Does your dog suffer from canine allergies, stiff joints, dry skin, or dull fur? Chances are you’ve come across omega-3 in fish oil as a supplement of choice for managing these conditions. The benefits of fish oil for dogs don’t end here. Omega-3 also supports a variety of organs and systems including the brain, kidneys, and heart, contributing to a dog’s overall health and well-being.
Looking to introduce omega-3 for dogs to your pet’s diet? Before doing so, there are a few things you’d need to know about proper dosing and identifying good sources of omega-3 for dogs. This vet-approved article by Sploot tells you everything you need to know!
Is Fish Oil (Omega-3) Good for Dogs?
Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily from fish oil for dogs, are widely recognized as beneficial for dogs. The two most valuable types of omega-3s for dogs are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids play key roles in supporting a dog’s overall health, reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, improving heart function, maintaining joint health, and more.
Does Your Dog Need Omega-3?
The best way to know if your dog needs omega-3 supplements is to consult a trusted vet who will give a personalized recommendation based on your dog’s individual needs. As a starting point, here are some situations where omega-3 can be especially beneficial:
Preventative Uses of Omega-3 for Dogs
Omega-3 supports overall health and may help prevent illnesses or complications in the following situations:
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Very active dogs, working dogs, & service dogs
- Dogs in high-stress environments
- Breeds prone to skin and coat issues
- Dogs at risk of heart disease
- Dogs prone to obesity
Omega-3 for Canine Health Issues
Omega-3 can be especially helpful for certain health conditions in dogs. Sploot veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Berns explains: “Not only does omega-3 for dogs make their coat healthy and shiny, it also helps fortify their skin barrier — which can help a lot for dogs with environmental allergies. Omega-3 from fish oil also helps support kidney health, which is vital for dogs with kidney disease.”
Additionally, omega-3 also aids in managing other health conditions in dogs, including:
- Arthritis and joint problems
- Heart disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Diabetes and obesity
- Cancer
Sources of Omega-3 for Dogs: Fish Oil & Beyond
Though omega-3 comes mainly from fish oil for dogs, there are other sources too — which is good news for canines that are allergic to fish. A popular alternative is krill oil, which is easier to digest for some dogs.
And because dogs are omnivorous (capable of deriving nutrients from both meat and plant products), pet parents can also consider plant-based sources of omega-3, such as the following:
- Flaxseed oil
- Walnut oil
- Algae oil
- Chia seeds
Note: Unlike dogs, cats do NOT benefit from plant-based omega-3; this is because they are obligate carnivores, deriving nutrients only from animal protein. To learn more about omega-3 supplementation for cats, check out our article: Fish Oil for Cats [Omega 3]: 5 Vet Picks, Benefits & Side Effects
Omega-3 vs Omega-6 for Dogs
If you’ve heard of omega-3, you’ve probably heard of omega-6 as well — so what’s the difference and does your dog need both?
A lot of the benefits of omega-6 are also benefits offered by omega-3. One crucial difference, however, is that omega-6 is pro-inflammatory and can lead to inflammation if not balanced by omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory. For this reason, omega-6 in supplements are typically not standalone fatty acids; they are often paired with a healthy percentage of omega-3.
How Much Omega 3 Should a Dog Have Daily?
The amount of omega-3 a dog needs daily depends on their size, age, and health conditions. The typical dose of omega-3 for dogs is around 50-75 mg per kg of body weight. However, therapeutic doses of omega-3 for dogs (for treating or managing health conditions) are typically higher than this range.
Note: If your considering getting fish oil for dogs, we highly recommend speaking to a trusted veterinarian, so that you can get a beneficial dose for your pet — while also preventing adverse reactions from omega-3 overdose (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, slow wound healing).
Additionally, Dr. Berns advises pet parents to monitor their dog after introducing omega-3. She states: “Gastrointestinal upset can occur due to fish oils [even with a proper dose]. If this is observed, simply discontinue the fish oils and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist”
How Long Does It Take for Fish Oil to Work for Dogs?
Fish oil for dogs isn’t a quick fix, and it may take time before noticeable improvements are seen. In general, dog parents may see the benefits of consistent supplementation (with a vet-recommended dose) after a few weeks. However, for more serious health conditions, it may take a couple of months or more. When in doubt, set up follow-up appointments with your vet to determine if the omega-3 supplementation for your dog should be switched with another brand or modified in dosage.
5 Top-Rated Fish Oil Supplements for Dogs [Vet’s Picks]
If you’re thinking of getting omega-3 supplements for your dog, these are some of the options you can consider under the guidance of a trusted vet. This list contains fish oils for dogs, as well as multivitamins for dogs that contain omega-3.
1. Omega 3, 6, 9 Gel Caps for Dogs (VetriScience) — Best for Overall Health
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Fish oil for dogs
If you’re looking for a fish oil supplement for dogs with a balance of omega-3, 6, and 9, look no further than the Omega 3, 6, 9 Gel Caps for Dogs by VetriScience. This supplement contains fish oils sustainably sourced from anchovies and sardines — along with natural, non-GMO plant oils from borage seed and flaxseed. This gel supplement is recommended for overall health and can be easily given as a pill or squeezed out into your dog’s food.
2. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid for Dogs & Cats — Best for Multi-Pet Homes
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Fish oil for dogs
Nordic Naturals provides verified and tested products that are backed by the ‘Nordic Promise’, giving full transparency about the potency and purity of their omega-3 supplements and fish oil products.
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid for Dogs & Cats contains fish oil from sardines and wild anchovies, ethically sourced from the South Pacific Ocean. Each batch contains DHA and EPA that supports a pet’s bodily functions and vital organs. This supplement can be given to both dogs and cats, making it a convenient option for multi-pet homes.
3. Welactin Canine — Most Popular Choice
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Fish oil for dogs
Widely preferred among vets and backed by numerous customer success stories, Welactin Canine is a fish oil supplement for dogs, available in convenient liquid form for easy administration. The fish oil comes from cold water fish, which are known to be a rich source of omega-3, providing both EPA and DHA for joint health, skin health, immune system support, and more.
4. Imuquin Immune Health Supplement for Dogs — Best for Immune Health
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Multivitamins for dogs that contains omega-3 for dogs
Imuquin Immune Health Supplement for Dogs is a multivitamin for dogs that’s formulated for boosting immune system function. It contains a variety of ingredients for this purpose, including beta-glucan, vitamins, and minerals.
It also contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that also boosts a dog’s immunity — while also contributing to the healthy function of of other systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, circulatory system, and more.
5. Flexadin® Advanced Chews with UC-II® for Cats & Dogs — Best for Joint Health
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Multivitamins for dogs that contains omega-3 for dogs
Flexadin® Advanced Chews with UC-II® for Cats & Dogs is formulated to maintain joint health and mobility in dogs. It contains undenatured type-II collagen which helps ease joint pain while also providing joint lubrication and promoting bone health.
The secondary active ingredients in this supplement is omega-3 and fish oil, which not only assist in maintaining joint health — but also have widespread benefits for other systems of the dog’s body.
Final Thoughts on Omega-3 or Fish Oil for Dogs
In general, omega-3 or fish oil for dogs benefits a canine’s brain, heart, kidneys, joints, immune system, and more. It is recommended for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs — as long as the pet parent provides a vet-provided dose (and supplementation timeframe) that is compatible with their pet’s needs.
Note: For more vet-preferred omega-3 supplements for dogs, check out SplootRX, your go-to online pet store and pharmacy for trusted pet care products!
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To Vet for All-in-One Care
At Sploot Vets, we revolutionize veterinary care by providing a calm, Fear Free experience and convenient all-in-one care. Whether you’re seeking recommendations on omega-3 supplements for dogs or need a full pet wellness exam, you can count on us!
We have numerous vet clinics in Denver and Chicago that provide primary, urgent, and emergency vet services, ready to support more than 95% of your dog’s vet care needs. Plus, our up-to-date veterinary techniques and Fear Free approach ensure that your pup gets next-level care with utmost comfort.
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