When it comes to supplementing your dog’s diet with omega fatty acids, two popular options are Zesty Paws Salmon Bites and Omega Bites. But what’s the difference between these two fish oil supplements? And which one is better for your pup?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare and contrast Zesty Paws Salmon Bites and Omega Bites, looking at the pros, cons, features, and what pet parents have to say about each product.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Zesty Paws Salmon Bites | Omega Bites |
| Primary Ingredient | Wild Alaskan salmon oil | Blend of salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod oils |
| Other Ingredients | Coconut oil, cod liver oil, vitamins E and B12 | Sunflower lecithin, natural flavorings, palm oil |
| Flavor | Natural smoked salmon | Fishy from the oil blend |
| Size Options | Regular, Large | Mini, Petite, Original |
| Delivery Method | Treats, mixed into meals, with meals | Treats, mixed into meals, with meals |
| Pros | Single potent oil source, natural flavor dogs love, also for cats | Variety of omegas, mini size for small dogs, budget-friendly |
| Cons | Only two size options, picky eaters may not like flavor | Strong fishy smell, soft texture |
| Price Per Bag | $34-37 depending on size | $22-28 depending on size |
| Best For | Picky eaters, small breeds, skin/coat, maximum omega-3s | Budget buyers, tiny dogs, joint health, fish allergies |
Overview Of Zesty Paws Salmon Bites
Zesty Paws Salmon Bites are soft chews that contain wild Alaskan salmon oil as the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These supplements are free of grain, gluten, and artificial ingredients.
Here are some key features of Zesty Paws Salmon Bites:
- Made with wild salmon oil from Alaska
- Rich source of omega-3s EPA and DHA
- Grain-free and gluten-free recipe
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Come in a resealable bag
- Salmon oil aids skin, coat, joint, heart, and brain health
- Available in treats for both dogs and cats
Zesty Paws touts their salmon oil as being more pure and potent than farmed salmon oil supplements. The wild salmon is harvested from the cold Alaskan waters.
The bites contain other helpful ingredients like coconut oil, cod liver oil, and vitamins E and B12. They have a natural smoked salmon flavor that most dogs find irresistible.
Zesty Paws Salmon Bites come in two sizes:
- Regular bites: For dogs under 35 lbs
- Large bites: For dogs over 35 lbs
The feeding guidelines vary based on your dog’s weight. Zesty Paws recommends administering the bites with your dog’s meals.
Overview Of Omega Bites
Omega Bites are another popular omega-3 supplement for dogs made by the Big Country Raw brand. These treats contain a blend of wild salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod oils.
Here are some key features of Omega Bites:
- Made with a blend of wild salmon, mackerel, herring and cod oils
- Good balance of EPA, DHA, and other omegas
- Grain-free recipe
- No artificial preservatives or additives
- Come in a resealable bag
- Supports skin, coat, joints, brain, heart, and immune health
- Chewable texture that dogs love
The combination of fish oils in Omega Bites aims to mimic the balance of fatty acids found in a dog’s natural diet. In addition to omega-3s, the treats provide omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
Omega Bites contain sunflower lecithin to enhance fat absorption. There are also natural flavorings and palm oil for palatability.
Omega Bites come in these size options:
- Mini bites: For dogs under 15 lbs
- Petite bites: For dogs 15-35 lbs
- Original bites: For dogs over 35 lbs
The feeding guidelines vary based on your dog’s body weight. Omega Bites can be given as treats, hidden in food, or fed alongside meals.
Also Read: Comparison Between Purina Urinary Tract Cat Food And Prescription.
Comparing Key Features
Now let’s directly compare some of the key features between Zesty Paws Salmon Bites and Omega Bites:
Primary omega-3 source:
- Zesty Paws – Wild Alaskan salmon oil
- Omega Bites – Blend of wild salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod oils
Other ingredients:
- Zesty Paws – Coconut oil, cod liver oil, vitamins E and B12
- Omega Bites – Sunflower lecithin, natural flavorings, palm oil
Flavor:
- Zesty Paws – Natural smoked salmon flavor
- Omega Bites – Fishy flavor from the blend of oils
Size options:
- Zesty Paws – Regular and large bites
- Omega Bites – Mini, petite, and original bites
Delivery method:
- Both supplements can be fed as treats, hidden in meals, or served alongside food
So in summary, Zesty Paws contains just salmon oil while Omega Bites has a blend of various fish oils. Zesty Paws Salmon Bites seem to be more naturally flavored while Omega Bites have more of a fishy smell and taste. And Omega Bites offers more size options to accommodate tiny breeds up to large breeds.
Pros And Cons Of Zesty Paws Salmon Bites And Omega Bites
What are the pros and cons of using Zesty Paws Salmon Bites versus Omega Bites for your dog? Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each supplement:
Zesty Paws Salmon Bites
Pros:
- Single source of potent, wild salmon oil
- More natural smoked salmon flavor dogs love
- Also available for cats
- Rich in omega-3s for skin, coat, joints, etc
- Grain-free and gluten-free recipe
- No artificial additives
Cons:
- Only two size options may not suit tiny or giant breeds
- Some picky eaters don’t like the flavor
- Higher price point than Omega Bites
Omega Bites
Pros:
- Blend of fish oils provides variety of omegas
- Mini sizes great for small dogs
- Dogs seem to love the flavor
- Usually more affordable than Zesty Paws
- Also available in treats for cats
Cons:
- Has more ingredients than just salmon oil
- Stronger fishy smell than Zesty Paws
- Only provides omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids
As you can see, both supplements have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Key factors are the omega-3 sources, flavor, size range, price, and ingredients used in each product.
