Omega 3s for Dogs | Quick Answers for Pet Owners

If you're here, you're likely looking to provide the best nutrition for your dog. You may have considered options like wild Alaskan salmon oil, hempseed oil, or CBD oil to support your dog's health.

Many pet owners are curious about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs, and fish oil supplements are popular, but do they help?

This guide covers the essentials of omega-3 fatty acids, the role of fish oil in your dog's diet, and more. Prepare to learn how fish oil can be a key omega-3 supplement for your canine companion!

Why are Omega 3s Important for Dogs?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that must come from your dog’s diet. They support skin, coat, joint, heart, and brain health. Omega-3s also help manage inflammation and boost the immune system.

Without enough omega-3s, dogs may experience dry skin, poor coat condition, joint discomfort, cognitive decline, and a weakened immune system. Ensuring adequate intake is crucial for overall health and well-being.

What Are Omega 3s, 6s, and 9s Used for?

Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are essential for your dog’s health. Omega-3s and omega-6s must be obtained through diet, while omega-9s are produced by the body but still provide benefits.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Skin & Coat Health: Reduces itching and dryness.
• Joint Health: Eases inflammation for joint comfort.
• Heart Health: Supports cardiovascular function.
• Brain Function: Boosts cognitive health.
• Immune System: Strengthens immunity.
• Eye Health: Supports retinal health.
• Weight Management: Promotes metabolic health.
• Digestive Health: Aids gastrointestinal function.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

• Skin & Coat Health: Maintains healthy skin and coat.
• Joint Health: Supports joint flexibility.
• Heart Health: Contributes to cardiovascular health.
• Brain Function: Maintains cognitive health.
• Immune System: Supports immunity.
• Cell Health: Maintains cell membrane integrity.
• Metabolism: Supports energy levels.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids

• Skin & Coat Health: Supports healthy skin and coat.
• Joint Health: Maintains joint comfort.
• Heart Health: Contributes to cardiovascular health.
• Brain Function: Supports cognitive health.
• Immune System: Strengthens immunity.
• Metabolism: Supports metabolic processes.

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

EPA and DHA are found in cold-water ocean fish, fish oil, krill oil, and products made from algae. In contrast, ALA comes from plants. Flaxseeds and chia seeds are particularly rich in ALA.

Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Beyond providing energy as a source of calories, omega-3s are a popular supplement for dogs. Many dog owners are interested in omega-3s due to their potential benefits for joint pain, heart health, skin conditions, and other conditions.

Small clinical trials suggest that omega-3s can help manage or reduce inflammation in dogs with joint conditions like osteoarthritis (2). Similarly, dogs with inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis may also benefit.

Is Fish Oil The Best Source of Omega 3s for Dogs?

Fish oils can be a great source of omega fatty acids for your dog, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

First, there's a range of quality when it comes to fish oil supplements for pets. The source and manufacturing processes used can vary greatly across different companies. For that reason, a lot of pet owners opt for wild Alaskan salmon oil for their pets, as it typically has higher quality and more reputable sourcing practices.

That said, with the help of your veterinarian and a keen eye for finding well-made products, fish oil might be the best option for your dog. There are also other options for you to explore.

Other Sources of Omega Fatty Acids:

1. Camelina Oil

   • Pros: Provides DHA and is a vegetarian/vegan alternative to fish oil. Less risk of contamination.

   • Cons: Typically more expensive than fish oil and may be less readily available.

2. Flaxseed Oil:

   • Pros: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be converted into EPA and DHA in the body. Good plant-based option.

   • Cons: Conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is inefficient in dogs, so it may not be as effective as fish oil.

3. Chia Seeds:

   • Pros: Contain ALA, similar to flaxseed oil. Good plant-based source of omega-3s.

   • Cons: ALA conversion to EPA and DHA is less efficient, so the benefits might not be as pronounced as those from fish oil.

4. Hemp Seed Oil:

   • Pros: Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a balanced ratio. Less risk of contamination.

   • Cons: Lower in EPA and DHA compared to fish oil; may not provide the same level of benefits.

5. Hemp Oil:

   • Pros: Provides a natural source of omega-3s and other nutrients. Less processed in many cases.

   • Cons: Is often used for calming or help with occasional joint discomfort, so it may not be the right choice for all dogs.

Omegas for Dogs: Dosage Information

The appropriate dosage of omega-6 and omega-3 for dogs should be determined with the help of your veterinarian.

Your vet will consider your dog's weight, breed, age, and diet to decide on an appropriate dose. The proper amount of omega-3s to give your dog differs for each health condition. If your dog has gastrointestinal problems or a bleeding disorder, omega-3 supplements may not be safe for them.

When administering omega-3 supplements to dogs, it's also important to follow the dosing instructions on the label. Similarly, it's best to use omega-3 supplements specifically formulated for dogs, as the concentration of DHA and EPA in human supplements may be too high for your pup.

High-quality fish oil supplements and dog foods generally list the amount of EPA, DHA, and "total omega-3s." Solid brands should also provide third-party batch testing to confirm that their product is free of heavy metals, mercury, and other contaminants found in fish.

Always consult with your veterinarian before deciding on a supplement dose for your dog. This table is based on 

For exact dosage, you would need to check the concentration of EPA and DHA in the specific fish oil product you are using. Always consult the product label and your veterinarian for precise dosing recommendations.

Can I Give My Dog Human Omega-3?

It's always recommended that you give your pets products made for animals of their species. There is a lot of variance in tolerance to certain ingredients across mammals, so things that are safe for humans may not be safe for your pets. All supplements are different, so a general rule of thumb is to never give your dog something that was manufactured for human consumption.

Conclusion

Always research supplements for your dog and consult your vet. Your findings can help inform the conversation, allowing your vet to offer clearer guidance. Whether it's CBD or fish oil, let the experts guide your choices. Omega fatty acids, especially Omega-3s, are crucial for your dog's health, supporting skin, joint, heart, and brain function.