Every pet supplement shelf makes the same promise: omega-3. But the label might say salmon oil, fish oil or krill oil, and they are not the same thing. Here is what actually separates them, so you can read a label with confidence.
What they have in common
All three are marine sources of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These are the forms dogs and cats use directly, and they are the reason omega-3 supplements exist. If you want a refresher on why these fats matter, start with what omega-3 really is.
The differences come down to where the oil is from, how it is carried in the oil, and how well it has been protected from spoiling.
Salmon oil
Salmon oil is pressed from salmon and is naturally rich in EPA and DHA. It is the base of our formulas: Norwegian salmon oil makes up 91.2% of JOINT, 82% of PLATINUM and 44% of SKIN. We explain why we chose Norwegian salmon in this article.
Because it is a single, named source, salmon oil is easy to trace. Many pets also find it more appealing than other oils, which helps with picky eaters.
General fish oil
"Fish oil" usually means oil from small oily fish such as anchovy, sardine or mackerel. It can be a perfectly good omega-3 source. The difference is mostly in sourcing, concentration and freshness, and a label that just says "fish oil" tells you very little about any of the three.
If you are comparing products, look for the species or origin named on the label.
Krill oil
Krill are tiny crustaceans. In krill oil, part of the omega-3 is carried in phospholipids, and the oil naturally contains astaxanthin, a pigment with antioxidant properties. Our SKIN formula includes krill alongside salmon oil for this reason.
Krill oil is not automatically better or worse than the others. It is simply a different package of the same kind of fats.
What about plant omega-3?
Flaxseed oil provides ALA, a plant omega-3. Dogs, and cats in particular, convert ALA into EPA and DHA only to a limited degree. That is why plant oil alone is not a substitute for a marine source. SKIN combines flaxseed oil (43%) with salmon oil, krill and Schizochytrium algae, so the formula includes both.
What to check on the label
- A named source. Salmon, anchovy or krill, not just "fish".
- Amounts. The percentage of each oil in the formula.
- Antioxidants. Oils spoil when they oxidise. Tocopherol (vitamin E) is the usual protection, and it should be listed.
- Packaging. Light and air damage oil. We explain our bottle choice in why we choose aluminium and skip the pump.
- Serving guidance for your pet's size. Follow the label, and ask your vet if your pet has a health condition or takes medication.
Which one for which goal?
No single oil is proven best for every pet, so it makes more sense to choose by what you want to support.
- Skin and coat: Skin and Coat – Dog uses salmon oil, flaxseed oil, krill and algae with zinc.
- Joints and mobility: Joints – Dog combines salmon oil with green-lipped mussel, Harpagophytum and Boswellia.
- Digestion and dental care: Natural Supplements – Dog includes PLATINUM, with salmon oil, FOS and Ascophyllum seaweed.
Cat owners can use the matching cat collections. Our supplements are suitable for both dogs and cats, and we deliver across the UAE, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Quick answers
Can I give my pet human fish oil capsules? Ask your vet first. Human products can contain additives, and the amounts are made for people, not pets.
How long until I see a difference? Skin and coat changes usually take several weeks of daily use. Individual pets vary.
Is salmon oil safe for cats? Salmon oil is widely used for cats. Our supplements are suitable for both dogs and cats, and you should still check with your vet if your cat has a medical condition.