Also Read: Is Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites Better Than Apoquel For Dogs?
Customer Reviews: Zesty Paws Vs. Omega Bites
Looking at customer reviews can provide helpful insight into real-world use of Zesty Paws Salmon Bites versus Omega Bites. Here’s an overview of what pet parents have to say about each fish oil supplement:
Zesty Paws Salmon Bites
- Dogs gobble them up like treats
- Notice improvements in dry, itchy skin
- Helps reduce shedding in heavy coats
- Joints seem more fluid and mobile
- Picky eaters may turn their nose up at flavor
- Large size may be too big for some small breeds
Omega Bites
- Dogs go crazy for the flavor
- Helps minimize seasonal flaking and scratching
- Supports hip and joint health in older dogs
- Smaller sizes work well for tiny breeds
- Fishy smell is very strong
- Soft texture that some dogs don’t like
As you can see, the salmon oil in Zesty Paws does seem very effective at boosting skin and coat health. And picky pups tend to either love or hate the smoked salmon taste.
The blend of fish oils in Omega Bites is very palatable for most dogs. But some don’t care for the soft texture. The heavy fishy smell is also a common complaint.
So look at your own dog’s preferences to predict which supplement they’ll like better.
Cost Comparison: Zesty Paws Vs. Omega Bites
In addition to ingredients and effectiveness, cost is often an important factor when choosing a supplement. Here’s how Zesty Paws Salmon Bites and Omega Bites compare price-wise:
Zesty Paws Salmon Bites
- Regular size (under 35 lbs): ~$34 for 90 soft chews
- Large size (over 35 lbs): ~$37 for 80 soft chews
Omega Bites
- Mini size (under 15 lbs): ~$22 for 150 mini bites
- Petite size (15-35 lbs): ~$27 for 120 petite bites
- Original size (over 35 lbs): ~$28 for 90 original bites
Omega Bites tend to be more affordable than Zesty Paws overall. The price per individual treat works out to a lower number with Omega Bites across all size ranges.
However, Zesty Paws Salmon Bites contain very high-quality wild Alaskan salmon oil, so the higher price makes sense. It comes down to your budget and if you think the extra cost is worthwhile for your dog.
Both brands frequently offer sales, coupons, and multi-pack discounts that help lower the per-treat cost. So be on the lookout for deals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Omega Bites are a healthy supplement for most dogs. The combination of salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod oils provides a good balance of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These essential fats support skin/coat, joint, brain, heart, and immune health.
Omega Bites are made in the USA with high quality ingredients and stringent standards. They are a great source of omegas for dogs.
Zesty Paws salmon oil is very good for dogs thanks to its high levels of beneficial omega-3s EPA and DHA. Sourced from wild-caught salmon from Alaska, it provides a potent dose of fatty acids that reduce inflammation, benefit skin/coat, improve joint fluidity, support cardiovascular health, and more.
The grain-free and gluten-free formula is safe for most dogs. Zesty Paws salmon oil gets rave reviews for improving dog’s health.
Zesty Paws salmon oil is generally very well tolerated with minimal side effects. It’s made from pure salmon oil and doesn’t contain common allergens. Potential side effects could include:
Upset stomach or diarrhea – Usually mild and goes away once dog’s body adjusts to the oil. Can give smaller doses at first.
Fishy breath – Not harmful but unpleasant. Brushing teeth helps reduce fish breath.
Allergic reaction – Fish allergies are uncommon in dogs but possible. Discontinue use if any signs of allergy.
Interaction with blood thinners – Salmon oil can theoretically increase bleeding risks. Talk to your vet if your dog takes blood thinner medications.
So in summary, side effects of Zesty Paws salmon oil are very rare and mild. It has a good safety profile for the majority of dogs.
Salmon oil is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It provides two specific types called EPA and DHA that are highly anti-inflammatory and provide many health benefits. Other sources like flaxseed oil contain ALA omega-3, which must be converted to EPA/DHA to be used. Dogs convert ALA inefficiently, so salmon oil’s direct EPA/DHA is superior.
Omega-3 from salmon oil also has greater bioavailability than many supplements. So yes, salmon oil is better than generic omega-3, especially for dogs, due to its omega-3 content and bioavailability.
Also Read: Comparison Between ZYMOX Otic And ZYMOX Plus.
The Verdict
So when all is said and done, which omega-3 fish oil supplement appears to be the better choice – Zesty Paws Salmon Bites or Omega Bites?
Here are some key points to help you decide:
- For picky eaters: Zesty Paws may be more palatable with its natural smoked salmon flavor.
- For dogs with fish allergies: Zesty Paws only contains salmon oil, so less risk of reactions.
- For small breed dogs: Omega Bites has mini sizes perfect for little pups.
- For budget buyers: Omega Bites tends to be more affordable.
- For skin and coat health: Salmon oil in Zesty Paws excels at reducing dry skin and shedding.
- For hip and joint health: Omega Blend’s variety of omegas supports mobility.
- For maximum omega-3s: Zesty Paws provides a potent dose of EPA and DHA.
So in conclusion, Zesty Paws Salmon Bites seem best for picky eaters, small breeds, skin/coat issues, and omega-3 potency. Omega Bites may be better for budget buyers, tiny dogs, joint health, and fish allergies.
Of course, every dog is unique, so pay attention to your own pup’s preferences and needs. Try out samples of both Zesty Paws and Omega Bites to see which one your best friend likes best. That tasty enjoyment will make supplementing with omega-3s easy and rewarding for both of you!