Recall: Omega 3 Supplements for Dogs and Cats

Important Omega-3 Supplement Recall: What You Need to Know

A popular omega-3 supplement for dogs and cats has been recalled, and it’s critical for pet owners to be aware of the details. Stratford, the company responsible for producing this supplement, has recalled several of their products. The concerning part? It’s not just one omega-3 brand—there are many sub-brands, and these supplements are sold through various channels. This includes veterinary clinics, online stores like Amazon, Chewy, and other retail pet stores. In this article, I’ll explain the issue in detail and provide a full list of the affected products, so you can ensure your pet is safe.

The Problem: Vitamin A Toxicity

The reason for the recall stems from a case of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin A toxicity. After some investigation, the clinic identified that the issue was linked to a specific omega-3 supplement. Upon testing, it was found that the supplement contained excessively high levels of vitamin A.

Signs of Vitamin A Toxicity in Dogs

Vitamin A toxicity can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Malaise (lethargy)
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Peeling skin
• Nausea
• General weakness

In more severe cases of vitamin A toxicity, dogs can experience:

• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Paralysis
• Even death in extreme instances

While vitamin A is an essential nutrient, like many things, too much of it can cause serious health problems.

Understanding the Source of the Problem

It’s unusual for an omega-3 supplement to have such high levels of vitamin A. Typically, supplements like those derived from salmon oil contain only moderate, safe levels of vitamin A. For example, in my krill oil supplement for dogs and cats, the amount of vitamin A is carefully controlled—there’s never enough to harm a pet.

However, there is one type of fish oil supplement that can have dangerously high levels of vitamin A—cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of the cod, where many vitamins, including vitamin A, are concentrated. This is why cod liver oil can sometimes lead to excessive vitamin A intake, unlike fish oils sourced from the flesh of the fish.

What Happened with Stratford’s Supplement?

How did excessively high vitamin A levels end up in Stratford’s omega-3 supplement? It’s a good question, and one that I’ve pondered myself. Could it be that someone accidentally mixed in a bit of cod liver oil? It’s possible, but the fact remains: no quality omega-3 supplement should ever contain such dangerously high levels of vitamin A.

What You Should Do Next

If your pet is on an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, I encourage you to check if it’s one of the recalled brands. I’ll provide a link to the full list of affected products in the description box below. If your supplement is on the list, follow these steps:

1. Stop using the supplement immediately.
2. Contact your veterinary clinic, the supplier, or the retail store where you purchased the product.
3. Request a refund—you are entitled to your money back.
4. Dispose of the product to ensure your dog or cat is not at risk of vitamin A toxicity.

Stay Safe and Informed

Thank you for watching and staying informed about this important recall. Your pet’s safety is paramount. If you’d like more information on this recall or to receive updates, subscribe to my channel by clicking the link above, hit the bell for notifications, and I’ll send you a free copy of my new book.

Stay vigilant and keep your pets safe!