It might be invisible in your pet’s bowl, but Omega‑3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful tools we have to support the health and longevity of our dogs and cats. Whether you feed kibble, raw, cooked or a mix, chances are your pet isn’t getting enough of these essential fatty acids on their own.
And yet, they’re vital—from nose to tail.
Let’s take a closer look at what Omega‑3s actually are, how they work, and why many experts (and growing numbers of vets) recommend supplementing them—no matter what’s already written on your pet food label.
Omega‑3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat your pet’s body cannot produce on its own. That’s why they’re called “essential”—they must come from the diet. In nature, wild dogs and cats would get these fats by eating fresh prey, including the organs and fat of animals that had themselves fed on nutrient-rich sources like small fish.
Today, most of our pets—whether they’re on dry kibble, wet food, BARF, or cooked meals—are missing out on these naturally occurring Omega‑3s, especially the two most valuable ones:
These are primarily found in fatty fish such as sardines, anchovies, or mackerel—not in plants, not in poultry, and not in grains.
Omega‑3s play a role in nearly every system of your pet’s body. Here’s what science and experience both confirm:
One common myth is that if you’re feeding a “complete” food—especially a high-quality kibble—your pet doesn’t need supplements. In theory, that sounds right. In practice, it’s not.
Many dry foods contain too much Omega‑6 and barely any Omega‑3, due to the use of poultry fat, corn oil or other cheap plant-based ingredients. And even if Omega‑3 is listed, it’s often degraded by high-heat processing or long shelf life.
If you’re feeding:
No matter how good your base diet is, Omega‑3 oil is a safe, smart, and easy addition that fills a very specific and crucial gap.
Flaxseed, rapeseed, hemp, and other plant oils are often labeled as Omega‑3 sources. While they do contain ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid)—another type of Omega‑3—the problem is this: dogs and cats can’t efficiently convert ALA into the usable forms of EPA and DHA.
The conversion rate in dogs is very low (often below 10%), and in cats it’s virtually nonexistent. So, while plant oils may have benefits for coat or digestion, they simply don’t offer the same impact when it comes to heart, brain, or joint health.
Omega‑3s aren’t just vital for dogs and cats—they’re crucial for us, too. That’s why pediatricians recommend DHA for infants, and why doctors suggest fish oil for adults with heart disease, arthritis, or inflammatory conditions. Our modern diets—just like our pets’—tend to be low in real marine Omega‑3s.
We’re all living longer, but to stay healthier, we need the same foundational support: fewer inflammatory fats (Omega‑6) and more restorative ones (Omega‑3). In that sense, supplementing your pet is part of a more holistic lifestyle—for the whole family.
With dozens of pet fish oils on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The truth? There’s a big difference between a therapeutic supplement and a generic bottle that does little to nothing.
Here’s what matters most:
✅ What to look for:
🚫 What to avoid:
Investing in quality means your pet actually gets the health benefits you’re aiming for.
Omega‑3 is incredibly sensitive. Once exposed to light, air, or heat, it starts to oxidize—and that’s when the benefits disappear.
Here’s how to make your bottle last:
👉 If your oil starts to smell especially strong or “off,” it’s time for a new bottle. Better oils—like Holista Omega‑3—are packaged with nitrogen sealing and dark glass to prevent this.
At Holipets, we proudly offer Holista Omega‑3 oils, a premium-quality, vet-formulated supplement developed for the real needs of modern pets in Switzerland.
Why Holista stands out:
It’s also practical: just one or two pumps per day over your pet’s food. No capsules, no struggle.
When it comes to your pet’s health, not every supplement lives up to its promise. Omega‑3 is different. It’s not a trend, it’s a foundation. And while it may not come with flashy marketing, it quietly supports your dog’s or cat’s wellbeing at every stage of life.
Whether you have a Swiss mountain dog bounding through the trails or a senior house cat lounging by the window, Omega‑3 is one of the simplest and most impactful things you can do for their long-term comfort, energy, and vitality.
🛒 Discover Holista Omega‑3 oils at Holipets
Give your pet the balance they deserve—one pump at a time.
Bauer, J. E. (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(11), 1441–1451. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.239.11.1441
Roush, J.K. et al. (2010). Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega‑3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(1), 67–73. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.236.1.67
Zicker, S. C., Jewell, D. E., Yamka, R. M., & Milgram, N. W. (2012). Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with DHA-rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 241(5), 583–594. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.241.5.583
Krill oil doesn’t just match fish oil — it often outperforms it.If your dog or cat has a fish allergy,
