Why Rancid Fish Oil Hurts Pets—How to Stop It

You’re giving your pet fish oil for a shinier coat, healthier joints, and a happier life—but what if it’s doing more harm than good? At Fam Pets, we started this journey with our 5-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Steven. Despite our best efforts, the fish oils we tried either didn’t work or turned him off completely. The culprit? Rancidity. Most pet fish oils go bad faster than you’d think, and that’s a problem for your furry family member. Here’s why rancid fish oil is a hidden risk—and how to ensure your pet gets the freshest omega-3s every time.

The Problem with Rancid Fish Oil

Fish oil is packed with omega-3s, essential for your pet’s well-being. But there’s a catch: over 90% of fish oils on the market come in plastic pump bottles. Every time you press that pump, air rushes in, oxidizing the oil. Over time, this breaks down the omega-3s, turning the oil rancid. What does that mean for your pet?

• Lost Potency: The nutrients your pet needs degrade, leaving you with an ineffective supplement.
• Bad Taste & Smell: Rancid oil smells fishier—and pets often refuse it.
• Health Risks: Worse, rancid oil can cause digestive upset or even inflammation—exactly what you’re trying to avoid.

We learned this the hard way with Steven. His coat stayed dull, and sometimes he’d turn his nose up at his food when we added oil. Rancid fish oil isn’t just a waste of money—it can hurt the pets we love.

Why Does Fish Oil Go Rancid?

Oxidation is the enemy of freshness. When fish oil sits in a plastic pump bottle, every use pulls in oxygen. Add exposure to light or heat, and the process speeds up. You might notice these telltale signs:

• A strong, off-putting fishy odor.
• A cloudy or thick texture.
• Your pet refusing to eat it (trust their nose—they know!).

If your fish oil has gone rancid, it’s not your pet being picky—it’s a sign the oil’s gone bad. And once it’s rancid, those omega-3 benefits are long gone.

How to Keep Fish Oil Fresh

So, how do you avoid this? We dug into the problem and found a game-changer: Bag-On-Valve (B.O.V.) technology. Unlike traditional pumps, our Fam Pets fish oil is sealed in a bag inside a recyclable aluminum can. Compressed air pushes the oil out as a clean spray—no oxygen gets in. Here’s why it works:

• Zero Air Exposure: The omega-3s stay fresh from the first spray to the last.
• No Waste: You get 99% of the product—no oil trapped at the bottom.
• Pure & Effective: Sourced from Iceland’s pristine waters, it delivers the benefits your pet deserves—shinier coats, stronger joints, and more energy.

We didn’t invent fish oil, but we reinvented how it’s delivered. After switching Steven to our B.O.V. spray, his coat finally started gleaming, and he gobbled it up without a fuss. Freshness makes all the difference.

Freshness Matters—Protect Your Pet Today

Rancid fish oil isn’t just ineffective—it’s a risk no pet parent should take. The next time you reach for that plastic pump bottle, ask yourself: Is air sneaking in? Are the omega-3s still potent? If not, it’s time for a smarter choice. At Fam Pets, we’re committed to freshness because your pet deserves more than just fish oil—they deserve the best.

Check out how we keep omega-3s pure and potent at Fam Pets. Give your pet the fresh start they need—because when it comes to their health, every drop counts.