How Much Salmon Oil Should You Give Your Cat?

As a cat owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. One way to support their health is by supplementing their diet with salmon oil But how much salmon oil should cats get? In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of salmon oil for cats, dosage recommendations, and tips for safe supplementation

An Overview of Salmon Oil for Cats

Salmon oil is a type of fish oil supplement made from salmon. Some of the most important omega-3 fatty acids are found in it. These are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Cats need omega-3s for several reasons

• Maintain healthy skin and lustrous coat
• Support joint, brain, eye, and heart health
• Reduce inflammation
• Enhance the immune system

But unlike humans, cats can’t efficiently convert plant-based ALA omega-3s into EPA and DHA. Since they’re obligate carnivores, they must get these essential fatty acids from animal-based sources like fish.

This is where salmon oil can help fill the gap! Supplementing with salmon oil gives your cat a concentrated dose of EPA and DHA to reap the benefits of omega-3s.

Now let’s look at how much salmon oil to give your feline friend.

Salmon Oil Dosage Recommendations for Cats

How much salmon oil your cat needs will depend on how much they weigh. The general guideline is:

Cats under 10 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon salmon oil per day

Cats 10-15 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon salmon oil per day

Cats over 15 lbs: 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salmon oil per day

To get more precise with dosing, veterinarians recommend about 20-55 mg combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight per day

So for a 10 pound cat, that would equate to:

• 200-550 mg EPA + DHA total per day
• Or 1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon salmon oil containing approximately 270-300 mg combined EPA + DHA per teaspoon

Work with your vet to fine tune the dosage and formulation that’s right for your cat. Focus on starting with a low amount and gradually increasing over 2-4 weeks while monitoring stool quality and appetite.

Picking a Salmon Oil for your Cat

When choosing a salmon oil for your feline companion, here are some tips:

• Look for “fish body oil” not “fish liver oil” – Fish body oils like salmon oil have lower vitamin A levels than fish liver oils. Excessive vitamin A can be toxic to cats.

• Select a contaminant-tested oil – Make sure the product has been purity tested for heavy metals, PCBs, and other contaminants.

• Choose salmon sourced from cold waters – Alaska, Norway, Chile and other cold water sources have higher omega-3 content.

• Avoid added flavors – Cats prefer and need plain salmon oil without additional flavors or ingredients.

• Refrigerate after opening – To avoid rancidity, keep the oil refrigerated once opened.

Following these tips will help you pick a high quality salmon oil supplement your cat will benefit from.

Benefits of Salmon Oil for Cats

Now that you know how much to feed, what benefits can you expect to see from supplementing with salmon oil? Here are some of the top ways salmon oil can improve feline health:

• Supports skin and coat – Salmon oil nourishes skin and promotes a soft, shiny coat. The omega-3s help reduce dry, itchy skin and excessive shedding.

• Eases joint pain – The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA can improve mobility by reducing stiffness and pain. Especially helpful for arthritic cats.

• Aids heart health – Omega-3s from salmon oil support cardiovascular function and may help manage feline heart disease.

• Boosts immune system – By balancing inflammation, salmon oil strengthens immune response and resilience.

• Enhances brain function – DHA in particular helps neurological development and protects cognitive abilities as cats age.

• Promotes eye health – Salmon oil supports retinal function and tear production.

• Improves digestion – Some cats see improvements in digestive symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea. Always consult your vet first.

While individual results will vary, the omega-3s in salmon oil offer a variety of benefits for your cat’s health from nose to tail.

Tips for Feeding Salmon Oil to Your Cat

Here are some tips to successfully add salmon oil to your cat’s routine:

• Mix into wet food at meal time. Warm food will help mix in the oil.

• For dry food, apply directly onto kibble pieces.

• Salmon oil can be given directly by mouth if your cat will tolerate it. Offer on a spoon or your finger.

• Start with small amount daily and gradually increase every 2-4 weeks while monitoring stool quality.

• Refrigerate after opening to prevent oxidation. Discard if smells fishy or rancid.

• Reduce dose if your cat experiences digestive upset or shows decreased appetite.

• Consult your vet before using for cats with medical conditions or on medications. Discuss proper dosage for your cat.

With a little patience, you can make salmon oil a regular part of your cat’s health regimen. Monitor your feline friend to ensure they are tolerating and benefitting from supplementation.

Signs Your Cat May Need More Omega-3s

Some signs that your cat may benefit from more EPA and DHA omega-3s from salmon oil:

• Dry, flaky, or itchy skin
• Dull coat with excessive shedding
• Increased joint pain or difficulty jumping
• Lack of energy, lethargy
• Excessive inflammatory response to injuries or infections

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, talk with your vet about adding a salmon oil supplement to provide omega-3 fatty acids.

Potential Side Effects of Too Much Salmon Oil

While salmon oil is generally very safe for cats, too high a dose can cause some adverse effects including:

• Digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea
• Greasy stool or stool with fishy odor
• Excessive shedding
• Allergic reaction in very rare cases

To avoid issues, have your vet approve the dosage and brand first. Then start with small amounts and increase gradually while monitoring your cat.

FAQs About Salmon Oil for Cats

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about supplementing with salmon oil:

How long does it take to see benefits from salmon oil?

Improvements in skin, shedding, joint health, and inflammation may be noticed in as little as 2-4 weeks. Continue supplementing to experience the full benefits.

Is salmon or fish oil safe for cats?

Yes, when given in moderation with EPA + DHA levels under 55mg per pound of body weight. Avoid cod liver oil due to excessive vitamins A and D. Always consult your vet.

Can I give my cat human fish oil capsules?

Check with your vet first. Human supplements have higher omega-3 levels that may not suit a cat. Getting vet approval helps avoid toxicity.

Are there any risks or side effects?

When dosed properly, salmon oil is very safe for most cats. However, high amounts can lead to digestive upset or allergic response in rare cases. Reduce dosage if side effects occur.

How should I store cat salmon oil?

Once opened, salmon oil must be refrigerated to prevent it from becoming rancid. Discard any excess after 3-4 months. Keep refrigerated bottles tightly sealed.

The Takeaway on Salmon Oil for Cats

Incorporating EPA and DHA omega-3s into your cat’s diet can provide noticeable improvements in skin, coat, joint health, heart function, brain development, and beyond. Salmon oil offers a safe, effective way to supply these essential fatty acids.

Follow vet recommendations for dosage, which falls in the range of 20-55mg combined EPA + DHA per pound of body weight. Choose a high-quality salmon oil and monitor your cat for positive results and any possible digestive issues.

With the right salmon oil supplement and proper dosing, your treasured feline companion can experience the many benefits omega-3 fatty acids offer for a happier, healthier life!