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 30–50 mg/kg EPA+DHA PO q24h in rabbits, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. 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) drugsAll Rabbit (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 3 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). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 40–100 mg/kg | q24h | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.