ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/omega-3-fatty-acids
US brand names:Welactin, Dermaquin, Free Form Omega-3, Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids is dosed at 30–75 mg/kg EPA+DHA PO q24h with food in cats, per Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Javma-Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2011;239(11):1441-1451. doi:10.2460/javma.239.11.1441 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.530 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.501, Fatty Acids, Omega-3 monograph spanning p.501-502; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
EPA and DHA compete with arachidonic acid as substrate for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, producing less inflammatory eicosanoids. Anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing effects.
Used for inflammatory conditions (skin disease, arthritis, CKD, cardiac disease). Very safe. May cause GI upset at high doses. Marine-sourced preferred over plant (flaxseed).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 30–75 mg/kg EPA+DHA | q24h with food | Moderate | Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Javma-Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2011;239(11):1441-1451. doi:10.2460/javma.239.11.1441 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.530 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.501, Fatty Acids, Omega-3 monograph spanning p.501-502; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 40–100 mg/kg | q24h | Moderate |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023, held copy; the original seed cited the 9th, which was never consulted) — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.501, Fatty Acids, Omega-3 monograph spanning p.501-502; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |