Some of you may have concerns about whether fish oil is good for dogs. To put your minds at ease, we have compiled this short guide to answer any questions you may have about fish oil's efficacy.
Is Fish Oil Good for Dogs?
The answer to this question is yes, absolutely. Fish oil has far-reaching health benefits, aiding skin health and the appearance of your dog's coat, while also having beneficial effects on health conditions such as cancer and heart problems.
Most commercial dog food is low in omega-3 fatty acid but instead has omega-6 fatty acid. Some omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, so it's important to feed a reputable, well-balanced dog food that has appropriate quantities of effective omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Note: If your dog has a serious inflammatory condition, omega-3 fatty acids cannot treat the condition alone. However, fatty acids can provide additional benefits in dogs receiving conventional veterinarian-recommended medications. Talk to your veterinarian before combining a fish oil supplement with prescription medication.
Why Fish Oil is Good For Your Dog
Fish oil was originally recommended for treating allergies. Now is used to treat numerous conditions including arthritis and high cholesterol.
The fish oil in fish oil supplements contains two essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They can be found in fish including salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Each of the two fatty acids has its own specific set of benefits: EPA is an anti-inflammatory, while DHA is important for the development of the brain and eyes in puppies. Dogs do not synthesize these acids well on their own without supplementation.
The fatty acids in fish oil have the ability to decrease inflammation at the cellular level. Both EPA and DHA are converted into prostaglandins that can reduce the tissues' tendency to become inflamed.
Benefits of Fish Oil For Dogs
Improved Skin and Coat
- Healthier skin and a shinier coat
- Reduced dry skin
- Relief from yeast infections on the skin and in the ears
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
- Relief from allergies and some autoimmune conditions
- Slowed growth of cancers
Improved Heart Health
- Decreased levels of lipids in the blood
- Prevention of cardiac problems including those that cause an irregular heartbeat.
How Much Fish Oil Should You Give Your Dog?
Too much of a good thing can cause problems: excessive consumption of fish oil can lead to vommiting, diarreha, and other adverse effects. Therefore, it's important to purchase a product that is specifically developed for dogs, with a dosing chart that will help you determine the correct dose for your dog's weight.
A quality fish oil supplement can ensure that your dog gets the EPA and DHA that they need. With this one supplement, your pet can see a range of health benefits.
Meet The Author
Canine Specialist & Writer
Grant is an award-winning writer for SitStay with a passion for pets and especially dogs! Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs.
Medically Reviewed By
Veterinarian
Catherine is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Florida. After 14 years as a small animal general practitioner, Dr. Barnette now focuses on creating educational content for veterinary teams and their clients. She shares her home with her husband, daughter, one dog, two cats, and a rescued white dove.
3 thoughts on “Fish Oil For Dogs Dosage - The Ultimate Guide 2022”
Ronny Smith Sr
I give my 80 lb German Shepherd fish oil pills once a day total of two pills which is 2000 mg. In a matter of months I’ve seen a huge difference and others have seen a huge difference in his coat. It is jet black with the ultimate shine to it. I get a lot of compliments on it. He absolutely loves fish oil pills. Thanks for letting me share Ronny
Alli with SitStay
Hi Brian,
The claims on oxidation have actually been proven false many times for fish oils being consumed by humans and animals, because of the process of manufacturing and preserving the oils. Also, Salmon oil has a natural red-orange antioxidant pigment (astaxanthin) that protects the omega-3 fatty acids from oxidizing at all. So Salmon oil is very good for your dogs as well as you!
Thank you!
Brian Sondergaard
Quick question, we own a pet store and we sell cold pressed Salmon oil . A customer came in and mentioned how the oil was actually bad for dogs because the oil undergoes oxidation when opened. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Thanks