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Uses of Fish Oil for Dogs

Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM

Nutrition | Why give it to dogs | Dosage | How to give it to dogs | When to give it to dogs | Choosing fish oil | Possible side effects

fish oil

You’ve probably heard the various benefits of fish oil in humans. But what about fish oil for dogs? As it turns out, the perks for humans can be very similar to the health benefits of fish oil for dogs.

Not only can it be great for your pup’s skin and coat, but fish oil supplements for dogs can also help reduce joint pain and inflammation. But what about this natural additive makes it so nutritious? What are the different ways to introduce fish oil into your dog’s diet? Are there any side effects? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and others.

Is fish oil good for dogs? What makes fish oil so nutritious for my dog?

Fatty acids are the good stuff in fish oil— specifically Omega-3 fatty acids. Your dog requires these fats to remain in good health, but they can’t produce them naturally. Why are they so important? These fatty acids are needed to create the membranes that protect every cell in your pet’s body and helps them fight off disease. Omega-3s also provide calories to boost your dog’s energy and help the heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and more function optimally in canines. Your pets can get Omega-3 fatty acids from other foods, but the higher concentration in fish oil supplements for dogs can give your pup an extra boost in protection.

Why should I give my dog fish oil?

While there are many pet solutions like ear and eye cleansers, calming aids and joint supplements that target specific conditions your dog may already suffer from, the benefits of fish oil for dogs are much broader and preventive. Here are some of the significant perks:

  • Heart health Fish oil may help your pet avoid the development of blot clots around the heart. More specifically, it can help reduce atrial fibrillation—otherwise known as an irregular heartbeat—in dogs. Fish oil isn’t a recommended replacement for other heart drugs, but it could provide improvements as an addition to a heart-healthy plan.
  • Skincare A dog’s skin and coat can be crucial to their overall health. Dry skin can be uncomfortable and lead to cracked, itchy or flaky epidermis. Omega-3 for dogs can help improve and relieve pain related to some skin conditions caused by allergies.
  • Arthritic joints Fish oil for dogs also decreases the production of prostaglandins, which can cause inflammation in their joints. If you have an older dog, adding fish oil supplements to their diet can be instrumental in maintaining good dog hip and joint care.
  • Cognitive function Fish oil may help develop cognitive skills at a young age and help maintain cognitive function in old age. Older pets may be more likely to recognize family members and less likely to display anxious habits caused by mental aging.
  • Blood pressure issues In some dogs, fish oil can also help maintain optimal blood pressure. This can help improve overall health and slow existing kidney failure, improve heart health, and prolong life.

While fish oil supplements for dogs can help with various health issues, it’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian before beginning a fish oil regimen—especially if you are administering prescription medication to your dog. If your pup is already on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—or NSAIDs—for inflammation, your vet may advise that fish oil is not a good addition to your dog’s diet.

How much fish oil should I give my dog?

When it comes to fish oil for dogs, dosage can be important. You don’t want to give your pup too much, as it can cause sleepiness, oily coat or other issues. If you miss a dose, don’t give two at once to compensate—simply skip that dose and resume your treatment at the next dosage time. Here’s a guide for how much Omega-3s your dog might consume daily:

Omega-3 Dosing for Dogs

Body Weight (lbs.)

Recommended Daily Dose

Maximum Daily Dose

5

230mg

574mg

10

450mg

965mg

15

680mg

1308mg

20

910mg

1623mg

25

1140mg

1919mg

30

1360mg

2200mg

35

1590mg

2469mg

40

1820mg

2730mg

45

2050mg

2982mg

50

2270mg

3227mg

55

2500mg

3466mg

60

2730mg

3700mg

65

2950mg

3924mg

70

3180mg

4153mg

75

3410mg

4374mg

80

3640mg

4590mg

85

3860mg

4804mg

90

4100mg

5014mg

95

4320mg

5222mg

100

4550mg

5427mg

These are the recommended and maximum doses—but a lower amount could be more appropriate for some pets. If your dog doesn’t like Omega-3 fish oil or it causes stomach upsets, try a smaller dose before graduating to larger quantities. Of course, you should always consult your veterinarian for the dosage that fits with your breed of dog. Fish oil for dogs may be natural but can still cause your pup discomfort.

