Animal oils such as salmon oil, krill oil, fish oil, sardine oil or cod liver oil: what is the difference in pet food?

In the world of animal feed supplements, various animal oils are used for their nutritional benefits. But what exactly is the difference between the various animal oils in supplements: salmon oil, krill oil, fish oil, sardine oil and cod liver oil?

In this blog we clearly explain how these oils differ, and which one best suits the specific needs of dogs, cats or horses.

Types of animal oils

Salmon oil (Scottish and Norwegian)

Salmon oil is a popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are essential for healthy skin, coat and joints. Scottish and Norwegian salmon oil differ mainly in their origin and production method. Norwegian salmon oil often comes from sustainable aquaculture and has a slightly higher omega-3 content, while Scottish salmon oil is known for its purity and strict quality controls.

Krill oil

Krill oil is derived from Antarctic krill and contains omega-3 as well as astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are phospholipids, which makes them more easily absorbed by the body than the triglycerides in traditional fish oil. This makes krill oil particularly effective for supporting cognitive function, anti-inflammatory and heart health.

Fish oil

Fish oil is a general term for oil derived from various types of fish, such as anchovies, mackerel, and herring. It contains high levels of EPA and DHA and is often used as a cost-effective alternative to more specific oils such as salmon oil or krill oil. The quality and purity of fish oil can vary greatly depending on the source and the refining process.

Animal oils: Sardine oil

Sardine oil is a subtype of fish oil, but has a higher concentration of omega-3 than many other fish oils. Sardines are small pelagic fish that are lower in the food chain, meaning they accumulate fewer heavy metals and contaminants. This makes sardine oil a clean and powerful alternative to standard fish oil

Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod and is rich in both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. This makes it an excellent choice for animals that need extra support for their immune system, bones and vision. However, the high vitamin A concentration requires careful dosing to avoid overdose.

Which animal oils are best suited to your product?

When selecting the right oil for your private label supplement line, it is important to consider:

  • Purpose of supplement (e.g. skin, joints, brain, energy)

  • Animal species and life stage

  • Price level of your brand positioning

  • Natural added value such as antioxidants or vitamins

Nutriliq helps you create the ideal formula. Our animal oils can:

  • Mixed together for a broad nutritional profile

  • Combined with essential oils or herbal extracts

  • Can be processed into liquids, soft chews, gummies or pastes

Want to learn more about the different animal oils in supplements and which oil fits best in your product line? Contact our team at Nutriliq and discover the possibilities for your private label feed supplements!