Frequently Asked Questions

Seal Oil Omega-3 offers a wide range of proven health benefits for people (and pets) of all ages. These include, but are not limited to, benefits to:

• Cardiovascular health: reduces risk of cardiovascular disease; improves circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots; fights plaque buildup in arteries.
• Joint health: reduces inflammation caused by arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Improves mobility and reduce joint pain.
• Cognitive health: boosts central nervous system and brain function. Can improve memory and other cognitive abilities.
• Mental health: can help regulate and stabilize moods and reduce anxiety and the effects of stress.
• Fetal health: aids the development of the baby’s brain, eyes, and nerves.
• Baby health: Omega-3 seal oil increases DHA levels in breast milk, enhancing early development; babies of mothers who regularly consume seal oil Omega-3 also show better immune function.
• Maternal health: Omega-3 fatty acid can help reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression.
• Fitness performance: athletes who consume Omega-3 seal oil have experienced less fatigue, better muscle activation, increased VO2 max, and overall improved performance.
• Senior health: seal oil contains DPA, a rare Omega-3 that has been shown to be particularly efficient at fighting inflammatory diseases (such as arthritis), promoting cognitive function and brain health, and improving nerve health.
• Pet health: most of the benefits humans experience apply to pets too. Omega-3 seal oil is great for overall pet health, including skin, coat, heart, mobility, and immunity.

Seal oil is appropriate for all age groups. From unborn babies to senior citizens to our furry friends, seal oil is an excellent supplement for the entire family, offering benefits to heart, brain, joint, mental, and overall health.

Certain groups may find seal oil especially beneficial, including pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, athletes, and seniors.

Yes, for several reasons:   

1. Better absorption. Seals are mammals, and the fatty acids found in seal oil are identical in structure to those in humans. This means faster, better digestion and absorption by the human body. Fish oil structure is unrecognized by the human system, resulting in a longer digestion time and overall poorer absorption.
2. Complete fatty acid profile. Seal oil contains DHA, EPA, and DPA; fish oil contains only DHA and EPA. DPA is valuable to the human body, specifically shown to help fight inflammation, boost immunity, and more. As well, DPA increases the body’s ability to absorb and use the other fatty acids, making it a true powerhouse.

Seal oil is also 100% pure (fish oil tends to be chemically altered), more stable, less prone to oxidation, and has a healthier cholesterol profile than fish oil.

It is hard to say one Omega-3 is “best.” The three Omega-3 fatty acids found in seal oil—DHA, DPA, and EPA—work together to offer may benefits to the human body. In fact, DPA (found in seal oil, but not fish oil) increases the body’s ability to absorb DHA and EPA; these are truly a trio that belongs together.

Each of these three Omega-3s has been found to have distinct advantages:

EPA:

• Supports cardiovascular health
• Reduces joint inflammation
• Lowers cholesterol

DHA:

• Boosts brain function
• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Helps combat mood disorders
• Improves ocular health

DPA:

• Repairs damaged vessels
• Optimizes Omega-3 intake
• Boosts absorption of EPA and DHA

There are no known adverse side effects to consuming seal oil at recommended dosages. Some who take fish oil have reported “fishy burps,” but this does not seem to be the case for seal oil.

Health Canada suggests limiting intake of EPA plus DHA fatty acids to no more than 3 grams a day. This amount is considered safe for pregnant women and is a good guideline to follow. If you are taking prescription medications, especially blood thinners, it is always good practice to consult your doctor.

Yes. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in seal oil, are components of male and female sex hormones. As well, by boosting cardiovascular health—improving circulation and fighting the buildup of plaque in the arteries—Omega-3s can also increase sensation.

Omega-3s are also good for brain health and have been linked to dopamine production (the “feel-good neurotransmitter”). Dopamine can trigger or enhance arousal, libido, and sexual response.

Yes. Seal oil Omega-3 has been shown to promote a better cholesterol balance. For those battling high cholesterol, it can be a valuable natural supplement:

• Seal oil’s natural cholesterol balance has HDL or “good cholesterol” in a higher ratio than LDL or “bad cholesterol” when compared to fish oil.
• Seal oil has been shown to lower overall cholesterol levels.
• DPA—found in seal oil, but not in fish oil or plant-based sources of Omega-3s—is of particular benefit to the circulatory system. The consumption of seal oil, and specifically the DPA in seal oil, has been linked to the historically low levels of cholesterol and heart disease among Inuk populations.

Yes. Leading an overall healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, enough sleep, and exercise, is the best thing you can do for your immune system. Ensuring your body has all the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids it needs to fight off illness and inflammation is an important factor. Seal oil Omega-3 supplements can be a valuable part of that.

Omega-3s can help regulate immune cells and reduce inflammation, making them an essential part of your body’s immune strengthening arsenal. The suite of Omega-3s (DHA, EPA, and particularly DPA) found in seal oil have been shown to down-regulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines) within the body, thereby assisting immune system function.

Because seal oil is particularly easy for your body to absorb (especially when compared to fish oil), it is an excellent choice for immune-strengthening.

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a straight chain 22:5 polyunsaturated fatty acid (22 carbons, 5 double-bonds). It has been shown to have distinct benefits over other Omega-3s such as EPA and DHA:

• Reduces inflammation efficiently.
• Reduces risk of blockages, blood clots.
• 10x more efficient in endothelial cell migration than EPA; it plays a crucial role in repairing damaged vessels.
• Optimizes intake of Omega-3s.
• Boosts absorption of EPA and DHA.

In other words, not only does DPA bring its own suite of benefits, it also improves the body’s use of other essential Omega-3s.

It is rare to find high levels of DPA in nature. In fact, seal oil and human breast milk are two of the only natural DPA-rich substances (trace amounts of this crucial Omega-3 can be found in some fish and beef). 

The best sources of DPA are human breast milk and seal oil. This is one of the reasons seal oil is an excellent supplement for pregnant and lactating women.

While their chemical structures differ, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), and DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid) are all essential polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids. They are termed essential because the human body needs them to function optimally—but the human body is not capable of producing sufficient amounts on their own, which means we have to get them from our diet.

All three of these fatty acids work together to support the healthy functioning of our bodies, boosting heart health, joint health, brain health, and immune system function. As well, each brings specific advantages:

EPA:

• Supports cardiovascular health
• Reduces joint inflammation
• Lowers cholesterol

DHA:

• Boosts brain function
• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Helps combat mood disorders
• Improves ocular health

DPA:

• Repairs damaged vessels
• Fights inflammation
• Optimizes Omega-3 intake
• Boosts absorption of EPA and DHA

Natural Omega-3 supplements contain oil in its pure and natural form, with minimal processing. In the case of seal oil, this is important: it preserves the natural triglyceride structure, recognized and easily recognized by the human body, mammal to mammal.

Concentrated Omega-3s are often found in fish oils which have been chemically altered to increase levels of EPA and DHA. This changes the product inherently, and though higher levels of EPA and DHA are possible, they are not necessarily of greater benefit to the consumer.

The ratio of natural seal oil is almost 8:1 in favour of Omega-3, an excellent balance to help promote better overall health.

Historically, humans ate a diet at near 1:1, Omega-3: Omega-6. This was a natural balance derived from consuming whole foods, seasonal produce, and fresh protein. Today’s processed diet has swung the balance steeply toward Omega-6s (1:15), an unhealthy profile. Supplementing with high-Omega-3 seal oil can help restore the balance.

Seals are mammals, just like humans (and dogs and cats). Because of this, the exact chemical structure of the Omega-3s found in seal oil are easily recognized, digested, and absorbed by the human body.

Fish have a very different physiology than mammals and oils derived from them are not as easily assimilated.

Both are excellent options. The best choice for you depends on your preference and lifestyle. While liquid supplements do technically have a faster absorption rate and higher optimization rate, capsules break down quickly in the stomach (within seconds or minutes) and are considered just as effective.

For those who find swallowing a capsule challenging, liquid supplements are an excellent option and can be taken by the spoonful or drizzled over food. Practically, capsules offer the advantage of a generally longer shelf life. Capsules do not require refrigeration, as liquid seal oil does.

Seal oil has a mild flavour of the sea. Some describe it as fishy, but much milder than the taste of fish oil.

Supplementation of 2 up to 4 grams per day of seal oil is recommended (Health Canada suggests up to 3 grams per day of Omega-3s for pregnant women).

If you are taking prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, it is best to consult your physician before taking a high dose of seal oil.

You can take seal oil Omega-3s anytime. Some people prefer to take it with food, but this is not a requirement.

Seal oil supplements aren’t a magic drug. They promote overall health and well-being, so the results are gradual, cumulative—and long-term. Some people will notice improvements in joint health or mood (for example) in just a couple of weeks, while it could be longer for others.

Seal oil, like any Omega-3, is extremely safe and can be taken long-term to help promote better health. If you take seal oil every day, you will enjoy a lifetime of benefit.

No. Unlike fish oil, seal oil is quickly absorbed and assimilated by the body. Its triglyceride structure is that of a mammal; humans accept it and digest it very easily.

Seal oil supplements should contain only seal oil, derived naturally from the blubber of harp seals. Check the ingredients: you may see gelatin and glycerin (components of capsules) and tocopherols (forms of vitamin E, an antioxidant). These are natural and safe ingredients.

Liquid seal oil should be refrigerated. Seal oil capsules do not need to be refrigerated but should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place.

Seal oil for sale in Canada has been refined following the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The seal oil itself is not chemically altered — it is a 100% natural and pure product — but it is refined to eliminate environmental toxins, including PCBs and heavy metals. Refining also stabilizes the oil, increasing resistance to oxidation. 

Seal oil may be enriched with a natural antioxidant (listed as a tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, on the ingredients list) before being transported.

Before sale as supplements, seal oil is refined to remove environmental toxins and impurities. The structure of the seal oil itself is not altered, ensuring it is a 100% natural, fresh, pure, and healthy product.

All seal oil is tested to ensure it meets or exceeds all standards for heavy metals, including mercury. Seal oil supplements on the Canadian market meet all Health Canada and World Health Organization guidelines.

Seal oil supplements are tested by a third-party laboratory for purity, safety, and levels of DHA, DPA, and EPA. Contact the manufacturer of your seal oil supplements for the latest results of quality testing.

Seal oil supplements are tested for purity, safety, and levels of DHA, DPA, and EPA. It is crucial all seal oil meets or exceeds Health Canada and World Health Organizations standards for heavy metals, PCBs, and other environmental toxins.

Yes. You can find more information here.

Seal oil, especially after being refined for purity, is an extremely stable source of Omega-3s. Oxidation is the result of chemical reactions with oxygen, which can cause oil to go rancid. Stored properly, seal oil is resistant to oxidation.

Stored under optimal conditions (capsules should be out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place; liquid seal oil should be refrigerated at all times), Omega-3 seal oil is relatively more stable and less prone to lipid peroxidation than fish oils. This ensures better performance and a much longer shelf life.

Seal meat is a rich, dark meat that is an excellent alternative to red meat. It is high in protein, low in fat, and is an excellent source of iron and other minerals. As such, it is an ideal food to add into any diet.

A wild, organic, sustainably harvested meat, seal has become a favourite of many innovative chefs. Seal meat can be made into sausage or burgers, stews or pies. Seal loin is exceptionally lean and tender.

Seal meat is rich in protein, low in fat and cholesterol, and high in iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc. While its protein levels are comparable to those of beef or pork, seal meat is much higher in iron and other minerals than beef, pork, chicken, or fish.

It is always preferable to avoid eating raw meat, whether domestic or wild, because it is never possible to be completely sure that there are no microscopic infectious agents present. Nonetheless, seal carcasses are always inspected carefully to make sure that there are no abnormalities before their meat is collected, and this collection is done according to strict sanitary procedures. Moreover, seal meat is generally frozen, which destroys some (but not all) infectious agents.

Heme is a molecule within red blood cells that is part of a larger molecule called hemoglobin and is responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body.  This oxygen is bound to iron within the hemoglobin molecule during transport.  A larger concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells and a larger number of circulating red blood cells are two of the many adaptations of seals for diving.

Muscle fibres carry molecules known as myoglobin, which is the equivalent of hemoglobin in red blood cells, also contains iron, and provides oxygen necessary for muscle contraction.  Seals have a much higher concentration of muscle myoglobin than non-diving animals, which is why their meat has such a dark red color.  It is also why seal meat is so rich in iron.

Todd Perrin of Mallard Cottage in St. John’s says seal meat has “got a taste of the sea, with the richness of dark game meat.” Eric Pateman, of Edible Canada Bistro on Granville Island, Vancouver, describes seal meat as “ahi-tuna mixed with moose.” The texture, depending on the cut, can be similar to duck, beef filet, or veal. 

A variety of seal meat cuts are available. Seal loins are exceptionally tender and lean. Flippers (bone-in) are usually used for stews and pies. Seal meat trims, ground meat, burgers, sausages, merguez, and salami are also available.

Seal meat comes from wild-caught seals of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Newfoundland and the Magdalen Islands.

Let your creativity and your personal preference be your guide! There are many excellent ways to prepare seal meat. It can be served as tartare or tataki. Treat tender loin cuts as you would a fine steak — ideally fairly rare (sear two to three minutes per side and let rest).

Seal flipper, however, benefits from a long, slow cook; it is excellent in soups, stews, and pies.

Seal meat is available in many fine butcher shops, fish markets and specialty stores and restaurants across Canada. Not all locations carry seal meat all year; be sure to call ahead.

The liver and kidneys are two organs with many functions essential for life, one of which is to remove toxins like heavy metals (such as mercury and lead) from the blood stream and excrete them out of the body.  Because of this, these organs tend to have higher concentrations of toxins like heavy metals than other tissues such as muscle, especially in older animals that have had more time to accumulate these toxins.  For this reason, it is recommended to consume liver and kidney only in moderation and to preferably avoid these organs from adult animals altogether.  The heart is a muscle and therefore should have only limited concentrations of toxins, especially in young animals.  Work is currently underway to confirm this.

A great advantage of seal meat is that the animals that it comes from have lived in a natural environment all their life and have not been subject to any artificial manipulation of their growth, like some domestic animals raised under intensive management often are.

Seal meat is very safe.  Seals are watched from a distance before being harvested, to make sure that they behave normally.  The hunters involved are trained and certified by provincial authorities to inspect and butcher the seal carcasses in a manner similar to that of domestic livestock and to store meat products accordingly. There have also been ongoing studies to better understand the occurrence of infectious agents and potential toxins in these animals and, if required, adopt measures that will safeguard public health.

Mercury is a very common and persistent heavy metal in the environment. It can be found naturally in some geological formations from which it leaches out naturally or through processes accelerated by human activities, such as lake acidification or land flooding associated with dam construction.  For this reason and because of its gradual accumulation along the food chain, variable amounts of mercury can be expected in some tissues of fish-eating animals like seals, particularly in their liver and kidneys, but much less in their muscles. These amounts can be very low in young seals but tend to increase with the animals’ age.

Seal meat is processed to the highest standards and tested to ensure it meets all quality standards.

You can eat seal meat with confidence, knowing it is a naturally organic, wild meat, raised without hormones, antibiotics, or processed food. Seals are harvested from their natural habitat, the pristine icy north Atlantic, ensuring the meat is delicious and nutritious.

Yes. Seal meat processing facilities must be certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and meet or exceed all Health Canada guidelines.

Seal skin, both as fur and leather, has been used for thousands of years to protect Canada’s northernmost residents from the harshest winter conditions. Seal fur repels water, blocks wind, and retains heat to make clothing, boots, and shelters. Seal fur and seal leather are both incredibly durable and climate-resistant.

Yes. Inuit and other Indigenous peoples have been using seal fur to fashion clothing, footwear, and shelter for thousands of years. Seal fur offers protection from the wind, cold, ice, and rain of the harsh northern climate.

Raw seal hide is just that: an unprocessed seal hide, in its natural state. A tanned hide has been treated (tanned) to protect it from decomposing, increase durability, and in some cases add colour. Hides can be tanned by a number of methods, using chemical or natural means.

Adult seal fur is waterproof, windproof, warm, and durable — it has to be, given the seal’s natural habitat. Adult seal fur is also beautifully patterned, with various shades of white and grey.

Seal fur, properly processed, is one of the most durable textiles available today.

Seal fur is a fully natural product and as such, it is biodegradable.

Yes, seals have fur, like many mammals.

Seal fur is soft, shiny, and in its natural form, can be a range of colours from near white to brownish to shades of grey to almost black. Many pelts have attractive spots and shading.

In its natural state, seal fur is generally shades of grey, and black. Today’s textile artists, though, dye seal fur all colours of the rainbow, from red to blue to purple.

Seal fur is tanned as a method of preserving it. Once tanned, seal fur is durable, flexible, and resistant to deteriorating. Done properly, tanning will turn seal skin into soft leather, with the fur firmly attached.

Seal fur can be used in many products: winter coats and boots, gloves, hats, and mittens. Seal fur is increasingly being used to craft durable and fashionable shoes, vests, and accessories such as earrings, bracelets, purses, and neckties. Designers are using it as trim and accents in high-end fashion.

Seal fur is also good for the home, as a rug or throw. The applications are endless.

Seal fur can be used to make a wide range of products, including outerwear, footwear, accessories, home décor, and much more. It can be used in fashion, design, and craftwork.

Seal fur makes use of the seal’s hair/fur, which is attached to the skin (leather). Seal leather generally refers to the tanned seal skin, with the fur removed.

In 1972, the United States passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act; ever since then US markets have been closed to seal products.

Seal fur and seal fur products are available from a number of specialty fur retailers, craft shops and artisans.

Fake fur is just that — fake. It is made to look like fur but is usually made from plastic or another man-made product, involving chemical industrial processes and petroleum products. Fake fur also does not provide the same durability, warmth, and wind and water protection as wild fur.

Wild fur is a natural product. While it is processed for preservation purposes, wild fur remains close to its natural state, and provides the wearer with warmth and protection.

It is always ideal, environmentally and ethically, to use all parts of an animal that is harvested. Today’s seal harvest attempts to make full use of the animal by harvesting the seal meat, oil, and pelt.

Seal fur is a natural product and derived from a carefully managed harvest. Processed properly, seal fur will last for decades; durable products that will stand the test of time, and then biodegrade. The same cannot be said of fake fur products.

Yes. The Canadian seal harvest is well-managed and carried out following strict government regulations. Seal populations that are harvested for meat and fur are healthy and increasing.

No decent human being wishes to use products associated with cruelty. However, the notion of cruelty can vary greatly among individuals based on many factors, often very personal. What matters most in a person’s decision to determine whether a given activity is cruel or not is to obtain factual, objectively derived information on this activity.  In any such evaluation, it is always important to maintain respect for all components of that activity, which in the case of hunting or trapping include the animal itself, the environment in which it lives, and the people and communities that benefit from this activity, each of these components having its own set of parameters to consider. 

The answer to this question would be similar to that for the previous one. As far as the sealing industry is concerned, rigorous studies followed by specific recommendations have been made to ensure that, from an animal welfare perspective, the best possible killing methods are used.  These studies are continuing, as new opportunities for the industry open up.

Throughout Canada, the seal fur trade is legal. The US and the EU have restrictions in place; if you are from these areas, check before attempting to import seal products.

Just as for humans, seal oil Omega-3 offers many benefits for dogs and cats, including improved heart and joint health, immune support, reduced inflammation, shinier coat, and healthier skin. It is rich in nutrients crucial to your pet’s overall well-being: zinc, iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins.

Dogs and cats are mammals too; that’s why seal oil is so much better absorbed than fish oil. As well, seal oil contains three important Omega-3s (DPA, EPA, DHA) while fish oil only contains two (EPA and DHA). DPA has health benefits all its own, and it also improves the body’s ability to absorb and utilize EPA and DHA.

In many cases, yes. Omega-3s have been proven to fight inflammation, often directly tied to pet allergies and many common skin and dander issues. Omega-3s help in cases of dry skin and other similar disorders, many of which relate to shedding.

Seal oil is an excellent supplement for cats and dogs.

Yes. Seal oil is from a mammal; the triglyceride structure of seal oil will be more easily assimilated by cats and dogs (other mammals) than fish oil would. This means faster and more complete absorption. Seal oil is also less processed and more stable that fish oil.

As well, seal oil contains a third, very valuable Omega-3, DHA, that fish oil does not have. Seal oil is a more complete and effective supplement for pets than fish oil.

No adverse effects of seal oil supplementation at recommended dosages are known. Of course, monitor your pet closely after starting any new food or product.

At high doses (over 370 mg per kg body weight), some side effects are possible but rare, including pancreatitis and increased and prolonged bleeding.

Yes. Seal oil is beneficial to both dogs and cats.

Seal meat is a lean source of natural protein for your pet. In fact, it is higher in protein than many other meat products; it is also a nutrient powerhouse, packed with minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium), vitamins (B-12, for example), and more. It is organic, chemical free, and delicious.

Yes. Dogs will benefit from (and enjoy) the lean, protein-rich seal meat.

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a straight chain 22:5 polyunsaturated fatty acid (22 carbons, 5 double-bonds). It has been shown to have distinct benefits over other Omega-3s such as EPA and DHA:

• Reduces inflammation efficiently.
• Reduces risk of blockages, blood clots.
• 10x more efficient in endothelial cell migration than EPA; it plays a crucial role in repairing damaged vessels.
• Optimizes intake of Omega-3s.
• Boosts absorption of EPA and DHA.

In other words, not only does DPA bring its own suite of benefits, it also improves the animal’ use of other essential Omega-3s.

The best source of DPA for pets is seal oil. Fish oil does not contain DPA.

While their chemical structures differ, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), and DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid) are all essential polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids. 

All three of these fatty acids work together to support the overall health of pets, boosting heart health, joint health, brain health, and immune system function. As well, each brings specific advantages:

EPA:

• Supports cardiovascular health
• Reduces joint inflammation
• Lowers cholesterol

DHA:

• Boosts brain function
• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Helps combat mood disorders
• Improves ocular health

DPA:

• Repairs damaged vessels
• Fights inflammation
• Optimizes Omega-3 intake
• Boosts absorption of EPA and DHA

The ratio of natural seal oil is almost 8:1 in favour of Omega-3, an excellent balance to help promote better overall pet health.

Seals are mammals, just dogs and cats. Because of this, the exact chemical structure of the Omega-3s found in seal oil are easily recognized, digested, and absorbed.

Fish have a very different physiology than mammals and oils derived from them are not as easily assimilated or utilized.

Seal oil has a mild fishy or ocean-like smell, but because it is digested easily by your pets, you won’t smell it at all after it has been eaten (i.e., no smelly fishy dog burps).

With very few exceptions, dogs and cats love seal oil. In fact, adding seal oil to food has been proven to stimulate the appetites of picky eaters.

The daily dosage will depend on the size and weight of your pet. Suggested dosages are given on the packaging of your seal oil product.

Seal oil is a supplement, not a magic pill, so results are usually gradual but steady. Most pet owners report a positive difference in their pets after two weeks to one month.

Your pet can take seal oil for his or her whole life.

Seal oil supplements for pets contain 100% natural and pure seal oil. The only other ingredient you will see listed on the label is tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), a natural antioxidant added to protect the product from oxidation.

Yes. Once you have opened the bottle of seal oil it should be kept in the fridge at all times.

No adverse effects of seal oil supplementation at the recommended dosage are known. Of course, monitor your pet closely after starting any new food or supplement product.

At high doses (over 370 mg per kg body weight), rare but serious side-effects are possible, including pancreatitis and increased and prolonged bleeding.

Tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) is added to seal oil to help maintain its stability. It is a 100% natural antioxidant.

Yes. Seal oil products for pets contain the same quality seal oil as capsules designed for human consumption. Ensure you are giving your pet the appropriate dosage, no matter which form you use.

Seal oil is derived from the blubber of seals following all guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Health Canada standards. Seal oil is refined to eliminate any environmental toxins, including heavy metals, and increase stabilization. The inherent structure of the seal oil Omega-3s is not altered in this process. 

Before sale as supplements, seal oil is refined to remove environmental toxins and impurities. The structure of the seal oil itself is not altered, ensuring it is a 100% natural, fresh, pure, and healthy product.

All seal oil is tested to ensure it meets or exceeds all standards for heavy metals, including mercury. Seal oil supplements on the Canadian market meet all Health Canada and World Health Organization guidelines.

Seal oil supplements are tested by a third-party laboratory for purity, safety, and levels of DHA, DPA, and EPA. Contact the manufacturer of your seal oil supplements for the latest results of quality testing.

Seal oil supplements are tested for purity, safety, and levels of DHA, DPA, and EPA. It is crucial all seal oil meets or exceeds Health Canada and World Health Organizations standards for heavy metals, PCBs, and other environmental toxins.

Yes. You can find more information here.

Oxidation is a generally negative reaction caused by the interaction of seal oil with oxygen. Oxidation can cause seal oil to go rancid. The chance of oxidation is reduced by adding tocopherols (vitamin E) to seal oil to help maintain its stability. Tocopherol is a 100% natural antioxidant.

Properly refined and stored seal oil is relatively more stable than fish oil.

Canadian seal oil products are derived from seals harvested from clear, cold Atlantic waters off Newfoundland and the Magdalen islands. All seal harvesting is done under best practices developed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Government of Canada. The harvest is strictly monitored and enforced.

Yes. The seal populations harvested are stable and increasing. The harvest is completed according to strict management regulations and limits determined by the Government of Canada.

Today, almost all of the seal is used, including the meat, oil, and pelt. Full usage is the goal of seal harvesters, processors, and vendors.

If one uses the definition of “baby” as an animal which is still nursing, the hunt for this age group of seals has been prohibited in Canada since 1986.  The seals that are now preferentially hunted are young that have been weaned by their mother at least a few weeks previously and are then totally on their own.  The nursing period in the species currently hunted commercially (grey seals and harp seals) is very brief since winter or early spring conditions, when the mothers give birth, are unpredictable, and the young seals must acquire the necessary energy reserves as quickly as possible when they have a chance.  Weaning is abrupt, the young seals do not see their mother again, and they are left on their own to acquire the necessary hunting skills.

The vast majority of seals are now killed by a rifle shot to the head.  For harp seals, the hakapik or club can be used only when the animals are on stable ice, which is less and less common because of climate change. For young recently weaned grey seals which in recent past could be born on the ice or on land but are now born almost exclusively on land, the hakapik or club is used exclusively since all these animals are still on land when hunted.

Through several studies, it has been well demonstrated that the hakapik or the club is the tool of choice to kill young weaned harp seals and grey seals.  There are a few very good reasons for this.  The skull of these young seals is very thin and can be easily fractured (and the underlying brain destroyed) by a single or very few blows from a hakapik or a club, achieving the same result almost as quickly as a well-placed shot to the head from a rifle of high caliber. Moreover, if one or two blows do not appear to kill the seal immediately, the hunter is right beside the seal and can very quickly apply another blow. The same cannot be said about a rifle shot to the head since it can be very difficult to shoot at the head again, especially from a distance, when the wounded animal is moving.  Finally, there are far less chances that the carcass of a dead seal will slip away into the water if close to the ice edge when the hunter is standing right beside it with a hakapik than when the seal is shot from a distance.

Yes. Seal hunting is legal and strictly regulated and monitored by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Government of Canada. Harvesters are licenced and trained to follow best practices.

No. In 1972, the United States passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act; ever since then US markets have been closed to seal products.

Seals and sea lions are both marine mammals known as pinnipeds. There are several general differences between the two groups of species:

• Sea lions are brown, seals are usually grey.
• Sea lions are loud — they bark! Seals do not.
• Sea lions have larger front flippers than seals, which they are able to “walk” with.
• Sea lions have external ear flaps; most seal species lack external ears.

Today, efforts are made to use all part of the seal: meat, oil, and pelt.

No seal populations in Canada are endangered; populations are in fact healthy, abundant, and increasing.

Seals are not farmed. All seals used by the industry in Canada are wild caught — natural, organic, and sustainably harvested.

The Inuit have been hunting seal for over 4,000 years. Seals were one of the most valuable animals in a challenging landscape.

Every part of the animal was relied upon: the pelt for warm, waterproof clothing, boots, and shelter; the leather and sinew for harnesses; fat/oil for heat, light and its great health benefits; and meat to feed themselves.

The hunt is central to Inuit and indigenous culture, sharing customs, and skills and values passed from generation to generation. It is also about connection to the land, its resources, and the wider ecosystem. Over time, seals took on commercial importance as export products too, crucial to the survival of communities.

The Inuit are indigenous peoples with similar cultures living primarily on the Arctic coasts of Siberia, Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Labrador, and Greenland. Canadian Inuit live primarily in the territory of Nunavut, Nunavik in northern Quebec, and in the Nunatsiavut settlement region in Labrador. The Inuvialuit live mostly in the Mackenzie River delta, on Banks Island and part of Victoria Island in the Northwest Territories. Alaskan Inupiaq live on the North Slope, while the Yupik live in western Alaska and a part of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in Russia.

In Canada’s north, where store-bought meat is expensive, a single seal can provide the equivalent of $200 or more worth of meat to a family—and a much higher level of nutrition.

The Inuit of Canada’s Arctic generally hunt ringed seals, which are prevalent in the most northern areas of the continent.

The commercial value of seal was first realized in the north in the late 1800s, when European whaling vessels first arrived and, soon after, Hudson’s Bay Company began trading with Inuit. From then on, the animals were not only for subsistence, but also a source of revenue.

Today’s hunt is family-centred and subsistence first. After a family has taken the food it needs, and the pelts required for art and craftwork, the rest may be sold. It is estimated the sale of seal products contributes about $1 million to Nunavut’s economy annually.

In 1982, the European Parliament, in response to high-profile pressure from Greenpeace and other activist groups, banned the import of whitecoat seal pelts. Although they made an exemption for Inuit hunters — who never did target whitecoats. The year 1983 brought a spike in suicides in northern coastal indigenous communities, a drop in annual income (for example: the annual income of a sealer in Resolute Bay dropped to $1000 from $54,000), and other devastating social and cultural challenges. Many of those who had been proud of working hard and making a living from their homeland struggled in the face of international scorn.

In 2009, the European Union banned the importation of seal products. As in the earlier action of 1983, the EU exempted Inuit hunters from the ban—but the result was again devastating, reducing the number of pelts sold by 90%.

Up to 70% of Inuit households are considered food insecure. Groceries can be prohibitively expensive in the north, and traditional food sources and hunting methods are eroding. Seal and other country foods can go a long way in ensuring a supply of nutrient-rich food. In Canada’s north, where store-bought meat is expensive, a single ringed seal can provide the equivalent of $200 or more worth of meat to a family—and a much higher level of nutrition.

The seal hunt on Canada’s east coast has a shorter history “500 years” — but it is one that reaches through generations and is integral to the culture and economy of many coastal communities. 

Seals were an important source of meat in a land that often did not provide much variety of food, and for years the seal hunt was for subsistence only — relied upon for those brave enough to stay on the island year-round.  But by the mid-1700s, seals were being transported to England and sold for their meat, pelts, and oil. Seal oil became prized as lamp oil, cooking oil, and an ingredient for soap.

In 1793, the first schooners sailed to the seal herds of the ice-packed North Atlantic. They were so successful that dozens of other boats followed suit, and the seal hunt became nearly as important to the economy of the colony as its summer cod fishery. By the end of the 1800s, sealing was second only to cod fishing as a source of income — and an important winter activity for those who fished seasonally. Although the pace of the hunt slowed in the first half of the 20th century, in the 1950s and 1960s an average of 290,000 seals were taken off the coast of Newfoundland. 

In many communities, particularly along the northeast coast, the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and the Magdalen Islands, the seal harvest was the factor that allowed year-round settlement, ushering in new traditions of craft, skill, and foodways.

In 1971, the seal population was decreasing and the Canadian government instituted its first quota.

The reduction in the seal harvest negatively affected coastal communities, especially when taken in conjunction with the decimation of the important fish stocks. Not only is seal as a source of food and livelihood being taken away, but the traditions and methods of seal hunting, as well as the accompanying knowledge and sensitivity to the ocean’s ecosystem are diminishing. This loss has widespread repercussions.

Today, about 6,000 Atlantic Canadians are active in the seal harvest. Their culture and lifestyle have been shaped by the inhospitable and sometimes dangerous environment in which they live and work. Sealers and their families have survived for centuries by procuring seasonally available food. From this necessity of living off the land grew a culture of economic adaptation, hard work, and respect for the land and sea.

Today, all sealers are licensed and trained and hunt from their own small fishing boats. Large vessels are prohibited for sealing. All sealers receive mandatory training in quality assurance and veterinarian-approved humane harvesting techniques.

In 2006, the landed value of harp seals exceeded $30 million. That number has since fallen significantly, due to anti-sealing campaigns which have resulted in ill-conceived and damaging import bans on seal products. The loss is being felt acutely in rural coastal communities, where a few thousand dollars can mean the difference between being able to meet a family’s needs and not, and jobs can be scarce, particularly at certain times of year.

The East Coast communities generally hunt harp seals, which are prevalent in North East Canada.