A happy dog and a smaller cat looking at the camera beside a bowl of raw food with oil being poured over it, and a bottle of AniForte Salmon Oil

Algae Oil vs Salmon Oil: The Vegan Omega-3 Alternative for Pets with Fish Allergies

Not sure whether to feed Salmon Oil or Algae Oil? Here's a friendly, visual guide to both — plus an easy feeding table for dogs, cats and horses.
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A happy dog and a smaller cat looking at the camera beside a bowl of raw food with oil being poured over it, and a bottle of AniForte Salmon Oil

Omega-3s are one of the simplest, most effective things you can add to your dog, cat or horse's bowl — a shinier coat, happier joints, extra goodness from the inside out. Most owners reach for fish oil first, but if your pet has a fish allergy, or you'd just rather keep things plant-based, our Algae Oil is a brilliant swap for our best-selling Salmon Oil. Here's how the two compare, so you can pick the right one with confidence.

Which one is right for your pet?

Both oils support the same things — a glossy coat, comfortable joints, and healthy skin — as part of a balanced diet for dogs, cats and horses. The main question is simply where the omega-3 comes from:

  • Go for Salmon Oil if your pet is happy with fish. It's our most popular omega-3 supplement for a reason, and it comes in four sizes so there's one for every pet and budget.
  • Go for Algae Oil if your pet has a fish allergy or sensitivity, or you'd rather feed a fully plant-based supplement. Pick one or the other rather than feeding both together.

A simple guide to feeding each one

No need for a calculator — here's the easy version. Both oils are mixed straight into food, once a day.

Salmon Oil Daily dose
Small dogs, up to 10kg 1ml — about a quarter teaspoon
Medium dogs, 10–25kg 2ml
Large dogs, 25–50kg 3ml
Giant breeds, over 50kg 4ml
Cats, any size 1ml
Algae Oil (by dropper) Daily dose
Dogs 20 drops per 10kg
Cats 10 drops
Horses 30 drops per 100kg

A little settling at the bottom of the Algae Oil bottle is completely normal — just give it a shake before use.

Prices, at a glance

Salmon Oil comes in four sizes to suit any pet or household: 100ml (£6.99), 250ml (£9.99), 500ml (£13.99) and 1L (£17.99). Algae Oil comes in one size, 50ml (£14.99), which goes a long way thanks to the dropper dosing.

Still not sure which one to pick?

That's completely normal — most owners feel the same way at first. Here's the simple version: if your pet has never had any trouble with fish, Salmon Oil is the easy, tried-and-tested choice. If they have a fish allergy or sensitivity, or you'd rather keep their diet fully plant-based, Algae Oil gives you the same kind of support without a drop of fish in it. Both are natural, both are gentle to introduce alongside your pet's usual food, and you really can't go wrong either way — it simply comes down to what suits your pet best.

Shop the oils

AniForte Salmon Oil bottle

AniForte Salmon Oil

Our best-seller. Fresh-pressed from Norwegian salmon within hours of catch, so it keeps its rich omega-3 goodness intact.

Shop Salmon Oil →

AniForte Algae Oil bottle

AniForte Algae Oil

100% plant-based, made from marine algae. Just as omega-3 rich as fish oil, without a drop of fish — perfect for allergies or a vegan household.

Shop Algae Oil →

9 comments

Jess Barber

Jess Barber

Algae oil is such a fab alternative for dogs who can’t have fish!
My girls are fine with fish so we go for the Salmon oil and Aniforte’s is by far the best we’ve tried!

Algae oil is such a fab alternative for dogs who can’t have fish!
My girls are fine with fish so we go for the Salmon oil and Aniforte’s is by far the best we’ve tried!

Jenny

Jenny

I have tried a few different brands for salmon oil and Aniforte is for sure the best one. Isn’t nearly as smelly, lasts longer. Sometimes I freeze some in ice cube trays if I buy a larger bottle – better value and it lasts even longer!

I have tried a few different brands for salmon oil and Aniforte is for sure the best one. Isn’t nearly as smelly, lasts longer. Sometimes I freeze some in ice cube trays if I buy a larger bottle – better value and it lasts even longer!

Claire

Claire

Oh this blog is so useful. I use algae oil most of the time, but have used salmon oil previously. I used it for about 2yrs and Teddy’s coat is so soft, he always gets compliments.

Oh this blog is so useful. I use algae oil most of the time, but have used salmon oil previously. I used it for about 2yrs and Teddy’s coat is so soft, he always gets compliments.

nat g

nat g

This is really good information and I didn’t realise! My dogs have tried both and seem to like both equally which is good. No decline in their health or fur/skin when switching between the two either so very happy!

This is really good information and I didn’t realise! My dogs have tried both and seem to like both equally which is good. No decline in their health or fur/skin when switching between the two either so very happy!

Natasha Sutton

Natasha Sutton

I’ve always wondered the difference so thank you for this! We use salmon oil and now I know it’s the right choice

I’ve always wondered the difference so thank you for this! We use salmon oil and now I know it’s the right choice

Emma

Emma

The difference since using the algae oil – just WOW! My dog had very patchy fur, skin was quite flakey/dandruffy – she’s like a totally different dog. No longer patchy, skin and fur healthy – all itching has stopped as well

The difference since using the algae oil – just WOW! My dog had very patchy fur, skin was quite flakey/dandruffy – she’s like a totally different dog. No longer patchy, skin and fur healthy – all itching has stopped as well

Edward

Edward

My dogs enjoy the salmon oil so much, and i love the fact is supports their skin and coat, and heart as well! I will try algae oil next time I order

My dogs enjoy the salmon oil so much, and i love the fact is supports their skin and coat, and heart as well! I will try algae oil next time I order

Damon

Damon

We choose the algae oil just because I myself have an allergy to salmon so this is what works best! It really helps my retriever with her luscious fur and I’m sure it helps with her energy levels as well! She’s now 8 and no one can believe it!

We choose the algae oil just because I myself have an allergy to salmon so this is what works best! It really helps my retriever with her luscious fur and I’m sure it helps with her energy levels as well! She’s now 8 and no one can believe it!

Andrew

Andrew

We have used both algae oil and salmon oil on our little rescue dog who definitely needed a little extra TLC. We got him in may and started using the oil around June time, it is now mid September and his fur has gone from dull and almost brittle to soft, velvety, shiny and lovely. The difference is crazy!

We have used both algae oil and salmon oil on our little rescue dog who definitely needed a little extra TLC. We got him in may and started using the oil around June time, it is now mid September and his fur has gone from dull and almost brittle to soft, velvety, shiny and lovely. The difference is crazy!

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