Fish Oil for Dogs – American Kennel Club
Fish oil is a dietary supplement that helps supports dogs’ hearts, joints, coats, skin, and immune systems.
High in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can either be part of a long-term plan or a momentary dietary boost.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on fish oil or any other supplements.
Fish oil is one of the best supplements to add to your dog’s diet. Fish oil supports your canine companion’s heart health, promotes a silky coat, reduces itchy and flaky skin, and can help relieve allergies and joint pain. It can even help strengthen their immune system and could help them fight canine cancer.
That’s because fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, an essential “good” type of fat that helps your dog’s body and brain. Like humans, dogs can’t produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own and must get them from their diet. If you’re considering including fish oil as a part of your dog’s nutritional routine, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Fatty Acids Found in Fish Oil?
There are four types of dietary fats: trans fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Omega fatty acids, found in polyunsaturated fats, create important hormones that regulate blood flow and inflammation. However, they aren’t found naturally in the body. Omega-3 is found primarily in cold-water fish, shellfish, plant and nut oils, and flaxseed. But, your dog needs omega-3 in their diet for several reasons.
Omega-3 also helps balance out omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in processed foods and most grains. Since many dog food manufacturers use meat from corn-fed animals or refined oil (which are high in omega-6), dogs often have an overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. Your dog ends up with too much omega-6 and not nearly enough omega-3 fatty acids. And although we need omega-6 fatty acids, our modern diet often has too many. The body needs both in balance, and the same is true for dogs.
Why Should I Give My Dog Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a good way to give your four-legged companion the omega-3 fatty acids they need. Depending on their general health and diet, fish oil supplements may become part of a long-term plan. Or, they may just provide a temporary nutritional boost to your dog’s diet.
Another benefit of fish oil is that it helps dogs across the span of their lifetimes. DHA, a component in omega-3 fatty acid, aids in the proper brain and eye development of puppies. DHA may also improve cognitive function in older dogs dealing with canine cognitive dysfunction. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help to treat canine arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
As with anything affecting your dog’s health, talk to your veterinarian about supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oils before proceeding.
How Do I Choose a Good Fish Oil for My Dog?
There are three types of fish oil on the market:
Natural triglyceride oil, which is the most natural and easiest to absorb. However, because it isn’t purified, it may contain contaminants
Ethyl ester oil is concentrated and distilled, removing impurities. Think of it as semi-natural with high levels of important components of omega-3: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Synthetic triglyceride oil, which as the name says, is synthetic and absorbs the least easily of the three
Before choosing which type of fish oil to feed your dog, consider their breed, size, weight, and overall health. Speak with your veterinarian first as well. Over the long term, using fish oil as a supplement to a grain-based diet may deplete vitamin E, so some dogs may also ultimately require that supplement too.
TerraMax Pro Premium Liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil
The all-natural TerraMax fish oil liquid is appropriate for dogs and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. It’s guaranteed to contain at least 800 mg EPA and 525 mg DHA per serving (which support skin, fur, joints, and overall health), without the strong scent of fish. Most reviews are positive, reporting that the oil is worth the cost and works well for pets dealing with joint pain and itchy skin. Price: $20
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet
Made in the USA, this Nordic Naturals supplement is a solid source of EPA and DHA and perfect for small breed dogs. Most reviews are positive and users report that the oil leaves their pet’s coats silky smooth. Price: $13
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels
If you’d rather give your pup a capsule than mix liquid into their food, this is the solution for you. This supplement is made with ingredients caught from the cleanest waters. Nordic Naturals are produced in true triglyceride form to ensure optimal absorption and results. The gels are recommended by veterinarians for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Reviewers also indicate that the gels are effective and less messy. Price: $34
Care and Storage of Fish Oil
Protecting fish oil from heat, light, and air is important. Buy your fish oil in dark bottles and store it in the refrigerator. It can become rancid since they are susceptible to oxidation, so make sure to throw it away if it has an “off” odor.
Rather than following dosage guidelines on the package, ask your vet how much fish oil is appropriate for your dog. Make sure the amount of fish oil you give them is appropriate for their size, weight, and age.
It’s difficult to feed your dog a completely natural diet. With so many processed ingredients in some of today’s dog food, fish oil may be just the supplement to their diet needs. Lastly, be sure to ask your vet for advice before starting your dog on supplements, and purchase only quality products if that’s the route you choose.
Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement
Omega-3 Fish Oil Softgels by Nature’s Nutrition
with Triple Strength DHA and EPA
Ethically sourced from wild-caught, omega-rich pelagic fish, our Omega 3 softgels are a convenient way to add 2,400 milligrams of concentrated fish oil to your daily routine. We carefully extract our oil from wild-caught "fatty fish" like Peruvian anchovies or cod. Our softgel design incorporates the optimal ratio of the essential fatty acids - EPA and DHA. Finally, we add a natural fresh lemon flavor, so you get all the health support of fish oil, without the fishy aftertaste.
Omega-3s are Essential for Every"Body"
Supports Heart Health
Brain Health Support
Supports Joint Health
Eye Health Support
Did You Know:
The body cannot produce Omega-3 fatty oils on its own. With its high concentration of Dha and Epa, our triple strength fish oil supplement is the perfect way to get the recommended daily amounts of Omega-3's in 2 small softgels.
Product Points:
Triple Strength Omega-3 with 2,400 mg total Fish Oil
Sea harvested Pelagic Fish Oil
Great Lemon Taste, No Fishy Burps
Third Party Lab Verified without Impurities
Formulated & Bottled in the USA
Why Choose Nature's Nutrition:
Premium Ingredients: We source high quality ingredients available while following stringent cGmp guidelines. Every ingredient is individually verified to ensure purity and quality.
Expertly Formulated: Our Premium Omega 3 Fish Oil softgels are bottled in the USA, and are the result of years of scientific research and strict quality standards that set us apart from other brands.
Lab Verified: We devote countless hours working with third party labs who review our products throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring each batch meets our purity and quality standards.
12 Important Benefits of Fish Oil, Based on Science
Fish oil is one of the most commonly consumed dietary supplements. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important for your health. If you don’t eat a lot of oily fish, taking a fish oil supplement could help you get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Here are 12 health benefits of fish oil. Share on Pinterest Creator: bong hyunjung
What is fish oil? Fish oil is the fat or oil that’s extracted from fish tissue. It usually comes from oily fish such as herring, tuna, anchovies, and mackerel. However. it’s also sometimes produced from the livers of other fish, as is the case with cod liver oil. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating 1–2 portions of fish per week. This is because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish provide many health benefits, including protection against a number of diseases. However, if you don’t eat 1–2 servings of fish per week, fish oil supplements can help you get enough omega-3s. Around 30% of fish oil is made up of omega-3s, while the remaining 70% is made up of other fats. What’s more, fish oil usually contains some vitamin A and D. It’s important to note that the types of omega-3s found in fish oil have greater health benefits than the omega-3s found in some plant sources. The main types of omega-3s in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), while the type found in plant sources is mainly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Although ALA is an essential fatty acid, EPA and DHA have many more health benefits ( 1 , 2 ). It’s also important to get enough omega-3s because the Western diet has replaced a lot of omega-3s with other fats, such as omega-6s. This distorted ratio of fatty acids may contribute to numerous diseases ( 3 , 4 , 5, 6 ).
1. May support heart health Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide ( 7 ). Studies show that people who eat a lot of fish have much lower rates of heart disease ( 8 , 9 ). Multiple risk factors for heart disease appear to be reduced by the consumption of fish or fish oil. The benefits of fish oil for heart health include: Improved cholesterol levels. It can increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and may also lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ).
It can increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and may also lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol ( , , , , , , , ). Decreased triglycerides. It can lower triglycerides by 15–30% ( 12 , 16 , 18 ).
It can lower triglycerides by 15–30% ( , , ). Reduced blood pressure. Even in small doses, it helps reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels ( 19 , 20 , 21 ).
Even in small doses, it helps reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels ( , , ). Plaque prevention. It may prevent the plaques that can cause arteries to harden, as well as make arterial plaques more stable and safer in those who already have them ( 22 , 23 , 24 ). Although fish oil supplements can improve many of the risk factors for heart disease, there is no clear evidence that they can prevent heart attacks or strokes ( 25 ). Summary Fish oil supplements may reduce some of the risk factors associated with heart disease. However, there is no clear evidence that they can prevent heart attacks or strokes.
