Fish Oil for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Rather than bottles of oil, ancient dogs received their long-chain omega-3s directly from whole fish, scraps and marine mammals. Zooarchaeologists track this using stable isotope analysis on excavated canine bones. Fortunately today, we have a whole range of fish body oils that make life so much easier for we Dog Chefs!
Can dogs eat fish oil?
Yes, dogs can safely eat fish oil, says our in-house dog nutritionist. Fish body oil is widely considered one of the most beneficial dietary supplements you can give dogs. It contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA which dogs cannot naturally produce on their own.
Health benefits of fish oil for dogs
Feeding your dog fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which dogs cannot naturally produce on their own. Because these marine-based fatty acids act as powerful, natural anti-inflammatory agents, adding fish oil to your dog’s diet delivers wide-ranging benefits for its entire body.
Relieves itchy skin and promotes a shiny coat
- Reduces scratching: fish oil decreases the body’s production of cytokines, the inflammatory chemicals that cause allergic itching, atopic dermatitis and hot spots.
- Eliminates dandruff: the polyunsaturated fats strengthen the skin barrier, retaining moisture to eliminate dry, flaky skin.
- Boosts shine: regular supplementation transforms dull, coarse fur into a soft, lustrous and glossy coat.
Supports joint mobility and eases arthritis
- Soothes joint pain: EPA and DHA downregulate the inflammatory response that breaks down cartilage.
- Improves agility: clinical veterinary studies show that arthritic dogs given fish oil display significantly improved ability to walk, play and climb stairs comfortably.
- Synergistic effects: it combines exceptionally well with other joint health supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin (both of which are found naturally in bone broth)
Enhances brain function and cognitive health
- Puppy development DHA is a major structural component of the brain and eyes, making it vital for puppy vision and neural development.
- Increases trainability: studies demonstrate that puppies fed a high-DHA diet have an easier time learning commands, retaining memory and solving shape-recognition tests.
- Senior dog care: for ageing pets, fish oil helps manage canine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia), reducing pacing behaviours and helping senior dogs better recognise family members.
Protects heart and kidney function
- Cardiovascular health: fish body oil reduces blood pressure, lowers harmful blood triglyceride levels and decreases the risk of an irregular heart rhythm like atrial fibrillation.
- Kidney disease management: for dogs with chronic kidney disease, fish oil slows the progression of the illness by lowering elevated blood pressure and reducing protein loss in the urine.
How much fish oil can dogs eat?
The correct amount of fish oil for a dog depends on its weight and the specific active omega-3 ingredients (EPA and DHA), with a general guideline of 70-100mg per kg (or 30-40mg per lb) of body weight per day of combined EPA and DHA.
Always check your product’s label for the exact concentration, as total fish oil volume is different from active omega-3 content.
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How to feed a dog fish oil
Fish oil is one of the richest sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These essential fatty acids act as potent, natural anti-inflammatories that support joint mobility, reduce skin itchiness, promote a shiny coat, and assist with cognitive and heart health.
Important usage notes:
Fish oil is highly sensitive to light, heat and oxygen. Always store it in a dark bottle in the fridge to prevent it from going rancid.
Ideally, buy high-quality oils sourced from small wild fish (like sardines, mackerel or anchovies) to minimise heavy metal exposure. If these are beyond your budget, salmon oil is still a healthy option.
Here are four creative, dog-safe ways to incorporate fish oil into your dog’s diet:
1. Omega-3 Skin & Coat Glaze
If you feed your dog dry commercial dog food (kibble) adding fish oil directly over it is the most common method to help heal dry, flaky skin and add an enticing, aromatic flavour for fussy eaters.
Use the amount of fish oil appropriate for your dog’s specific weight.
Drizzle the oil directly over its food immediately before serving. Mix it thoroughly so it coats the biscuits. Never heat the fish oil as high temperatures destroy the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Frozen Fish Oil & Pumpkin Joint-Support Bites
Because pumpkin is rich in soluble fibre and antioxidants, it combines well with fish oil to create a soothing, anti-inflammatory frozen treat.
- Stir the recommended amount of fish oil into 100% freshly cooked and mashed pumpkin (or canned pumpkin) until thoroughly combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a silicone mould and freeze for 3 hours. Pop one out as a cooling, savoury treat that delivers joint-cushioning and gut-soothing benefits simultaneously.
3. Savoury “Fish & Chips” Lick Mat
Blending fish oil into a thick, mashed vegetable creates a potent, smelly paste that slides perfectly into the intricate rubber grids of an enrichment toy.
- Steam a small handful of carrot or sweet potato chunks until completely soft, then mash them thoroughly with a fork. Let it cool completely, then stir in the fish oil.
- Use the back of a spoon to press the savoury paste firmly into a rubber lick mat and freeze flat for 45 minutes. The repetitive licking action releases calming hormones to soothe anxious dogs during grooming or thunderstorms.
4. Salmon Oil & Egg Breakfast Scramble
You can combine the high-quality protein of eggs with the rich essential fatty acids of fish oil for a healthy, soft meal enhancer.
- Whisk a chicken egg in a bowl and scramble it completely plain in a non-stick pan with without oil, butter or salt.
- Allow the scrambled egg to cool down completely to room temperature. Once cool, stir the fish oil directly into the egg and serve it as a nutrient-dense breakfast topper.
Frequently asked questions
Fish oil is highly beneficial for dogs because it provides vital omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA — which dogs cannot naturally produce on their own.
Q. What are the primary health benefits of feeding dogs fish oil?
A. Fish oil:
- Reduces joint inflammation: alleviates joint pain and improves mobility in dogs suffering from arthritis.
- Improves skin and coat condition: relieves dry, flaky skin, reduces itching from allergies and promotes a glossy coat.
- Supports brain development: helps neurological tissue growth in puppies and maintains cognitive function in senior dogs.
- Protects major organs: helps lower blood pressure in failing kidneys and supports cardiovascular health.
Q. What are the side-effects of giving a dog too much fish oil?
A. Potential side-effects include:
- Digestive issues: excessive fish oil frequently causes stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Delayed wound healing: omega-3s have a blood-thinning effect that can interfere with blood clotting and healing.
- Vitamin E depletion: long-term, high-dose usage depletes vitamin E stores, potentially requiring a separate vitamin E supplement. (Simply supplementing with a vitamin E supplement overcomes this issue).
- Weight gain: fish oil is calorie-dense and can lead to unwanted obesity if not factored into daily caloric intake.
Q. How do I determine the right dosage?
A. Consult a dog nutritionist. Dosage relies on metabolic weight, age and any specific health condition being treated.
Q. Can I use human fish oil supplements for my dog?
A. Yes, of course, fish oil is fish oil.
Q. Can I feed whole fish instead of oil?
A. Yes you can, but it needs to be on a regular basis. Small, wild-caught tinned fish (like sardines or mackerel in spring water) are highly bioavailable and budget-friendly. Limit large predatory fish like tuna due to higher accumulations of toxic mercury.
Q. Why does the fish oil smell worse over time?
A. Oxidation. Exposure to heat, light and air causes fish oil to turn rancid quickly. Store liquid oil in dark-coloured, tightly sealed bottles in the fridge, or use capsules, and discard it if it develops a foul, sour odour.
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