Fish Oil Benefits for Dogs
10/15/24
Reviewed by: Dr. Tori
Fish Oil Benefits for Dogs: What You Need to Know
Even though dogs have four legs, a tail, and a whole lot of fur, they can develop some of the same health conditions as humans. As a conscious pet parent, you may be eager to learn if the supplements that benefit you can also benefit your furry companion.
One supplement receiving praise from multiple areas of the animal kingdom is fish oil.
Many people take fish oil supplements to support their health, benefiting everything from joint pain and heart health to skin appearance. Does fish oil provide the same benefits for dogs? Yes!
Learn more about the many fish oil benefits for dogs and how you can safely and effectively introduce it into your dog’s diet with help from Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. We are a trusted pet food delivery service dedicated to fresh, natural pet food.
The Health Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs
Dogs require essential nutrients for a complete and healthy diet, just like humans.
One important group of nutrients both you and your dog need are known as omega-3 fatty acids. The body doesn’t make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, however. Instead, you need to eat them as part of your diet. You can consume omega-3 fatty acids by eating fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, but you can also take fish oil supplements—and so can your dog.
Fish oil is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It contains two different kinds:
- Eicosapentoaenoic (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids
How do these fatty acids support your dog’s overall health? Let’s take a closer look at their key benefits.
Skin and Coat Health
Have you ever seen a dog with a luscious coat that seems to shine as radiantly as a model’s moisturized locks? Their owner may be giving them a fish oil supplement.
Fish oil protects your dog’s skin from dryness and flaking, leaving their fur looking and feeling silky smooth.
Fish oil particularly benefits dogs with allergies or those prone to skin irritation and hot spots. The omega-3 fatty acids work to slow the production and release of cytokines in the body. Cytokines are compounds that trigger your dog’s inflammatory response, creating itchy, dry, and flaky skin.
Finally, does your dog leave a mountain of fur wherever they go no matter how much you brush them? Fish oil can also reduce shedding as it promotes healthy skin and fur.
If you’ve ever wondered about other dietary questions, like “Are carrots good for dogs” knowing what is beneficial can help you make the best choices for your pet.
Joint Mobility
If your dog suffers from joint stiffness or arthritis, fish oil may provide the relief it needs to move freely.
Joint pain and discomfort are caused by overactive inflammation and swelling. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce inflammation throughout the body, effectively alleviating your dog’s aches and pains.
Unleash your dog’s inner puppy by giving them fish oil. With enhanced joint mobility and agility, they’ll be able to frolic and play as they wish.
Heart Health
Heart-related issues, such as heart disease and arrhythmia, are all too common for dogs. If your dog has a heart condition, fish oil may help relieve its symptoms and slow its progression.
Fish oil can protect your dog’s heart from:
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm
- High triglyceride levels in the blood
- Heart-failure-related inflammation and muscle loss
Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before treating your dog with fish oil, especially when using it for medical conditions like heart disease. Together you can create a care plan that meets all your dog’s needs. If you notice your dog is lethargic or not eating as usual, ask your vet why is my dog not eating to rule out underlying conditions before introducing new supplements.
Cognitive Function, Behavior, and Neuroprotection
Cognitive and mental health are just as important for dogs as they are for humans. Fish oil benefits the cognitive function and behavior of both puppies and older dogs:
- One study found that puppies taking fish oil supplements could learn and retain skills better than puppies not taking fish oil.
- Researchers also found that older dogs with cognitive dysfunction benefited significantly from taking fish oil supplements. They could recognize their family members better and exhibited less pattern-pacing behavior.
- Fish oil may also induce a calming effect in anxious, depressed, and hyperactive dogs.
Further, fish oil has certain neuroprotective properties that can benefit dogs who suffer from seizures. Studies found that dogs with idiopathic epilepsy experienced fewer seizures when taking fish oil supplements.
How to Safely Introduce Fish Oil into Your Dog's Diet
The keys to introducing any new dog food or supplement into your dog’s diet are to be fully informed and to take it slowly.
Fish oil offers significant health benefits to dogs with a range of issues, from poor skin and joint mobility to heart disease and cognitive decline. However, your dog will only see benefits if you give them the right formulation and dosage of fish oil. Giving them fish oil that doesn’t meet veterinarian standards, or overdosing them on fish oil, may do more harm than good for your companion.
