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PETJUNCTION411.COM
f you’re like most pet parents,
you’ve probably heard that fish
oil is a must-have supplement.
It’s everywhere, marketed for
joint support, a shinier coat, brain
health, and more. And sure, in
theory, omega-3s from fish oil can
be great.
But there’s something the pet
industry rarely talks about: fish oil
can (and often does) go bad. And
when it does, those supposed health
benefits? They don’t just disappear.
They reverse.
Rancid fish oil doesn’t just lose
potency. It becomes a source of
inflammation. And that’s a big deal,
especially when you’re giving it to
your pet every day thinking you’re
helping.
THE PROBLEM WITH FISH OIL
Fish oil is extremely delicate. It
oxidizes quickly when exposed to
heat, light, or air. This process
creates unstable molecules known
as lipid peroxides and aldehydes.
These are not what you want
circulating in your pet’s body.
The scary part? Many fish oil
supplements are already partially
oxidized before they even reach your
home. In independent lab tests, up
to half of the fish oil products on the
market have been found to exceed
safe oxidation levels.
And
unlike
spoiled
food,
you
can’t always smell or taste rancid
oil, especially when it’s packed
into capsules or hidden behind
flavorings.
In pets, oxidized oils can
contribute to:
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Increased inflammation (the
very thing you’re likely trying to
reduce)
• Cellular damage from oxidative
stress
• Strain on organs like the
kidneys, liver, and even the brain
This isn’t theoretical. In animal
studies, oxidized oils have been
shown to damage tissues and
compromise
immune
function.
Long-term exposure may even
affect the blood-brain barrier and
cognitive health.
SO...WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?
GREEN-LIPPED MUSSELS. These
marine mollusks, native to New
Zealand,
offer
similar
benefits
to fish oil, but with some major
advantages that make them a safer
and more effective choice for pets.
Green-lipped mussels are naturally
rich
in
omega-3
fatty
acids,
including ETA, a lesser-known but
highly potent anti-inflammatory
compound.
They also contain:
• Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs),
which support joint cartilage
• Marine-derived antioxidants
like astaxanthin
• Amino acids and trace minerals
essential for cellular health