Omega-3s have received a lot of attention in recent years as a healthy supplement for our pets, and with good reason. However, not all Omega-3s are created equal. One Omega-3 in particular, docosohexaenoic acid (or DHA), plays a critical role in supporting our cats’ brain, nervous system, and eye health throughout their lives. And a wonderful natural source of DHA is algae oil for cats.
What is DHA—and why is it so important for cats?
First, let’s start with Omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats our cats need for things like cell building and brain and heart health. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Our cats can’t produce Omega-3s on their own, so they have to get them through their food or through supplements.
DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that specifically supports normal cognitive function, neurological signaling, and nervous system development. In cats, DHA is especially important because their bodies are uniquely designed to use this form of omega-3 directly.
While DHA is often promoted as helping the growth and development of kittens, its role doesn’t end once a cat enters adulthood. Adult and senior cats also need DHA to support healthy brain and nerve function as they age.
Where DHA comes from: The Omega-3 food chain explained
When most people think Omega-3s they think “fish oil,” so it’s not surprising that many people think fish produce Omega-3s themselves. Actually, fish get their Omega-3s from what they eat, too.
The fish at the top of this food chain include large, fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. These fish get their Omega-3s from the smaller fish they eat, like sardines and anchovies. Finally, these small fish get their Omega-3s from phytoplankton and algae.
It’s the phytoplankton and algae that actually produce the Omega-3s that concentrate in the bodies of the fish that consume them.
Algae oil vs. Fish oil
The three biggest topics to consider when comparing algae oil and fish oil are concentration, purity, and sustainability.
Concentration
On average, algae oil has twice the concentration of DHA as the same amount of fish oil. This means that you can use less algae oil to get the same DHA benefits. This can be especially helpful for cat parents with picky kitties as they don’t have to eat that much while still getting all the benefits.
The ratio of DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, another essential Omega-3) is different in algae oil and fish oil as well. In fish oil, the two fatty acids are pretty much 1:1. In algae oil, DHA is higher (about 3:1).
DHA, as mentioned above, excels in brain and eye health support. EPA is known more for its anti-inflammatory effects as well as heart and immune support.
Consider your cat’s particular health needs when deciding which is the right choice for them.
Purity
When you get your Omega-3s from higher up in the food chain, you increase the risk of contamination from toxins like heavy metals.
Why? Imagine this scenario: an anchovy eats phytoplankton and algae as its main food, absorbing the Omega-3s in them. These Omega-3s concentrate in the oil in its body. As this anchovy swims through the ocean, it’s also exposed to various toxins and heavy metals, which also find their way into its body.
When this anchovy’s about 3 years old, it’s eaten by a salmon. This salmon gets all of those healthy Omega-3s the anchovy stored up, but it gets all those toxins too, which are now stored in the salmon’s body. As the salmon eats more anchovies, its concentration of heavy metals grows.
That’s why you’ll often see labels like “purified to remove mercury” on fish oil supplements. It isn’t marketing - it’s a critical and necessary step.
With algae, you’re cutting out the middle man, so to speak, and going straight to the source. This lowers the risk of contamination and decreases the need to rely on filtering for purity.
Sustainability
Algae and fish can both be farmed, but algae farming requires much fewer resources.
Algae do not have central nervous systems and thus can not feel pain or distress, so there isn’t any issue of possible cruelty which some pet parents may be concerned about.
Fish farms also raise the possibility of increased pollution and antibiotic contamination of surrounding waters. For multiple reasons, algae is a more sustainable choice.
Why plant oils don’t work for cats
Another Omega-3 source that’s available to humans is plant oils like flax, chia, or hemp. These can be a great source of Omega-3s for humans.
Cats are a different story.
Plant-based Omega-3s are in the form of ALAs, a sort of precursor to DHA and EPA. When humans consume ALAs, their bodies can convert them into usable DHAs and EPAs.
Cats can’t. Their bodies can not use or convert ALAs, so they are useless as an Omega-3 source. They must receive their Omega-3s in converted long chain form, so plant oils are not a good source of Omega-3 for cats.
Why Holistic Vet Blend offers algae oil for cats
At Holistic Vet Blend, our ingredient choices are guided by veterinary science and nutrition, not the latest trend. Algae oil was selected because it:
- provides a direct, highly concentrated source of DHA
- works with a cat’s biology
- Is highly bioavailable
- supports a cat’s brain and nervous system health through all stages of their life
Each formula we produce is designed to support your cat’s overall wellness and health in the most natural and sustainable way possible. As with any supplement, check with your veterinarian first to make sure the supplement is the right choice for your cat.
Veterinarian and veterinary nutritionist Dr. Dody, DVM, worked with Holistic Vet Blend to make sure our Green Omega-3 Algae Oil had the purity and potency it needed to provide the Omega-3s your cat needs.
“Omega-3s are necessary for your cat’s health,” Dr. Dody said, “but it’s just as important to make sure you’re providing your cat with Omega-3s that are safe and responsibly made.
“By using algae oil, you ensure your cat’s Omega-3s are free from heavy metals and toxins, and the farming procedures are more sustainable, too. Algae oil is also a great choice for cats who are allergic to seafood, and its milder taste can make it more agreeable to picky eaters. Its high concentration of DHAs supports your cat’s brain and eye health and overall cognitive function.”
You can see more from Dr. Dody about the algae oil vs. fish oil comparison in the YouTube video below:
Conclusion
Choosing the right Omega-3 for cats, especially one rich in DHA like algae oil, is a simple but powerful way to support our cats’ lifelong health. This sustainable and toxin-free oil provides a quality alternative to traditional fish oil as a high-quality supplement to support them through a long and healthy life.
