Treats with Omega-3 for Cat Skin Problems
Cat skin problems are not uncommon and can present in a few different ways, such as dry and itchy skin, red and swollen patches, fur loss, or the presence of scabs, bumps, or rash. While some skin issues may be due to more a serious problem, others can simply be solved by adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your cat’s diet.However, omega-3s aren’t a cure-all, so be sure to have your pet evaluated to make sure there isn’t an issue that would require medication, such as fleas or ringworm. If you’re dealing with a simpler allergy though, Omega-3s just might do the trick! There are plenty of cat treats with Omega-3 too, which makes them easy to incorporate.
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The Benefits of Omega-3s for Cat Skin Problems
If your cat is prone to allergies, Omega-3s can help. They are known to reduce cytokines, which are the stimulators of inflammation, and inflammation is a common response to allergens. Cats who experience dry, flaky skin or suffer from excessive itching and scratching can benefit greatly from the addition of Omega-3s.Please note that rashes and skin issues can sometimes be hidden underneath your cat’s fur, so you should use your hands to perform a regular body scan on your cat to check for any potential concerns.Omega-3s can help more than cat skin problems too. They promote a shiny and healthy coat, in addition to supporting cardiovascular health, kidney health, brain health, and fighting against arthritis.
5 Cat Treats with Omega-3
There are a few different products you can feed your cat to provide them with Omega-3s. There are whole fish treats, treats with omega-3s in them, and fish oil. Just be sure to read the ingredients list to make sure there aren’t any unwanted or unhealthy ingredients. Just because a treat has Omega-3s in it doesn’t mean that it’s a good choice.Things you want in an Omega-3 cat treat:
- One that contains Omega-3s in their natural triglyceride form and not a synthetic ethyl ester form.
- One that contains fish as the Omega-3 source rather than flaxseed, flax meal, or flaxseed oil. Flaxseed products contain high concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and cats have almost no ability to convert that to the desired EPA and DHA fatty acids.
Here are a few of our favorite omega-3 treats:
Icelandic+ Herring Whole Fish Cat Treat
These treats have one single ingredient – whole herring! Herring is naturally full of Omega-3 fatty acids, so these cat treats are at the top of the list for a reason. They are 100% natural, with no additives or preservatives. Not only will they promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, but they also contain taurine which helps promote heart health. Plus, Icelandic+ sources their fish from Iceland where the waters are icy cold, and the fish are fresh.The Icelandic+ Herring Whole Fish Cat Treats come in a 1.5 oz bag for $8.99.
Icelandic+ Capelin Whole Fish & Pieces Cat Treat
Just as with the Icelandic+ Herring treats, these have a single ingredient – capelin. And just as with herring, capelin is naturally full of Omega-3 fatty acids. No additives, no preservatives, no supplements.These treats are 100% sustainably fished and 100% natural, fresh-caught daily from the icy waters of Iceland.The Icelandic+ Capelin Whole Fish & Pieces Cat Treats come in a 1.5 oz bag and are $8.99.
The Honest Kitchen Smittens Bites Round Herring & Cranberry Cat Treats
These Honest Kitchen cat treats are grain- and filler-free, made with 100% human-grade wild-caught herring, cranberry, and rosemary. That’s it, just three ingredients. They are dehydrated to maintain their nutrient and protein levels. Herring is a great source of Omega-3, so these treats will deliciously provide that boost and help to address cat skin problems. These treats come in a 2 oz. bag and are $7.83.
Halo Liv-A-Littles Salmon Cat Treats
The Halo Liv-A-Littles are made from whole wild salmon – nothing artificial. They are freeze-dried to maintain the nutrients and texture of the whole, wild salmon. They are also low in calorie count, which makes them great for training or crumbling on top of your cat’s food.These come in a 1.6 oz jar and are $10.99.
Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
This product comes in a pump bottle and is made from pure, wild Alaskan salmon oil. It contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and is packed full of Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s super easy to add as a topper to your cat’s regular meals too. It comes with a weight chart so you know how many pumps to give your cat on a daily basis.The Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil comes in a 32 oz. bottle and is $35.97. 
If you are dealing with cat skin problems, any of these treats would make a great addition to your cat’s diet. The Omega-3 boost provided will help clear up that dry, itchy skin, and your cat will love having a tasty and healthy treat to enjoy. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure you aren’t dealing with a more serious health issue.Have you tried giving your cat Omega-3 treats before? Which is their favorite? Join us in our Pet Health 5 movement, and together we can start tracking our pet’s vital health stats. All it takes is 5 minutes of your time, and we’ll even send you a reminder on the 5th of each month with a checklist of what to do and how to do it. Start today by giving your cat a thorough body scan to check their skin health, and sign up for Pet Health 5.
About the Author: Emily is “mom” to seven cats, one dog, and two sugar gliders. She has been writing in the pet industry for over 8 years, with a focus on cats, rescue, and adventuring. When she isn’t writing, playing music, crocheting, or working on her own entrepreneurial pursuits, Emily and her husband enjoy hiking, road-tripping, camping, and canoeing with their three cat adventurers. Follow her on her blog, KittyCatGo.