Omega 3 & 6 for dogs and cats: a simple guide
Omega-3 and omega-6 come up on almost every pet food bag. Here is what they actually are, why your dog or cat gets them from food, and a simple way to add more to the bowl.
What are omega-3 and omega-6?
Omega-3 and omega-6 are families of fatty acids: the “good fats” you hear about for people, too. Dogs and cats, like all mammals, can’t make the basic ones on their own, so they have to come from food [1]. That is why pet food makers talk about them, and why many pet parents add an oil to the bowl.
Omega-6 includes linoleic acid. Omega-3 includes alpha-linolenic acid. Both show up in seed oils, and omega-3s are also found in fish.
Why the balance matters
You’ll often see omegas described as a ratio, such as “3 to 1”. That simply means how much omega-6 there is for each part omega-3. Many everyday ingredients are heavy on omega-6, which is why a source that brings both is handy. Hemp seed oil has about 3 to 5 parts omega-6 for every 1 part omega-3 [1].
Where hemp seed oil fits in
Hemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds and is naturally rich in both omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) [1]. FDA has accepted hemp seed-derived ingredients as safe for use in human food (GRAS) [2]. For pet parents it is an easy, plant-based oil to add to a meal. It is not the same as products made from the plant’s flowers. Hemp vs CBD explains the difference, and so does the chart on our home page.
What pet parents notice
With regular daily use, pet parents add omega-rich hemp seed oil because it:
- Promotes a soft, shiny coat
- Helps with shedding
- Supports muscles
- Supports digestion
- Stimulates appetite in picky eaters
Coat changes take time. Think in weeks of steady daily use, not days.
How much to add
Give it once a day, by weight. One dropper is about 40 drops.
How much to give, once a day
One dropper ≈ 40 drops.
| Dogs over 50 lbs | 1 full dropper (40 drops) |
| Dogs 21–49 lbs | ½ dropper (20 drops) |
| Dogs under 20 lbs | ¼ dropper (10 drops) |
| Cats | ¼ dropper (10 drops) |
Give it once a day, in the mouth or mixed with food. Ask your vet if your pet takes medication.
Mix it into wet food, stir it over kibble, or let your dog lick it off the dropper. Our step-by-step guide on how to add hemp seed oil to your pet’s food covers the details.
Omegas for dogs
Dogs of every size can enjoy a daily omega boost. Big dogs get a full dropper, medium dogs half, small dogs a quarter. Chicken and Beef flavors make it easy, because most dogs see it as part of dinner. More in our hemp oil for dogs guide.
Omegas for cats
Cats need a lighter touch: a quarter dropper once a day, mixed well into wet food. Original, the mildest flavor, is the easiest start. More in our hemp oil for cats guide.
A note on your pet’s whole diet
A complete pet food already contains fats. An oil like this is a small daily addition, not a replacement for a balanced diet. If your pet takes medication or eats a special diet, ask your vet before adding anything new.
PROZIMA comes in Original, Chicken and Beef. See all flavors and packs, or save up to 32% on Amazon while the coupon runs.
Questions pet parents ask
Do dogs and cats need omega-3 and omega-6?
Dogs and cats, like all mammals, can’t make omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on their own, so they get them from their food.
Does hemp seed oil have omega-3 and omega-6?
Yes. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), at about 3 to 5 parts omega-6 for every 1 part omega-3.
How do I add omegas to my pet’s food?
A daily dropper of hemp seed oil on wet or dry food is an easy way. Once a day: dogs over 50 lbs 1 dropper, 21 to 49 lbs half a dropper, under 20 lbs and cats a quarter dropper.
Can I use one product for my dog and my cat?
Yes. PROZIMA is made for dogs and cats. Give each pet the amount for its own size.
Should I ask my vet first?
If your pet takes medication or eats a special diet, ask your vet before adding anything new.