Choosing an omega supplement for your pet may seem simple—until you start comparing labels. Different species of fish, different extraction methods, purity claims, oxidation warnings… and dozens of brands competing for your attention.
The truth is: not all omega supplements are created equal.
And according to veterinary nutrition experts, the quality of an omega supplement depends on far more than just "fish oil" listed on the label.
This guide breaks down the essentials—so you can choose a supplement that is safe, effective, transparent, and truly beneficial for your pet.
1.Look for Clear Species Identification (Not Just “Fish Oil”)
Veterinary nutrition references such as the Merck Veterinary Manual emphasize that EPA and DHA levels vary widely between species. Wild Alaskan pollock, salmon, anchovy, and sardine each contain different omega profiles.
High-quality supplements will always tell you:
- The exact fish species
- Whether it is wild-caught or farmed
- The harvest region (e.g., “Alaska”)
❌ Red flags:
- Labels that say only “fish oil”
- “Marine oil blend” with no transparency
If a brand cannot tell you what species is in the bottle, you cannot evaluate its purity or potency.
2. Ensure the Product Has Third-Party Testing for Purity & Freshness
Omega oils are vulnerable to heavy metals, contaminants, and oxidation. That’s why independent testing is the gold standard of quality.
Examples of meaningful third-party testing include:
✔ IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards Program)
IFOS tests fish oils for:
- Heavy metals
- PCBs & contaminants
- Oxidation levels (Peroxide Value, Anisidine Value, TOTOX)
- EPA/DHA potency
- Rancidity markers
IFOS publishes batch-by-batch test results—this is among the highest transparency levels available.
✔ ORIVO Species Verification
ORIVO uses chemical fingerprinting to verify:
- Whether the oil is truly the species listed on the label
- Whether it comes from the claimed geographic region
This prevents adulteration and species mislabeling.
❌ Red flags:
- No testing information
- “Pure” without proof
- No batch testing
If there is no third-party verification, there is no guarantee of safety.
3. Check for Transparent EPA & DHA Numbers (Not Just “Omega-3”)
The WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee encourages brands to list exact nutrient values rather than vague claims.
Your pet’s omega supplement should clearly state:
- EPA (mg per serving)
- DHA (mg per serving)
- Total Omega-3 content
- GLA amount (if botanical oils like borage are included
❌ Red flags:
- “Contains omega-3” with no numbers
- Only listing percentages instead of mg amounts
If the label hides potency, the potency is probably low.
4. Understand the Extraction Method (It Affects Purity)
How the oil is extracted determines its nutrient quality and oxidation stability.
Best extraction methods:
- Molecular distillation (purifies fish oil, removes contaminants)
- Cold-pressed extraction (best for delicate plant oils like borage)
❌ Red flags:
- “Refined oil” with no explanation
- High-heat processing
- No extraction info
Gentle extraction preserves EPA, DHA, GLA, and antioxidant properties.
5. Choose Clean Labels With Minimal Additives
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, essential fatty acids are beneficial, but unnecessary artificial additives are not.
Look for:
- Natural preservatives only (e.g., mixed tocopherols)
- Non-GMO oils
- No artificial flavors, coloring, or thickeners
- Simple, readable ingredient lists
❌ Red flags:
- Artificial palatants
- Unexplained “proprietary blends”
- Long ingredient lists for what should be a simple formula
Cleaner formulas = safer, more consistent results.
6. Packaging Should Protect Against Oxidation
Omega oils degrade when exposed to light, heat, and oxygen. Oxidized fish oil not only loses benefit—it can be harmful.
Research published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that many oils oxidize quickly without proper packaging.
Choose bottles that are:
-
Opaque or UV-protective
- Airtight (e.g., pump tops)
- Marked with batch and freshness information
Avoid clear bottles—they accelerate oxidation.
Final Thoughts: Transparency Is the True Mark of Quality
High-quality omega supplements are not defined by marketing claims.
They are defined by:
- Species transparency
- Independent lab testing
- Clear EPA/DHA amounts
- Clean extraction methods
- Minimal additives
- Proper packaging
When a brand is proud of its sourcing and testing, it will show you everything—not hide it.
Your pet deserves omega supplements that support wellness safely and scientifically.
📚 References & Further Reading (All Verified, Real Links)
-
IFOS — What Is IFOS™? (Program Overview & Testing Standards)
https://www.nutrasource.ca/certifications-by-nutrasource/international-fish-oil-standards-ifos/ -
IFOS — Fish Oil Certification Program Now Tests for Radiation (Press Release PDF)
https://www.nutrasource.ca/media/1197/23515e35-259b-4065-aa05-c3dd7ca757ad.pdf -
ORIVO — The Different Omega-3 Certifications Explained
https://orivo.no/news/the-different-omega-3-cerifications/ -
ORIVO — How Omega-3 Supplements Are Tested (Method Overview)
https://orivo.no/news/testing-of-omega-3-supplements-this-is-how/ -
Peer-Reviewed Study — Oxidation Levels of Over-The-Counter n-3 Supplements (NIH / PMC)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4678768/ -
Scientific Study — Examination of Marine & Vegetable Oil Oxidation Data (ScienceDirect)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814618302048 -
Independent Report — "Many Common Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements Are Rancid" (The Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/17/revealed-many-common-omega-3-fish-oil-supplements-are-rancid
