If you’ve ever stood in the pet aisle wondering whether your dog or cat actually needs an omega-3 supplement, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most talked-about additions to a pet’s diet, and for good reason. Fish oil and salmon oil are two of the most trusted sources of omega-3 fatty acids in veterinary nutrition, and the evidence behind them covers everything from joint comfort to a glossier coat.
The team at Bob Martin gets asked about omega-3 more than almost any other supplement, so we’ve pulled together everything you need to know, backed by veterinary guidance rather than marketing claims.
What Is Omega-3, and What’s the Difference Between Fish Oil and Salmon Oil?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of essential fats your pet’s body can’t produce on its own in meaningful amounts, so they need to come from diet or supplements.
So where does salmon oil fit in? Salmon oil is simply a specific, high-quality type of fish oil, naturally rich in both EPA and DHA. It’s a popular choice in pet supplements because it’s palatable (most dogs and cats genuinely enjoy the taste) and provides a concentrated dose of the same beneficial fatty acids found in general fish oil.
Why does my pet need Omega-3?
Most dog and cat foods contain some omega-3, but usually not enough to make a real difference. Commercial pet food tends to be higher in omega-6 fatty acids (found in vegetable oils and meat) than omega-3, and it’s the balance between the two that matters for things like skin health and inflammation control.
This is why many vets recommend a daily fish or salmon oil supplement, particularly for:
- Senior pets, as omega-3 needs tend to increase with age
- Dogs and cats with stiff joints or reduced mobility
- Pets with dry, flaky skin or a dull coat
- Active or working dogs whose joints see more daily strain
- Puppies and kittens, to support healthy brain and eye development
It’s not that your pet’s current diet is doing anything wrong. It’s simply that omega-3, especially the EPA and DHA found in salmon oil, is one of those nutrients where “some” isn’t always “enough,” and topping it up daily gives your pet a more reliable, consistent dose.
The five main benefits of Omega-3 for cats and dogs:
Brain development and cognitive support
Omega-3, particularly DHA, plays an important role in brain development in puppies and kittens, and in maintaining cognitive function as pets age. Research suggests omega-3 fatty acids can positively influence behaviour in young, adult and older animals, with particular relevance for pets showing age-related cognitive decline. For senior dogs who seem a little slower to respond or less alert than they used to be, omega-3 is one of several nutrients that can help support healthy brain function as part of a balanced diet.
Supporting normal immune and inflammatory function
Omega-3 fatty acids help the body maintain a normal inflammatory response, which is closely tied to healthy immune function. This is one reason omega-3 is often suggested for pets with seasonal skin sensitivities, alongside broader dietary and veterinary advice.
Anti-inflammatory properties for skin and joints
Studies have shown omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties across species and can help manage canine osteoarthritis, working because omega-3s incorporate into cell membranes and alter metabolic pathways to produce an inflammation-resolving effect. In practical terms, this means less irritation for pets with sensitive or itchy skin, and genuine comfort benefits for pets with stiff or inflamed joints.
A healthier coat
Regular omega-3 intake helps nourish the skin from within, which is often reflected in the coat. Pets on a consistent omega-3 supplement typically show improved coat condition, less dryness and reduced shedding over several weeks, since fatty acids support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and the health of individual hair follicles.
Better joint health and mobility
It helps to reduce the intensity of troublesome joint symptoms in senior dogs, such as stiffness, mobility issues, tenderness and discomfort.
How to Choose the Right Bob Martin Supplement for Your Pet
Once you know omega-3 is worth adding to your pet’s routine, the next question is which supplement actually fits what your pet needs. Here’s how our range lines up with the benefits above.
For dogs with stiff joints, dry skin or a dull coat
Bob Martin Dog Supplement Joint + Skin Care is built around salmon oil alongside glucosamine, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel. The salmon oil does double duty here, helping nourish the skin and maintain a soft, glossy coat while also contributing omega-3 for joint comfort. It’s a sensible option for dogs from around 5 to 7 years old, or earlier for larger, working or highly active breeds who put more daily strain on their joints.
For cats showing subtle signs of joint stiffness
Cats rarely limp, even when their joints are bothering them, so the signs are easy to miss: hesitating before jumping onto the sofa, taking the stairs instead of leaping, or a slightly scruffy coat along the lower back from reduced grooming flexibility. Bob Martin Cat Supplement Joint & Mobility combines salmon oil with chondroitin and green-lipped mussel in a lickable sachet, which also makes it a genuinely easy way to supplement cats who won’t take tablets.
For senior dogs needing broader, all-round support
If your dog’s ageing is showing up in more than one way, slower to rise, a bit less sharp, occasional digestive changes, Bob Martin Senior + Healthy Ageing takes a wider approach. It contains coconut oil and green-lipped mussel as natural omega-3 sources, alongside ginkgo biloba for cognitive support and postbiotics for digestion.
As a general rule: if joint comfort and coat condition are the main concern, the salmon-oil-led formulas above are the more targeted choice. If it’s broader age-related support you’re after, the senior formula covers more ground in one daily chew.
The Bottom Line
Omega-3 is one of the most well-evidenced additions you can make to your dog or cat’s daily routine. Whether it comes from fish oil or, more specifically, salmon oil, the benefits for joints, skin, coat and long-term wellbeing are backed by genuine veterinary research, not just marketing.
You don’t need to overhaul your pet’s diet to see a difference. A daily, palatable salmon oil supplement, chosen to match what your pet actually needs, whether that’s joint comfort, coat condition or all-round senior support, is a simple, low-effort way to help them feel more comfortable and stay active for longer. If you’re ever unsure which option is right, your vet is always the best starting point, especially for pets with existing health conditions or those who are pregnant or nursing.
FAQs
Is salmon oil safe for cats?
Yes. Salmon oil is a well-tolerated, palatable source of omega-3 for cats and is used in vet-recognised joint and skin supplements. As with any new supplement, introduce it gradually and speak to your vet first if your cat is pregnant, nursing, or has an existing health condition.
Can I give my dog both a joint and a senior supplement?
Generally, it’s best to stick to one complete supplement rather than layering two, to avoid duplicating certain vitamins and minerals beyond recommended levels. If your dog has both joint stiffness and broader age-related needs, speak to your vet about which single supplement best matches their main concern, or whether a combined approach makes sense for their specific situation.
Is fish oil the same as salmon oil?
Not quite. Salmon oil is a specific, high-quality type of fish oil, and both provide the same beneficial EPA and DHA fatty acids. Salmon oil is often preferred in pet supplements for its palatability and consistent quality.
Can puppies and kittens have omega-3?
Yes, omega-3 supports healthy brain and eye development in young pets, and many complete puppy and kitten foods already include some. Always check the product is suitable for your pet’s age and life stage, and check with your vet before adding a supplement to a growing pet’s diet.
