How many pet foods contain Omega-3 Source Quality?

Omega-3 Source Quality is an ingredient found in a small number of pet foods. We found it in 0 products across our database.

Should I avoid pet food with Omega-3 Source Quality?

Omega-3 Source Quality is a minor note rather than a reason to switch foods. Focus on the overall nutritional profile instead.

Omega-3 Source Quality

Q: Is Omega-3 Source Quality safe in pet food?

Omega-3 Source Quality is generally considered low-risk, but it is good to be aware of. Fish oil, salmon oil, and algal oil deliver EPA and DHA directly, the omega-3 forms pets actually use. Plant sources like flaxseed only provide ALA, which dogs convert to EPA/DHA at less than 10%. A food with flaxseed as the sole omega-3 source is not delivering meaningful EPA or DHA.

info

Omega-3 Source Quality is an ingredient found in a small number of pet foods. Based on veterinary research, this ingredient has generally considered low-risk but good to know about. Below, we explain what we found and list the products that include it.

Why it's flagged

Fish oil, salmon oil, and algal oil deliver EPA and DHA directly, the omega-3 forms pets actually use. Plant sources like flaxseed only provide ALA, which dogs convert to EPA/DHA at less than 10%. A food with flaxseed as the sole omega-3 source is not delivering meaningful EPA or DHA.

Sources

Bauer 2011, JAVMA (omega-3 fatty acid therapy in dogs)
Kaur et al. 2023, PMC (fish oil vs flaxseed in dogs)

Scan your pet's food to check for Omega-3 Source Quality and other flagged ingredients.