Use the label to confirm you’re buying active support—not vague marketing.
**1) Active amounts, not just ingredients:** For omega-focused products, look for **EPA/DHA listed in mg** per serving (not only “fish oil” as a blend). This makes it possible to compare potency and avoid under-dosed formulas.
**2) Source and suitability:** Check whether omegas come from **fish** (common, but may be a concern for fish-sensitive cats) or **algae** (fish-free option). For multi-ingredient chews or powders, scan for common allergens (fish, chicken, dairy) and unnecessary fillers.
**3) Oxidation/rancidity protection:** Oils can oxidize. Prefer products that note **antioxidant protection** (e.g., mixed tocopherols/vitamin E) and use packaging that limits light/air exposure. A strong “fishy paint” smell is a red flag.
**4) Third-party testing:** Look for **third-party testing or a COA (certificate of analysis)** confirming identity/purity and screening for contaminants (especially important for marine oils).
**5) Calories and dosing practicality:** Oils and soft chews add calories. Check calories per serving and whether the dose is realistic for your cat’s size and appetite—palatability matters only if the full dose is actually taken.
**Red flags:** proprietary blends with no mg amounts, no testing/COA mention, unclear sourcing, and “miracle” claims that don’t match the label.