Finally, do not give any amount of fish oil made for humans to a dog. The formulas may be similar, but they are not interchangeable.  


How do I give fish oil to my dog?

Fish oil supplements for dogs are available in a few forms. You can purchase a viscous salmon oil for dogs and pump a daily dose right into their food bowl. Some recipes are even designed without a strong fishy taste. However, salmon oil treats, Omega-3 chews and fish oil pills for dogs may be the easiest way to administer the supplement. With these methods, you likely won’t have to measure the dose and can help turn pill time into treat time. 

Well & Good Dog Omega-3 Oil Gel Capsules

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Based Omega-3 Dog Food Supplement

Well & Good Dog Omega-3 Oil Gel Capsules

When should I start giving fish oil to my dog?

The benefits of fish oil for dogs are worth considering for pups of any age. Pets on a fish oil regimen from a young age can experience significant health benefits. Some functions of fish oil can benefit younger dogs more than older dogs and vice versa. In puppies, for instance, these supplements can help with brain bone development.

That being said, senior canines can still reap many benefits of fish oil for dogs when used correctly. Their regimen is more likely to decrease inflammation and benefit heart and immune health. However, improvements in health can be more easily seen in pets who have taken fish oil for dogs from a younger age. When giving the supplement to older dogs, the effects may take a few weeks to take hold, and improvements will likely be more gradual.

How do I choose a good fish oil for my dog?

The best fish oil for dogs can depend on a pet’s specific needs and temperament. It’s advisable to look at the quality of the solution before you settle on a supplement for your pets. Here are some factors to consider before purchasing online or at your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center.

Freshness Like fish themselves, fish oil supplements for dogs can spoil over time, so you’ll want to be sure the bottle you buy is not expired. Additionally, purchasing a supplement that is kept free of oxygen—such as a soft gel capsule— can help you get the most for your money. It’s also generally advised to find a solution with anisidine and peroxide values at less than 5-mg/kg for ideal oxidization.

Purity Another factor to consider is purity. Like fish, some fish oil pills for dogs can contain trace metals that may make your pets sick rather than boosting their health. There are international standards for the amount of heavy metals, dioxins and other contaminants that pet solutions can contain, and finding supplements with low levels of these ingredients can make a difference in your dog’s health.

Certificate of Analysis The manufacturer’s Certificate of Analysis—or CoA—can provide third-party verification of the purity and freshness of fish oil for dogs. You can avoid using solutions that are metallic or come from polluted waters by checking this information. If you can’t find the data on the packaging, you can contact the manufacturer directly.

Fatty acid content Dogs can’t turn ALA— or Alpha-linolenic acid—into DHA and EPA. As a result, you’ll likely need a supplement containing DHA and EPA additives, as these types of Omega-3 fatty acids often provide the most benefit to dogs.

Natural ingredients Some fish oils are derived from natural ingredients, while others contain synthetic materials—the most common being triglyceride. Depending on the particular needs of your pup, you might want to look for naturally sourced fish oil supplements that come from real fish such as salmon oil for dogs.

When choosing a supplement for your pet, these are the main details to consider. However, you may also want to consider palatability and digestibility. If your dog is older, pumping it right into their soft food may prove the easiest way for them to enjoy the health benefits. Younger pups may find the taste and texture of chews more palatable.

Do I need to be aware of possible side effects?

If you’re using fish oil for dogs, side effects are something pet parents should keep in mind. While not every dog will experience issues, it may be helpful to you and your pup to be aware of the warning signs. In addition to lethargy and an upset stomach, some pets may have an allergic reaction to specific ingredients in supplements.

Many veterinarians recommend that fish oil be used cautiously in dogs currently being treated for a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. It would help if you also exercised caution with dogs who have a history of pancreatitis. Consulting your veterinarian before adding fish oil for dogs to any pet’s regimen is usually recommended.

 

Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM

As Petco’s Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Miller is the lead veterinary subject matter expert, overseeing the company’s standards of excellence in animal care and welfare, growth in pet services and much more. Dr. Miller leads Petco’s medical team, supporting over 200 full-service hospitals and mobile vaccination clinics operating in over 1,000 Petco Pet Care Centers nationwide