And, while rare, fish oil may cause undesired side effects. Introducing fish oil into your dog’s diet slowly in small amounts can help you safely determine whether it’s the right supplement for them.
Let’s look at each of these important safety factors in detail.
Choosing the Right Fish Oil
Although experts agree that fish oil is generally safe for dogs, not all products are created equal. Which fish oil is best for dogs?
You can find two types of fish oil available for pets:
- Triglyceride formulation – Natural fish oil
- Ethyl ester formulation – Manufactured fish oil
While ethyl ester-formulated fish oil may be less expensive, vets only recommend the triglyceride formulation for dogs. This natural fish oil is more stable and absorbed more completely by the body—it tastes better, too.
Fish oil formulation isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing the right fish oil for your dog. Here are some additional best practices for finding the best supplements:
- Only choose supplements intended for dogs – Since fish oil has studied benefits for both humans and dogs, you might be tempted to give them fish oil you can pick up from the drug store. However, fish oil supplements intended for humans often contain other ingredients, such as vitamins and added sweeteners, that can harm your dog. Ask your vet for recommendations on pet-safe fish oil supplements and raw dog food options.
- Read the Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Unfortunately, supplements (for humans and dogs) are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To verify a supplement’s ingredients and safety, read through its COA. Check for freshness, ingredients, and potential contaminants.
- Avoid flavorings – Some fish oil supplements designed for dogs contain added flavoring such as beef or chicken. To prevent negative reactions from food sensitivities or allergies, choose products without added flavor.
Pet-safe fish oil comes in a variety of forms, including capsules, chews, and liquids. To choose the best kind for your dog, consider their size and preferences.
Dosage Guidelines
In general, dogs benefit most from 75–100 mg/kg of fish oil.
However, every dog is different: Size, treatment needs, current medications or supplements, and sensitivities will all impact the appropriate fish oil dosage to give them. Before giving your dog fish oil, speak with their vet to decide on a safe and effective dosage amount, method, and frequency.
Addressing Common Concerns with Fish Oil
Fish oil has potent healing properties for humans and dogs alike. But by no means is it a miracle supplement—and it doesn’t benefit all dogs.
For some canines, fish oil may cause adverse side effects, and dogs with certain preexisting conditions may be at greater risk for fish oil complications. Conditions include:
- Diabetes
- History of diarrhea
- History of (or predisposition for) pancreatitis
- Being pregnant or nursing
Your vet can help you determine whether you may safely add fish oil to your dog’s diet. Always discuss dietary changes with them first to protect your dog’s health.
Side Effects and Interactions
Consuming fish oil can lead to unwanted side effects such as:
- Weight gain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood clotting problems and delayed wound healing
- Fatigue
- Insulin sensitivity issues
- Vitamin A overdose
Most often, fish oil side effects occur because of incorrect dosage, formulation, or drug interactions. If your dog currently takes any of the following, speak with your vet before giving them fish oil:
- Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Anticoagulants
- Doxorubicin
- Vitamins
- Herbal therapies
- Other supplements
While fish oil may improve your dog’s health, it’s not a dietary requirement. Even if you and your vet agree that fish oil isn’t the right supplement for your dog, you can still support their health in other meaningful ways.
How Darwin’s Support Your Dog
Looking for a way to naturally incorporate fish oil and more essential nutrients into your dog’s daily diet? Support their health in more ways than one with fresh dog food from Darwin’s Natural Selections.
With Natural Selections, you can be sure that your dog is only consuming free-range, organic, minimally processed, and human-grade ingredients. We’ve formulated every meal with all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive just as their ancestors did. They contain essential omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids as well as wild-caught cod liver oil for a natural source of vitamin D, with organic flax seed oil to help balance the fat profile.
Embrace your dog’s ancestral diet with Darwin’s. Browse all our protein options now—meals are always fresh and delivered right to your door.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Fish Oil. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810
Cleveland Clinic. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
Preventative Vet. The Benefits of Giving Your Dog or Cat Fish Oil. https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/fish-oil-for-dogs-and-cats