Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 3/10/2008

Question
I recently bought cod liver oil supplement because I heard that it was healthly supplement and I thought it was similar to fish oil which I give my dogs.  I have read alot of great benifits of fish oil.  As you probably know capsules are hard to give to cats and fish oil only comes in capsules.  I figured cod liver oil would be a great alternative because it comes as a liquid and i could simply pour a small amount over their food. I went online to find out the dosage of the cod liver oil I should give and read that there could be a risk of giving to much which can be toxic.  So I have not given it to them as yet.  What would your advice be?

Answer
Hi candice:  You can give cod liver oil just be careful:

Also, oils such as vitamin E daily and a little cod liver oil twice a week along may be beneficial.

REMEMBER: It is important never to overdose cod liver oil, a quarter of a teaspoon is all the cat needs.  

Remember just 2 times per week for the cod liver oil...Ok?

One more thing to remember, you can purchase capsules and just poke a pin thru the skin of the capsule.  This will allow you to push out the fluid.  Vitamin E comes this way many times.  Cats can also take the contents of a powder capsule.  Just pull the power capsule apart and sprinkle onto the food.. ( mix in so they don't see it).

Thanks for your question.