Omega 3 Requirements for Cats

Omega 3 is a fatty acid that is beneficial for cat health. Not only can it help keep a cat's fur looking shiny and healthy, it also provides many other benefits, including maintenance of proper immune system, organ and joint function. Cats cannot produce omega 3 in their bodies, so they must acquire this fatty acid from the food they eat.

  1. Types of Omega 3 Found in Cat Foods

    • There are three types of omega 3 fatty acids found in cat foods. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are fatty acids from fish, fish oil and fish meal. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a fatty acid from a vegetable source, such as soybean oil or flaxseed.

      It is important to note that a cat̵7;s body has an easier time using EPA and DHA than ALA, so cat foods that contain omega 3 from fish sources are better than cat foods that contain omega 3 from vegetable sources.

    How Much Omega 3 Does a Cat Need?

    • Manufacturers are not required to list the amount of fatty acids contained in the cat food on the label. This is because omega 3 fatty acids are not officially recognized as essential to cats̵7; health, though substantial ongoing research suggests that they are.

      There are currently no concrete recommendations for the amount of omega 3 fatty acids cat foods should contain. The National Research Council̵7;s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats estimates that dry kitten food should contain 0.02 to 0.03 percent for ALA and 0.01 to 0.02 percent for DHA. The council estimates that dry adult cat food should contain 0.01 percent for EPA and DHA.

    The Bottom Line on Omega 3 in Cat Foods

    • Scientific research suggests that omega 3 provides numerous health benefits for cats. However, there are currently no official recommendations for how much omega 3 a cat̵7;s diet should contain. Manufactures are not required to list the amount of omega 3 contained in cat foods on the labels. The National Research Council suggests that felines' fatty acid requirements are moderate, so pet foods that contain fish or fish products in the ingredient list probably contain adequate amounts of omega 3.