Omega-3s for Dogs & Cats: Why These Essential Fats Matter More Than You Think
Photo Credit: @sweetlifeofcalvin + Shrimp 2024, @foxmandu + Octopus 2025, @farm_life_with_court + Salmon Head 2026
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most talked about nutrients in pet nutrition, and for good reason. They play an important role in supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, normal inflammation response, brain health, heart health, and overall wellness.
But not all omega-3s are created equal. Where they come from matters.
At Naked Beasts, we believe the best nutrition starts with feeding a biologically appropriate diet. That means real food, whole ingredients, and trusted sourcing.
That’s why we look beyond just the ingredient list. We pay attention to the story behind the ingredient. Where it comes from, what nutrients it provides, and how it fits into a balanced protein rotation.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fats because dogs and cats cannot produce enough of it on their own. This means they must obtain these important fats primarily through diet alone.
While dogs can convert a small amount of plant-based ALA into EPA and DHA, the process is inefficient. Cats have even less ability to make this conversion, making marine sources of EPA and DHA especially valuable for both species.
The three main types you’ll hear about are:
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
EPA is one of the most biologically available omega-3s. It helps support the body’s normal inflammatory response and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, joints, and immune function.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA is especially important for the brain and nervous system. It supports cognitive function and is particularly valuable during periods of growth and aging.
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
ALA is a plant-based omega-3 found in ingredients like flaxseed. While beneficial, dogs and cats have limited ability to convert ALA into EPA and DHA. This is why animal based omega-3 sources (especially marine sources) are often more valuable.
Why We Favor Marine Sources
Fish and other marine proteins naturally contain higher levels of EPA and DHA because these animals accumulate omega-3s through their diets.
Small oily fish (like sardines, smelt and mackerel) are especially nutrient dense because they contain the entire fish. That includes the head, meat, tail, organs, and naturally occurring oils.
So, instead of supplementing with fish oils alone and benefiting from just one nutrient, feeding whole fish now offers a powerful combination of:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- High-quality protein
- Vitamins and minerals
- Natural oils
- Trace nutrients that work together
Photo Credit: @morgantheboxer Green Lipped Mussels + Sardines 2026
Omega-3 Rich Ranking of Naked Beasts Seafoods
| Product Name | Omega-3 Content (Per 100g) | Target Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Norwegian Mackerel (Wild Caught) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
One of the richest natural sources of EPA & DHA. A prized oily fish packed with healthy fats, vitamin D, and selenium. |
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Rich in EPA & DHA from the head, skin, and brain tissues; also provides collagen and naturally occurring minerals in a heavy dental chew format. |
|
|
Salmon |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Loaded with healthy fats; ideal for joint mobility and balancing raw diets. Reduces systemic inflammation and boosts coat health. |
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Exceptionally high in EPA & DHA; calcium, vitamin D, selenium, and whole prey nutrition. |
|
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ~500mg-1000mg |
Good daily whole prey omega source without overloading the pet on daily fat calories. | |
|
Green Lipped Mussels |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Contains unique, highly bioavailable omega fatty acids specifically for severe joint stiffness. |
| Pollock | ⭐⭐⭐ ~400mg-500mg |
Moderate omega profile, an excellent lean meal topper to substitute for highly processed fish oils. |
|
|
⭐⭐⭐ |
Moderate marine omega-3s, highly prized as a novel protein rich in taurine for heart support along with copper, selenium. |
| ⭐⭐⭐ ~250mg-300mg |
Decent source of marine omega-3s plus antioxidants, iodine and calcium. |
|
|
Hoki |
⭐⭐⭐ ~200mg-300mg |
Clean, white fleshed fish with good EPA & DHA levels, providing a lighter dose of essential fatty acids for sensitive stomachs and a highly digestible protein. |
|
Mahi Mahi |
⭐⭐ ~100mg-150mg |
Lean ocean fish with lower EPA & DHA but excellent protein quality. |
Omega-3 levels naturally vary depending on the animal, diet, harvesting location, and processing methods.
