Omega-3 for pets: your questions answered.
Dosing, safety, sourcing and storage, in plain language.
How much omega-3 does my dog need each day?
For everyday maintenance, veterinary references (NRC, 2006) put a dog's requirement at roughly 30 mg of combined EPA and DHA per unit of metabolic body weight per day, which works out to about 100 mg/day for a 5 kg dog, 285 mg for a 20 kg dog and 520 mg for a 45 kg dog. The OmegaMax™ label serving covers this comfortably: half a pump (269 mg EPA+DHA) for pets up to 10 kg, 1 pump for 11 to 20 kg, 2 pumps for 21 to 45 kg and 3 pumps for dogs over 45 kg. Targeted skin or joint support uses higher amounts; Work yours out in the dosing calculator.
What is the difference between EPA and DHA?
EPA and DHA are the two long-chain marine omega-3s. EPA is linked to a balanced inflammatory response and supports skin, joints and heart. DHA is a structural fat that supports the brain, eyes and nervous system, which matters for growing and ageing pets. Most pets do best with a strong supply of both. Read more in EPA vs DHA.
How much EPA and DHA are in OmegaMax?
Each 2 ml pump of the 250 ml liquid provides at least 324 mg EPA, 214 mg DHA, 538 mg of the two combined and a minimum of 624 mg total omega-3. Each 1000 mg softgel provides at least 180 mg EPA, 120 mg DHA and 350 mg total omega-3.
Is fish oil safe for cats?
Yes, for healthy cats when dosed correctly and introduced slowly. A cat up to 10 kg takes half a pump (1 ml) daily for maintenance. Start with less for the first few days and build up over about a week. Check with your vet for a cat with an existing health condition or on medication. See the full omega-3 for cats guide.
Can I give OmegaMax to puppies and kittens?
OmegaMax is suitable for dogs and cats from 8 weeks of age. DHA supports the developing brain and eyes in young animals. Dose by body weight and introduce it gradually.
Where does the OmegaMax fish oil come from?
The oil is purified in Iceland from wild-caught anchovy, sardine and mackerel. It is made with Friend of the Sea certified fish oil and stabilised with natural mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) to protect it from oxidation.
Why not just use flaxseed or coconut oil?
Flaxseed and chia provide ALA, a short-chain plant omega-3 the body must convert into EPA and DHA. Dogs convert it poorly and cats barely at all. Coconut oil is not an omega-3 source. Marine fish oil supplies preformed EPA and DHA directly, so no inefficient conversion is needed. See fish oil vs flaxseed and chia.
How do I store OmegaMax?
Store below 25 degrees Celsius and refrigerate the liquid after opening. Keep the bottle sealed between uses. Fresh oil matters because omega-3 fatty acids are vulnerable to oxidation once exposed to air, heat and light.
How long until I see results?
Omega-3 is not an overnight fix. EPA and DHA build up with daily use, so skin, coat and comfort tend to change gradually over several weeks. Judge the result after a full bottle of consistent daily dosing rather than after a few days.
Should I choose the liquid or the softgels?
The 250 ml liquid is the best value per day and easy to pump onto food, from about R1.58 a day for small pets. The 120 softgels suit travel and fuss-free dosing. Both declare their EPA and DHA openly.
Can I give my pet too much?
Introduce omega-3 slowly. Too much too soon can cause loose stools in a sensitive pet. Build up over a few days. For higher targeted amounts above maintenance, set the level with your vet, taking your pet's weight, age and health into account.