Fish oil has long been celebrated as a go-to supplement for enhancing pet health, lauded for its rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids, which support everything from joint health to a shiny coat and a well-functioning immune system. There are three types of essential omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. They are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
For years, pet parents have added fish oil to their animal companions’ diets, hoping to give them a boost in health, energy, and overall wellness. It’s natural to think of fish oil for this, because this is the ingredient used in most supplements.
But have we been served a fish oil lie? Issues like contamination risks, environmental impact, and allergen sensitivities are all factors that can make fish oil problematic for both humans and pets alike..
Enter algae oil: a cleaner, more sustainable source of omega-3s that bypasses many of fish oil’s common issues.
With algae oil, pets can still receive the essential omega-3s they need for optimal health—without the potential toxins, allergens, or ecological concerns tied to fish-based sources.
In this post, we’ll dive into the problem with fish oil and explore why it might not be the perfect fit for your pet, and introduce algae oil as an eco-friendly, health-forward alternative.
Fish oil, whether it’s made with farmed fish or wild caught fish, is not ideal for your dog’s digestive system, or the climate.
Farmed fish are fed (often GMO) soy and corn, which also adds unhealthy fats like Omega-6.
Wild-caught fishing practices have led to severe overfishing of the oceans, which reduces fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems.
Many species are now endangered due to unsustainable fishing practices. This not only endangers specific species but also affects the balance of ocean ecosystems, harming biodiversity. And harvesting krill oil robs whales and other sea animals that are in declining numbers of their food source.
Wild-caught fish are often contaminated with heavy metals like mercury and other toxins, including dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These harmful substances bioaccumulate up the food chain, making large, predatory fish particularly toxic, both to pets and humans. This is why, in the instances I do recommend fish to my clients, I also choose small, fatty fish like sardines, smelt and mackerel, as they are short lived and don’t spend as much time in polluted waters, hence have less toxic load.
And sadly, ocean pollution has led to a high presence of microplastics in fish, which are ingested by marine life and end up in the bodies of those who eat them.
Fish oil is starting to sound less and less enticing, isn’t it?
Algae, however, is cultivated sustainably, often using minimal resources, and can even be grown in controlled environments. This makes algae oil an eco-conscious choice that helps protect ocean ecosystems.
This control over algae production helps pet owners trust that they are providing a high-quality supplement without the variability that can impact fish oil.
Its plant-based origin also makes it ideal for pets on specific diets, such as those with plant-based or allergy-sensitive needs.
Did you know that fish are not naturally high in omega-3s? They in fact obtain these fatty acids by consuming phytoplankton, or algae, in their diet!
Algae oil goes directly to the source, offering a more efficient, direct form of omega-3 for your dog.
This makes it a more straightforward source, reducing the need for complex processing and avoiding potential oxidation, which can degrade fish oil’s quality and effectiveness over time. Oxidation is the biggest problem with fish oil, once it is opened it often goes rancid, causing more problems than benefits.
Algae oil is often less prone to the fishy smell that can make fish oil unpalatable for some pets. Algae oil is more stable, meaning it’s less likely to go rancid quickly and lose its potency or appeal.
For pets who may be finicky about flavors or owners looking for a longer shelf life in their supplements, algae oil is a great choice.
After reading the drawbacks of fish oil and the benefits of algae oil, which one will you choose? As always, I encourage my readers and clients to do their own research as there are studies that tout the benefits of both and everyone is free to choose as they please.
Should you be curious about and wanting to try algae oil there is a product from Just Food for Dogs as well as Fera Pets which are reasonably priced and available to purchase online.
Remember, all dogs are individuals, with their unique needs but if you’re concerned with the environment and potential added toxins being unnecessarily added into your dog’s body, then you might just want to give algae oil a try!
Disclaimer: medical information or statements made on this site are not intended for use in or as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of any health or physical condition or as a substitute for a veterinarian-client relationship which has been established by an in-person evaluation of a patient. This information and advice published or made available through this website is not intended to replace the services of a veterinarian, nor does it constitute a veterinarian-client relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon the circumstances, the patients’ specific situation, as well as the health care provider’s medical judgment and only after further discussion of the patient’s specific situation, goals, risks, and benefits and other relevant medical discussions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Copyright © 2024 Nacho Average Dog Health Coach LLC. All rights reserved.
Scarlett Made Design.
