Salmon, in general, is an excellent source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium and a good source of niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, phosphorus and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of choline, pantothenic acid, biotin, and potassium.

When used in moderation and sourced from reputable brands, salmon oil is a beneficial addition to a ferret’s balanced diet. Not only is it good for a ferret’s skin and coat–helping with dry skin, itching and adding shine– but it is also beneficial for their heart, eyes and joint health.

Wild Alaskan salmon oil is a great treat that can be used for distracting your ferret when clipping nails or cleaning ears.

The benefits of salmon oil have influenced many pet owners, including ferret parents, to incorporate salmon oil into their fur babies’ diets. Overall, supplementing with salmon oil is good for pet health; however, too much of a good thing may have adverse effects.

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil—Good For Ferrets?

Side Effects of Fish Oil Supplements

According to Veterinarians and other medical professionals:

1. Too much salmon oil may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and upset such as diarrhea. 

2. Pets fed excessive amounts of salmon oil may tend to suffer higher blood loss when injured. The anti-inflammatory effect of the Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon increases the production of certain chemicals that alter platelet function. Platelets are cells that aid in the formation of blood clots–which help to prevent blood loss from injury, for example.  This altered platelet function also interferes with wound healing.  These tendencies are especially important considerations for pets needing surgery. 

3. The anti-inflammatory effects of salmon oil can interfere with the normal inflammatory response of the body if given in excess.  A certain level of inflammatory response is necessary for the body to effectively control threats from infection, cancer, and other abnormalities.        

4. Salmon oil may increase the risk of exposure to heavy metals such as mercury and chemicals such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) which may be found in fish. While these risks are low, they may be seen more often in pets fed a fish-based diet.

Farmed fish are often fed questionable diets and exposed to antibiotics. It’s recommended that you look for a salmon oil supplement that’s explicitly made from wild-caught fish.  Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is considered low-risk regarding mercury and environmental toxins.  A refining process called molecular distillation can be used to remove mercury, other heavy metals, pesticides, and PCBs from the salmon oil.  Companies are typically proud to announce that their salmon oil is produced from wild fish; therefore, if a brand doesn’t say whether their oil is from wild-caught fish or not, it’s probably farmed.

Is Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil—Good For Ferrets?

Excessive salmon oil supplementation may lead to minor or more severe health issues. Too much salmon oil may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, thinning of the blood that may interfere with healing from an injury or surgery and may hinder the body’s ability to fight infection and other threats.  Salmon oil may also contain mercury and environmental toxins. 

That said, any supplement or treat no matter how healthy it is, given in excess may throw your ferret’s balanced diet off and can lead to health problems.  The key to getting the health benefits from salmon oil is to use it sparingly.

Looking for a healthy wild Alaskan salmon oil?  check out this bestseller.

Your comments are welcome.