Krill oil is an omega-3 fatty acid-rich oil obtained from krill which are small crustaceans that resemble shrimps harvested in mainly Norway, Republic of Korea, and China.
It is an alternative to fish oil and once extracted, it is packaged in a capsule as a supplement that has many health benefits and medicinal value to human beings and animals including your cats and dogs
This oil has proteins and lipids. Some of the lipids it has are the essential eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and acids α-linolenic (ALA), which are which essentially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Additionally, it also has linoleic acid (LA) that is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid as well as astaxanthin antioxidant that helps in neutralizing free radicals that have many damaging effects.
Unlike in fish oil where the PUFAs occur as triglycerides, in krill oil has PUFAs that occur as phospholipids (PLs). Why are the PLs advantages? They are better because the “absorption and distribution of EPA and DHA derived from dietary PLs is higher when compared to that of dietary TAGs.”[1]
Some of the benefits that your feline may derive from supplementation of krill oil capsules include the following:
1. It helps with inflammatory diseases
Since it is rich in omega-3, especially EPA, it can help reduce various symptoms of inflammatory conditions caused by diseases or conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Inflammation due to autoimmune conditions or allergies
- Any disease that results in inflammation such as ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
This makes it good for your cat’s gut in case it has IBD or ulcerative colitis as well as good for joints since it helps deal with inflammation caused by arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Boosts immunity
Besides fighting inflammation, like any other lipids that have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, it will help boost immunity. How? It does by enhancing the functions of the immune B cells. This means that their body can fend against minor illness and increase wound healing rate.
3. Good your cat’s heart health
As a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and to be specific DHA and EPA, it may help ensure a healthy heart. Furthermore, it raises good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol.
This will help ensure a healthy heart, lower blood pressure as well as minimize instances of irregular heartbeats.
4. Ensures a better skin and coat quality
If your kitty has a dull, dry and brittle coat, supplementation of krill oil may help since it is high linoleic acid content. Also, it may help in dealing with eosinophilic granulomas and miliary dermatitis skin conditions.
This means that supplements will ensure not only healthy skin but also a lustrous and skinny coat that sheds less.
5. May help fight some cancer
Omega-3 fatty acids present can help in slowing down metastasis and the development of some types of cancers. Unfortunately, the omega-6 may lead to the development of some tumors. Therefore, it is important to ensure your cats get these two omega fatty acids in their right proportions.
6. Krill oil for cats with kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incurable. However, there are various ways of managing it including therapeutically. Any product that has omega-3 will work as a detoxifier.
7. Good for brain and sight
As iheartcats.com notes “DHA supports optimal development and function of the brain, cerebral cortex and retinas of the eyes in cats and kittens.” Supplementation is going to ensure your kitties have a better mind and vision.
Best krill oil supplements for cats
With all these benefits, you may be considering buying some of the good supplements in the market. Go for the following: