Mr Bones Atlantic Sardine Oil

This product came to my attention after my usual salmon oil was discontinued, so rather than simply swapping it for another salmon oil and calling it a day, I did a bit of digging into the alternatives.

And that's how I ended up with sardine oil.

Sardines are small, oily fish naturally rich in the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Smaller fish can also have an advantage when it comes to contaminant accumulation compared with larger, longer-lived predatory fish, which is one of the reasons they're a source of omega-3 I was happy to explore.

This particular oil has a lovely omega-3 profile, with over 30% omega-3, including more than 16% EPA and more than 7% DHA. It's also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, giving you some additional nutritional support for healthy joints and mobility.

And then there's the other reason I like it...

It smells REALLY fishy 😂 The natural fish aroma can make food more appealing, so this is particularly handy for picky eaters.

It's suitable for dogs and cats of all ages, including puppies and kittens, and can be added to dry food, wet food, BARF or homemade diets.

🤓 TCDC Top Tip: Start slowly! Even if your dog is usually happy to eat anything, introducing a new oil gradually gives their digestive system a chance to adjust. Mr Bones recommend starting with half the suggested daily amount and gradually working up to the full dose. And don't forget to shake the bottle before use to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

How much do I give?

The manufacturer's daily guide for dogs is:

• Under 6kg: 4ml

• 6–12kg: 8ml

• 12–25kg: 12ml

• 25–60kg: 16ml

For cats:

• Under 3kg: 2ml

• Over 3kg: 4ml

These are general feeding guidelines, so if your pet has a medical condition, takes medication or is already receiving other supplements containing omega-3, glucosamine or chondroitin, speak to your vet about the appropriate amount.

Ingredients: Sardine oil, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulphate.

Glucosamine: 3000mg/L
Chondroitin: 2000mg/L
Omega-3: >30%
DHA: >7%
EPA: >16%

Size: 250ml bottle.

Storage

The metal bottle helps protect the oil from light and air. Store somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. It doesn't require refrigeration, and the manufacturer states that it can be kept until the best-before date after opening when stored correctly.

Please note: Fish oil is a supplement, not a treatment for medical conditions. If you're considering it specifically to support a dog with joint, skin or other health issues, speak to your vet about whether it's appropriate. Fish oil can also cause digestive upset in some animals, particularly when introduced too quickly.