Adding Omega-3 Rich Foods Into Your Pet’s Routine
Don't stress about completely changing your pet’s diet overnight.
Small additions can make a meaningful difference. We're here to help!
- Add sardines or small fish toppers as a protein rotation.
- Use mahi mahi or pollock pieces as a nutrient-dense reward.
- Rotate different animal proteins throughout the week.
- Choose whole-food sources instead of relying only on isolated supplements.
Nutrition is built over time. Every treat is an opportunity to add something beneficial.
Photo Credit: @bigheaded.bruce 2026, @andreabradbury 2026, @nellie_the_pitmix 2025
Remember That Not All Nutritional Benefits Come From the Ocean
While marine proteins are some of the richest natural sources of EPA and DHA, that doesn’t mean land based proteins don’t have an important place in your pet’s rotation.
We believe that every animal protein has a purpose.
A healthy diet isn’t about chasing one “superfood.” It’s about creating variety and giving your dog or cat access to different nutrients from different animals.
Here’s how some of our non-marine proteins contribute:
Beef: A Nutrient Dense Land Protein
Beef may not compete with sardines when it comes to omega-3 content, but it offers a completely different nutritional profile.
Beef is naturally rich in:
- High quality protein for muscle maintenance
- Iron to support healthy blood function
- Zinc for immune health and skin support
- B vitamins involved in energy metabolism
Certain items like beef tendon can double as a heavy chew and beef organs also provide unique benefits from different parts of the animal.
Turkey: Lean, Simple, and Highly Digestible
Turkey is a great option for pet parents looking for a lean animal protein.
It provides:
- Essential amino acids
- Highly digestible
- Typically allergy safe option
- A lighter protein option for rotation
- Variety for pets who may not do well eating the same protein every day
Sometimes the value of an ingredient isn’t just about one nutrient. It's also about how it complements the rest of the diet.
Pork: An Underrated Meat
Pork provides another unique protein source that brings different essential amino acids and nutrients that build and repair muscles.
Include pork for:
- High quality Protein
- B-Vitamins including B1 (thiamine), B6, and B12 for energy
- Zinc and phosphorus to keep cells functioning efficiently
- Muscle support from natural creatine, beta-alanine, and taurine
- Highly bioavailable iron which the body absorbs much easier than plant iron.
- Pork loin & tenderloin cuts for very minimal fat
Emphasis On The Importance of Protein Rotation
Imagine eating the exact same meal every day for your entire life. Even if it was a healthy meal, you would probably miss out on the variety of nutrients found in different foods.
The same idea applies to our pets. Different proteins (and different animal organs and parts) bring different nutritional benefits:
- Fish provide marine omega-3s.
- Beef provides nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Turkey provides a lean, highly digestible protein.
- Tendons and chews provide collagen-rich dental & skin support.
- Whole prey provides nutrients from the entire animal.
A diverse rotation helps create a broader nutritional foundation.
This is why Naked Beasts doesn’t believe there is one “perfect” protein. We believe variety is where the magic happens. Its why we offer the widest range of single ingredient whole foods on the market today.
Why We Choose Whole Animal Nutrition
Many pet treats today are made from heavily processed ingredients, fillers, artificial flavors, or mystery meat sources.
I started Naked Beasts because we wanted something different for our own animals.
Not complicated.
Not filled with ingredients we couldn’t pronounce.
Not designed around trends.
Just real food from real animals.
A sardine should look like a sardine.
A beef tendon should look like a beef tendon.
Simple straight forward ingredients.
Omega-3s are a perfect example of why ingredient quality matters. A fish oil capsule and a whole sardine may both contain omega-3s, but they are not the same experience nutritionally.
Nature created balance.
Our goal is simply to preserve more of it.
Feed variety.
Feed quality.
Feed like a beast.