted from tiny shrimp-like crustaceans called krill, which are found mainly in Antarctic waters. Like salmon oil, it provides the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
One of the main differences is how those omega-3s are carried. In krill oil, much of the EPA and DHA is associated with phospholipids. Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant pigment.
This does not mean krill oil is automatically better for every pet. Salmon oil and krill oil are both useful marine sources of EPA and DHA, and the right choice can depend on your pet's needs, diet, preferences and serving requirements.
6. What is the difference between the oils, and which one should I choose?
All SPRETCH oils provide omega-3 fatty acids, but they do not provide exactly the same type.
- Salmon Oil: provides the marine omega-3s EPA and DHA directly.
- Krill Oil: also provides EPA and DHA, with much of the omega-3 associated with phospholipids, and naturally contains astaxanthin.
- Flaxseed Oil: is plant-based and is naturally rich in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
Dogs are omnivores, while cats are obligate carnivores. Both species can obtain omega-3s from their diet, but conversion of plant-based ALA into EPA and DHA is limited, particularly in cats. If you specifically want a direct source of EPA and DHA, salmon or krill oil is the more straightforward option.
Flaxseed oil can still be a useful alternative for pets that dislike strong or fishy aromas. SPRETCH's flaxseed range is available in Pure as well as Cheese, Chicken, Scallop, Blueberry and Apple flavours.
7. How many calories are in SPRETCH oils?
According to the product information provided for SPRETCH:
- Flaxseed and Salmon Oils: approximately 36–40 kcal per teaspoon.
- Krill Oil: approximately 8 kcal per 1/4 teaspoon.
Always follow the recommended serving amount for the specific oil and your pet's body weight.
8. Can SPRETCH oils be used for other pets such as rabbits and hamsters?
SPRETCH's Apple Flaxseed Oil is also positioned for smaller animals. The manufacturer's guidance states approximately 0.05 ml (about 1–2 drops) per 100 g of body weight.
However, rabbits, hamsters and other small animals have species-specific nutritional needs. If you are feeding SPRETCH to a pet other than a dog or cat, we recommend checking with your veterinarian first and following the product instructions carefully.
9. How should I store SPRETCH oil?
SPRETCH does not need to be refrigerated and is designed for room-temperature storage. Keep the bottle away from extreme heat and direct sunlight.
The Air-Cut bottle is designed to help protect the oil remaining inside from exposure to air and deterioration caused by light.
10. Does the oil oxidise after it has been dispensed?
Yes. Once oil has been dispensed from the Air-Cut bottle and exposed to the surrounding air, oxidation can begin over time.
We recommend adding SPRETCH to your pet's food just before serving and avoiding leaving unfinished food with the oil mixed in for extended periods.
11. When can I start giving SPRETCH to my pet?
SPRETCH can be introduced once puppies and kittens have started eating regular dog or cat food and are able to digest oils properly.
For very young pets, pets with sensitive digestion, or pets with an existing medical condition, it is always worth checking with your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement.
12. Can SPRETCH be used every day?
Yes. SPRETCH is designed to be incorporated into your pet's regular diet. Always follow the recommended daily serving amount for the specific product and your pet's body weight.
More is not necessarily better when it comes to supplements, so there is no need to exceed the recommended serving.
13. Can the larger salmon oil bottle be used for cats too?
Yes. Pawberry's SPRETCH Wild-Caught Salmon Oil is available in 60 ml and 150 ml sizes, and the oil is suitable for both dogs and cats.
If you are using the larger bottle for a cat, simply follow the recommended serving amount for cats rather than the dog serving guide.
Looking for SPRETCH Salmon Oil? You can view Pawberry's Wild-Caught Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats here.
This guide is intended as general product and feeding information. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication or has specific dietary requirements, speak with your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement.