Fats and oils play a vital role in animal health, supporting skin, joints, hormones, immunity and nervous system function. But not all oils are equal, and not all pets are getting the essential fats they need, even when their diet appears “complete”.
Understanding where oils come from, how they’re processed and how they’re used in the body can make a meaningful difference to your pet’s long-term wellbeing.
Food Processing and Oils
Many commercial pet foods are exposed to high heat during processing, particularly extrusion and rendering.
Heat can:
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Damage delicate omega-3 fatty acids
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Increase oxidation and reduce oil quality
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Affect the balance and availability of essential fatty acids
While fats may still be present on the label, their quality and stability can be affected by processing, exposure to oxygen and storage conditions.
This is one reason pets on processed diets may still experience issues such as:
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Dry or itchy skin
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Dull coats
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Stiff joints
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Ongoing inflammatory concerns
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential too, but the type and balance of fats in the diet matter. When omega-3 intake is inadequate in relation to an animal’s needs, supporting a healthy inflammatory response may become more difficult.
Adding fresh, good-quality oils can help provide additional essential fatty acids and improve the overall balance of the diet.
Fresh, cold-processed oils avoid the high temperatures associated with some manufacturing processes, helping to preserve their delicate fatty acids. They can be particularly helpful for pets eating processed diets, those with skin, coat or joint concerns, and animals whose nutritional needs may change with growth or ageing.
Why Omega-3s Matter
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are involved in:
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Supporting a normal inflammatory response
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Joint mobility and comfort
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Skin and coat integrity
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Brain, nerve and immune function
When omega-3 intake is low in relation to an animal’s needs, the body may have less support for maintaining a healthy inflammatory response.
Adding fresh, suitable oils can help increase essential fatty acid intake. However, not all oils provide the same types of omega-3. Plant oils such as hemp seed and flaxseed oil mainly supply ALA, while marine oils provide EPA and DHA directly.
The most suitable oil depends on your animal’s species, existing diet and individual needs.
Understanding Different Oils
Not all oils provide the same fatty acids or nutritional benefits. Here are four options to consider for your dog, cat or horse.
Hemp Seed Oil
Suitable for dogs, cats and horses, hemp seed oil provides a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health and overall wellbeing. It may also help maintain a normal inflammatory response and support healthy skin barrier function.
Hemp seed oil is particularly useful as a plant-based source of essential fatty acids, although its omega-3 content is mainly ALA rather than the marine omega-3s EPA and DHA.
Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil
Flaxseed (linseed) oil is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA. It can be a useful addition to the diets of dogs, cats and horses when used appropriately.
These fatty acids help support normal skin and coat condition and contribute to the body's essential fatty acid requirements. The conversion of ALA into EPA and DHA is limited, particularly in cats, so flaxseed oil is not a direct replacement for marine-based omega-3 oils.
Cod Liver Oil
Suitable for dogs and cats, cod liver oil supplies marine-based omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D.
These nutrients play important roles in normal vision, immune function, bone health and other body processes. Cod liver oil may be useful where additional marine omega-3s are desired, but the vitamin A and D content needs to be considered as part of the overall diet.
Because these vitamins are fat-soluble and can accumulate in the body, avoid excessive amounts and take care when combining cod liver oil with other supplements.
Omega Plus Oil
Suitable for dogs, cats and horses, this oil provides marine-based omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D, according to its formulation.
These nutrients may help support healthy skin and coat condition, joint mobility, immune function and overall wellbeing. They can also be important during growth and ageing, when nutritional requirements may differ.
As with cod liver oil, check the product's nutrient content and feeding directions, particularly if your animal already receives other supplements containing vitamins A and D.
Krill Oil
Suitable for dogs and cats, My Little Tails Krill Oil provides marine-based omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in a phospholipid-rich oil. It also contains astaxanthin, a naturally occurring antioxidant. Krill oil may help support skin and coat condition, joint mobility and normal inflammatory processes. The capsules offer a convenient way to add marine omega-3s to your pet's diet. Not suitable for animals with seafood allergies, and use caution in animals with thyroid conditions.
Vegan Omega-3 EPA & DHA
For those looking for a fish-free alternative, this vegan omega-3 supplement uses sustainably farmed marine algae to provide EPA and DHA — the same long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. It provides a direct source of these important fatty acids without relying on fish, making it an option for pet owners seeking a plant-based alternative. The product also contains vitamin D, so consider this when combining it with other supplements.
Choosing an Oil for Your Pet
Oils aren't about trends; they're about balance.
Choosing the right oil depends on the individual animal, including species, life stage, existing diet and specific needs. Sometimes it isn't about adding more, but adding the right type.
Plant-based oils and marine oils have different fatty acid profiles, so the best choice will depend on which nutrients your animal needs. It is also important to consider the amount being fed, as oils are energy-dense and excessive amounts can add unnecessary calories.
To help maintain oil quality, store products according to their instructions, keep them away from excessive heat and light, and follow any refrigeration guidance after opening.
If you're unsure which oil best suits your pet's needs, our team is always happy to help.