2. May help treat certain mental health conditions Your brain is made up of nearly 60% fat, and much of this fat is omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, omega-3s are essential for typical brain function ( 26 , 27 ). In fact, some studies suggest that people with certain mental health conditions have lower omega-3 blood levels (28, 29 ). Interestingly, research suggests that omega-3s can prevent the onset or improve the symptoms of some mental health conditions. For example, it can reduce the chances of psychotic disorders in those who are at risk ( 30 , 31 ). In addition, supplementing with fish oil in high doses may reduce some symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, though there is a lack of consistent data available. More study is needed in this area ( 31 , 32 ). Summary Fish oil supplements may improve the symptoms of certain mental health conditions. This effect may be a result of increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake.
3. May support eye health Like your brain, your eyes rely on omega-3 fats. Evidence shows that people who don’t get enough omega-3s have a greater risk of eye diseases ( 33 , 34). However, this positive effect was not found for dry eye disease in particular (35). Furthermore, eye health begins to decline in old age, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Eating fish is linked to a reduced risk of AMD, but the results from fish oil supplements are less convincing ( 36 , 37 ). One older study found that consuming a high dose of fish oil for 19 weeks improved vision in people with AMD. However, this was a very small study (38). Two larger studies in 2013 examined the combined effect of omega-3s and other nutrients on AMD. One study showed a positive effect, while the other found no effect. Therefore, the results are unclear ( 39 , 40 ). Summary Eating fish may help prevent eye diseases. However, it’s unclear whether fish oil supplements have this same effect.
4. May reduce inflammation Inflammation is your immune system’s way of fighting infection and treating injuries. However, chronic inflammation is associated with health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease ( 41 , 42 ). Reducing inflammation can help treat symptoms of these diseases. Because fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may help treat conditions involving chronic inflammation ( 43 ). For example, increased weight or stress can sometimes contribute to higher levels of inflammation. In two older studies — one in people with obesity and one in people experiencing stress — fish oil was found to reduce the production and gene expression of inflammatory molecules called cytokines ( 44 , 45 ). Moreover, fish oil supplements can significantly reduce joint pain, stiffness, and medication needs in people with rheumatoid arthritis, which causes pain in the joints ( 46 , 47 ). While inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also triggered by inflammation, there is no clear evidence to suggest that fish oil improves its symptoms ( 48 ). Summary Fish oil has strong anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis.
5. May support healthy skin Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids ( 49 ). Skin health can decline throughout your life, especially during old age or after too much sun exposure. That said, fish oil supplements may be beneficial in a number of skin disorders, including psoriasis and dermatitis ( 50 , 51 ). Summary Your skin can become damaged by aging or too much sun exposure. Fish oil supplements may help maintain healthy skin.
6. May support pregnancy and early life Omega-3s are essential for early growth and development ( 52 ). Therefore, it’s important to get enough omega-3s during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Taking fish oil supplements during these times may improve fetal brain development. However, it’s unclear whether learning or IQ will also be improved ( 53 , 54 ). Taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding may also improve infant visual development and help reduce the risk of allergies ( 55 ). Summary Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for an infant’s early growth and development. Fish oil supplements in pregnant people or infants may improve hand-eye coordination, although their effect on learning and IQ is unclear.
7. May reduce liver fat Your liver processes most of the fat in your body and can play a role in weight gain. Liver disease is increasingly common — particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in which fat accumulates in your liver ( 56 ). Fish oil supplements can improve liver function and inflammation, which may help reduce symptoms of NAFLD and the amount of fat in your liver ( 57 ). Summary Liver disease is common in people with obesity. Fish oil supplements may help reduce fat in the liver and symptoms of NAFLD.
8. May improve symptoms of depression Depression is expected to become the second-largest cause of illness by 2030 ( 58 ). Interestingly, older studies have shown that people with major depression appear to have lower blood levels of omega-3s. However, the results have been inconsistent so far ( 59 , 60 , 61 ). Moreover, some studies have shown that oils rich in EPA help reduce depressive symptoms more than DHA. Again, more research is needed ( 62 , 63). Summary Fish oil supplements — especially those rich in EPA — may help improve symptoms of depression.
