EPA and DHA compete with arachidonic acid in cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, producing less inflammatory eicosanoids; supports skin/coat health, joint function, and renal protection
At a glance
Class
Essential fatty acid supplement (anti-inflammatory nutraceutical)
Storage
Store in refrigerator after opening to prevent oxidation; protect from light
Dosing
Skin/coat health / Osteoarthritis adjunct / CKD / Cardiac support
Duration: Long-term; 4–6 weeks for skin effects
Skin/coat health / CKD / Inflammatory conditions
Duration: Long-term
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Coagulopathy / Thrombocytopenia
High doses may prolong clotting time
Concurrent high-dose aspirin
Additive antiplatelet effect
Adverse effects
Common
Soft stools
Fishy breath/odor
Mild GI upset
Serious
Diarrhoea at excessive doses
Weight gain (caloric supplement)
Coat/skin conditionGI toleranceBody weight
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) is a essential fatty acid supplement (anti-inflammatory nutraceutical) used in pets. EPA and DHA compete with arachidonic acid in cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, producing less inflammatory eicosanoids; supports skin/coat health, joint function, and renal protection
›What is Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) used for in pets?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) is used in veterinary medicine for: Skin/coat health / Osteoarthritis adjunct / CKD / Cardiac support; Skin/coat health / CKD / Inflammatory conditions.
›What is the Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) is typically dosed as follows — Skin/coat health / Osteoarthritis adjunct / CKD / Cardiac support: 50–100 mg EPA+DHA/kg PO SID (with food). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) dose for cats?
For cats, Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) is typically dosed as follows — Skin/coat health / CKD / Inflammatory conditions: 30–75 mg EPA+DHA/kg PO SID (with food). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)?
Common: Soft stools, Fishy breath/odor, Mild GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): Diarrhoea at excessive doses, Weight gain (caloric supplement).
›Does Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) need a prescription?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database