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Fish Oil Dosage Calculator For Cats

Created by Mariamy Chrdileli
Reviewed by Łucja Zaborowska, MD, PhD candidate and Steven Wooding
Last updated: Jan 18, 2024


We created this fish oil dosage calculator for cats to help you determine supplemental fish oil dosage for your cat according to its weight.

Fish oil is one the most commonly used supplements for pets, and it has various reported health benefits, such as a healthier coat and optimal retinal function.

Come along and learn about:

  • Recommended fish oil dose for cats;
  • Benefits of fish oil pills for cats;
  • How to use the fish oil dosage calculator for cats;
  • Whether fish oil is safe for cats, and more!

❗ The safe upper limit of fish oil is still undetermined. We recommend consulting with your local veterinarian regarding fish oil supplements for cats. The tool should not replace the professional advice of a veterinarian!

What is fish oil and how beneficial are fish oil supplements for cats?

Fish oil, derived from fatty or oily fish tissues, is a primary dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two essential omega-3 fatty acids that play a role in your cat's proper growth and development.

Unfortunately, cats cannot produce DHA and EPA on their own; therefore, incorporating them into your furry friend's diet, whether through food or dietary supplements, is essential.

When tolerated, a diet higher in fat increases the energy density of a diet, meaning it can help with weight gain without a considerable increase in the volume of food necessary for improving body condition.

Most importantly, fish oil can have various health benefits for your precious feline, including:

  • Modulates inflammatory conditions such as cancer, osteoarthritis, and cardiac diseases;
  • Aids in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins;
  • Positively affects cat's skin and coat;
  • Decreases triglyceride levels;
  • Fights dementia;
  • Helps with optimal retinal functioning;
  • Assists in neuronal development; and
  • Improves dermatologic diseases.

If you're interested in how big your cat will get, how many calories your cat should consume, and what is your cat's BMI, check out Omni how big will my cat get calculator, cat calorie calculator, and cat BMI calculator to get a better picture about your cat's nutritional needs!

Fish oil dose for cats

There are several ways to calculate how much fish oil for cats per day is appropriate. However, one of the easier methods in determining the appropriate dose of EPA + DHA (combined) is according to your cat's body weight. To do so, you can use the following formula:

dose(mg) = 40 × weight

where:

  • dose(mg) – Supplemental fish oil dose for a cat according to your cat's weight in mg;
  • 40 – Represents the the fish oil dose for cats per kg (i.e., mg/kg); and
  • weight – Your cat's weight in kg.

Although note that kittens may need to consume more DHA than adult cats, and dosing may also depend on the cat and its medical history and concurrent diseases.

Double-check with a professional to determine the appropriate and most beneficial dose for your cat. For instance, studies suggest that 112 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per kg of your cat's body weight can benefit chronic kidney disease.

⚠️ To avoid adverse effects, don't forget to count fatty acids already present in your cant's main diet as a part of the total recommended dosage.

Are fatty acid supplements for cats safe?

Generally, fish oil is safe for cats. As mentioned, fatty acids are essential nutrients for cats, although if you give your cat too much of them, it can have severe adverse health consequences. Veterinarians recommend avoiding fish oil pills for cats if your cat:

  • Has dietary fat restrictions, for instance, due to hyperlipidemia;
  • Has thrombocytopenia;
  • Is receiving medication that is affecting platelet functioning in any way;
  • Has large or nonhealing wounds; or has
  • Gastrointestinal disease.

🙋 If you're thinking of supplementing your cat's diet with fish oil, do your research and choose a reputable company that produces quality supplements to avoid nutrient excess of vitamin A and D and toxin exposure.

How does fish oil dosage calculator for cats work?

Using the fish oil dosage calculator for cats is pretty straightforward! All you have to do is:

  1. Weigh your cat.
  2. Enter your cat's weight in the unit of your convenience.
  3. Voila! The fish oil dosage calculator for cats will tell you recommended supplemental dose of fish oil for cats that can benefit your furry feline.

FAQ

What are the possible adverse effects of fish oil pills for cats?

At high doses, Omega-3 fatty acid pills can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, altered immune functioning, increased itchiness, drowsiness, and decreased platelet aggregation. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, it is best to receive an immediate veterinary consultation.

What does fish oil for cats consist of?

Fish oil consists of two essential omega-3 fatty acids – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA and EPA are beneficial for growth and development and play a role in immune functioning.

Are omega 3 fatty acids safe for cats?

Two omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can be safe for cats when given in recommended amount. However, fish oil supplements for cats may lead to adverse health consequences if the cat has thrombocytopenia, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal diseases.

How do I calculate much fish oil I can give to my cat?

To calculate how much fish oil you can give to your cat:

  1. Weigh your cat.

  2. Multiply your cat's weight in kg by 40.

  3. That's all! You have calculated how much fish oil you can give your cat in mg.

Consider consulting with your veterinarian before giving your cat fatty acid supplements.

Can cats eat human fish oil?

Cats can consume fish oil targeted for human consumption in recommended doses. Nevertheless, make sure you use fish oil from a reputable company that produces quality supplements.

Mariamy Chrdileli
Your cat's weight 🐈
lb
Fish oil dosage
mg
/day
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