9. May improve attention and hyperactivity in children A number of neurodevelopmental conditions in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), involve hyperactivity and inattention. Given that omega-3s make up a significant proportion of the brain, getting enough of them may be important for preventing these conditions in early life (64). Fish oil supplements may improve perceived hyperactivity, inattention, impulsiveness, and aggression in children. This may benefit early life learning. But more research is needed ( 65 , 66 ). Summary Neurodevelopmental conditions in children can affect their learning and development. Fish oil supplements have been shown to help reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and other related behaviors.
10. May help prevent symptoms of mental decline As you age, your brain function slows down and your risk of Alzheimer’s disease increases. People who eat more fish tend to experience a slower decline in brain function in old age ( 67 , 68 ). However, studies on fish oil supplements in older adults haven’t provided clear evidence that they can slow the decline of brain function ( 69 , 70 ). Nevertheless, some very small studies have shown that fish oil may improve memory in healthy older adults (71, 72 , 73). Summary People who eat more fish have slower age-related mental decline. However, it’s unclear whether fish oil supplements can prevent or improve mental decline in older adults.
11. May improve asthma symptoms and allergy risk Asthma, which can cause swelling in the lungs and shortness of breath, is becoming much more common in infants. A number of studies show that fish oil may reduce asthma symptoms, especially in early life (74). However, not all studies have found similar results (75). In an older review in nearly 100,000 people, a mother’s fish or omega-3 intake was found to reduce the risk of asthma in children by 24–29% ( 76 ). Furthermore, fish oil supplements in pregnant people may reduce the risk of allergies in infants (77). Summary A higher intake of fish and fish oil during pregnancy may reduce the risk of asthma and allergies in children.
12. May improve bone health During old age, bones can begin to lose their essential minerals, becoming more likely to break. This can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Calcium and vitamin D are very important for bone health, but some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial. People with higher omega-3 intakes and blood levels may have better bone mineral density (BMD) ( 78 ). However, it’s unclear whether fish oil supplements improve BMD ( 79 , 80 ). In one study, researchers found that omega-3 supplementation increased BMD in women with no symptoms or bone pain, but it did not appear to do so in women with osteoporosis. More research is needed ( 81 ). A number of small, older studies suggest that fish oil supplements reduce markers of bone breakdown, which may prevent bone disease ( 82 ). Summary Higher omega-3 intake is associated with higher bone density, which could help prevent bone disease. However, it’s unclear whether fish oil supplements are beneficial.
How to supplement If you do not eat 1–2 portions of oily fish per week, you may want to consider taking a fish oil supplement ( 83 ). Below is a list of things to consider when taking a fish oil supplement: Dosage EPA and DHA dosage recommendations vary according to your age and health. For most adults, WHO recommends a daily intake of 1.1–1.6 grams (1,100–1,600 mg) of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it may be necessary to increase the dosage if you are pregnant, nursing, or at risk of heart disease ( 84 ). Form Fish oil supplements come in a number of forms, including ethyl esters, triglycerides, reformed triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids. Your body doesn’t absorb ethyl esters as well as other forms, so try to choose a fish oil supplement that comes in one of the other listed forms (85). Concentration Many supplements contain up to 1,000 mg of fish oil per serving but only 300 mg of EPA and DHA. Read the label and choose a supplement that contains at least 500 mg of EPA and DHA per 1,000 mg of fish oil. Purity Some fish oil supplements may not contain the ingredients that they say they do ( 86 ). To avoid these products, choose a supplement that is third-party tested or has a seal of purity from the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) (87). Freshness Omega-3 fatty acids are prone to oxidation, which makes them go rancid. To avoid this, you can choose a supplement that contains an antioxidant, such as vitamin E. Also, keep your supplements away from light — ideally in the refrigerator. Don’t use a fish oil supplement that has a rancid smell or is out of date. Sustainability Choose a fish oil supplement that has a sustainability certification, such as from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Environmental Defense Fund. The production of fish oil from anchovies and similar small fish is more sustainable than that from large fish. Timing Other dietary fats can improve your absorption of omega-3 fatty acids ( 88 ). Therefore, it’s best to take your fish oil supplement with a meal that contains fat. Summary When reading fish oil labels, be sure to choose a supplement that has a high concentration of EPA and DHA and has purity and sustainability certifications.
