Summary of Key Findings of Honst Fish Oil Test Results
Batch FDPE/0526/005, tested July 2026 by Eureka Analytical Services, Bengaluru:
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Omega-3: 35.23% total omega-3 (34.25% EPA + DHA), against the 30% promised on the label
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Freshness: peroxide 0.61, anisidine 15.0, TOTOX 16.22, all within GOED limits
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Microbes: Salmonella absent; E. coli, Staph aureus, yeast and mould all below detection
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Heavy metals: lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic all below detection limits
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Full report: Click here to read the full test results PDF
Honst Omega-3 Sardine Fish Oil is a #1 bestseller on Amazon.in. That tells you a lot of dog parents trust us. It doesn't tell you what's inside the bottle. So every batch of Honst fish oil goes to an independent lab before it reaches you. Here's why, what we test for, and what our latest batch showed.
Why Does Every Batch of Fish Oil Need Testing?
Every batch of fish oil is different, so a single test can't vouch for all of them. Fish oil comes from fish, and its Omega-3 content changes with the catch, the season, and how the fish and oil are handled. Oil can oxidise during processing and storage and contaminants can get in at several stages.
A lab report from last year or from the last batch tells you very little about the bottle you're ordering today. The only reliable check is to test each batch.
What Should You Test Fish Oil for Dogs for?
Four things can go wrong with fish oil, and our lab checks each one:
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Omega-3 concentration. Does the oil contain the EPA and DHA promised on the label?
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Oxidation (rancidity). Has the oil gone off?
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Microbial contamination. Are there harmful bacteria, yeast or mold?
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Heavy metals. Is there lead, mercury, cadmium or arsenic?
How Much Omega-3 is in Honst Fish Oil?
This batch contains 35.23% total omega-3, more than the 30% promised on our label. EPA and DHA, the two Omega-3s dogs use most, make up 34.25% of the oil.
| Omega-3 |
Result |
| EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) |
20.89 g per 100 g |
| DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) |
13.36 g per 100 g |
| Total Omega-3 |
35.23 g per 100 g |
We promised 30% Omega-3. This batch gives 35.23% Omega-3, including 20.9% EPA and 13.4% DHA.
Is Honst Fish Oil Fresh or Rancid?
All three oxidation measures for this batch are within GOED (the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA) limits. Rancid fish oil smells strongly fishy and loses its benefit. Labs measure oxidation with three values, and for each one, lower is better:
| Measure |
What it shows |
Result |
GOED limit |
| Peroxide value |
Early oxidation |
0.61 |
5 |
| Anisidine value |
Later oxidation |
15.0 |
20 |
| TOTOX |
Total oxidation |
16.22 |
26 |
GOED (the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) is the international industry body that sets quality standards for omega-3 oils.
Does Honst Fish Oil Contain Harmful Bacteria?
No harmful microbes were found. Salmonella was absent, and all other counts were below the lowest level the test can measure.
| Test |
Result |
| Salmonella |
Absent in 25 g |
| E. coli |
Less than 10 cfu/g |
| Staphylococcus aureus |
Less than 10 cfu/g |
| Yeast & mould |
Less than 10 cfu/g |
| Total plate count |
Less than 10 cfu/g |
Is There Mercury or Other Heavy Metals in Honst Fish Oil?
No heavy metals were detected. Lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic were all below the test's detection limit, well under the GOED safety limit of 0.1 mg/kg for each.
| Metal |
Result |
GOED limit |
| Lead |
Below 0.05 mg/kg |
0.1 mg/kg |
| Mercury |
Below 0.01 mg/kg |
0.1 mg/kg |
| Cadmium |
Below 0.01 mg/kg |
0.1 mg/kg |
| Arsenic |
Below 0.05 mg/kg |
0.1 mg/kg |
Sardines are small fish near the bottom of the food chain, so they generally accumulate less mercury than large predatory fish like tuna.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fish oil safe for dogs?
Fish oil is widely used as a source of Omega-3 for dogs. Quality matters: look for a product with a recent, batch-specific lab report showing low oxidation and no detectable heavy metals. If your dog has a health condition, is on medication or is due for surgery, check with your vet first.
How do I know if my dog's fish oil has gone rancid?
A strong, unpleasant fishy smell is the most obvious sign. On a lab report, check the peroxide value (GOED limit 5), anisidine value (limit 20) and TOTOX (limit 26). Lower numbers mean fresher oil.
What is TOTOX in fish oil?
TOTOX stands for total oxidation. It's calculated as twice the peroxide value plus the anisidine value, and it gives one number for both early and later oxidation. GOED sets the limit at 26. This batch of Honst scored 16.22.
What's the difference between EPA and DHA?
They are the two main long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. EPA supports skin, joint, and inflammatory health, while DHA supports brain development, learning, vision, and cognitive function in dogs. When comparing products, look at the EPA plus DHA content, not just the total "fish oil" amount.
Does sardine fish oil have mercury?
Sardines are small, short-lived fish and tend to carry less mercury than large fish. Testing is still the only way to be sure. In this batch of Honst, mercury was below 0.01 mg/kg, the lowest level the test can detect.
Where can I find the lab report for my bottle?
Find the batch number on your Honst Omega-3 bottle and match it on our [lab reports page].
Find the report for your bottle
Every batch is tested, and every report is public. Look for the test results QR code on your bottle and scan it to view the full test result. If any number raises a question, ask us. We're happy to explain.
Fish oil is a dietary supplement, not a medicine, and does not treat or cure any condition.
