Fish oil supplements for dogs are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, and adding fresh Omega-3s to your dog’s diet is essential for their health. From nose to tail, inside and out, Omega-3s offer clear and proven benefits for our dogs.
But what are those benefits? Why isn’t commercially-made dog food enough? And, if you decide to give your dog a fish oil supplement, how do you decide which one?
What are the benefits of fish oil supplements for dogs?
The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), offer a ton of amazing health benefits for your beloved companion. Here are the top six:
1. Omega-3s reduce inflammation.
Inflammation occurs with many diseases and conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergies. When you reduce inflammation, you can reduce the symptoms of these conditions.
Omega-3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them a great choice for pet parents who want to improve their dogs’ chronic conditions and increase their quality of life.
For example, reducing inflammation in a dog suffering from arthritis can make them more comfortable and promote greater mobility. One study even showed that dogs on prescription osteoarthritis medication were able to lower their dosage when given fish oil supplements with Omega-3s.
2. Fish oil supplements support cardiovascular health.
Fish oil supplements provide our dogs with numerous heart health benefits. On the preventative side of things, their anti-inflammatory properties can reduce certain proteins called cytokines that contribute to heart disease in dogs.
The Omega-3s in fish oil supplements also provide benefits for dogs who already suffer from heart disease.
For example, they have been shown to reduce arrhythmias in dogs with heart disease. Heart failure in dogs also often leads to loss of muscle mass, but fish oil supplements have been seen to help in that area too.
3. Fish oil supplements for dogs promote healthy skin and coat
Omega-3s contribute to keeping your dog’s skin healthy and their coat lustrous. Studies have also shown great benefits for dogs with existing skin problems and issues, such as dryness, itchy skin, hot spots, and dandruff.
All those essential fatty acids in fish oil nourish your dog’s skin and coat from within, and their anti-inflammatory properties help out yet again by taming the inflammatory responses that can cause or worsen skin conditions.
4. Omega-3s protect and enhance your dog’s mental health.
One of the Omega-3 fatty acids I mentioned above, DHA, is absolutely essential for your dog’s brain development. Studies have even shown that puppies regularly given DHA/Omega-3 fish oil supplements learned better and also performed better in tasks requiring coordination and motor skills.
It’s not just puppies that can benefit. The DHA found in fish oil supplements can help maintain your dog’s brain health throughout their lives. And a healthy brain is better able to resist cognitive decline, giving your dog a better chance at staying mentally healthy in their golden years.
Also, while more research needs to be done to determine the exact causal link, aggressive dogs have been found to have low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids when compared to non-aggressive dogs. This shows Omega-3 deficiency could be a risk factor or marker for aggressive behavior.
5. Omega-3s support your dog’s kidney function
While the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil supplements protect all your dog’s organs, there are additional benefits for their kidneys.
As our dogs get older, they have an increased risk of kidney disease. In fact, about 1 in 10 dogs develop it as they age.
While there currently is no cure for this deadly disease, there are things pet parents can do to slow its advance and improve their dog’s quality of life. One of these is giving their dog fish oil supplements.
In dogs with kidney disease, studies showed that the EPA and DHA fatty acids in fish oil slowed the progression of the disease.
6. Fish oil supplements support your dog’s immune system health
Unfortunately, fish oil supplements won’t magically make it so your dog never gets sick, but the Omega-3s they contain play a role in modulating and enhancing your dog’s immune response.
For example, one study found that puppies fed food fortified with fish oil received multiple benefits, including immune benefits. Specifically, the puppies’ immune system responded better to vaccinations, making more protective antibodies.
And the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil supplements (mentioned above) also help your dog’s immune system function more effectively.
Why isn’t commercially-made dog food enough?
In the United States, the FDA regulates commercial dog food production, and the law requires dog food to be made with safe ingredients and to be labelled correctly.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s enough.
The Omega-6 vs Omega-3 ratio
The problem comes with the balance between Omega-6s and Omega-3s in your dog’s diet. Both of these groups of fatty acids are absolutely critical in maintaining your dog’s health. In the diet of wild animals, these two groups are balanced in a ratio of 1:1.
In many commercially-made dog foods, there may be up to 30 times as many Omega-6s as Omega-3s. Omega-6s are necessary for our dogs, but this imbalance is a case of “too much of a good thing.” Feeding your dog too many Omega-6s without Omega-3s to balance them out carries an increased risk of chronic inflammation, immune system dysfunction, skin issues, and even cognitive decline.
Adding a high quality fish oil supplement for dogs to their diet provides the Omega-3s needed to correct this imbalance and protect your dog from the effects of Omega-6 overload.
High Heat Rancidity
Another problem starts with the way commercially prepared foods are made. These foods are usually heated to a very high temperature during the manufacturing process. While this does help ensure the food is free of pathogens, it has the unwanted side effect of being harmful to many of the nutrients in the food.
Unfortunately, that also applies to fish oil. When fish oil is heated, the oil may become rancid. Beyond just being unappetizing, rancid oil can actually be harmful rather than helpful.
What fish oil supplement should I give my dog?
First off, it’s always a good idea to talk with your veterinarian before starting your dog on a new supplement. They can confirm that it’s the right choice for your pet and make any necessary dosing recommendations.
For example, dogs with a bleeding disorder will need to take lower doses of fish oil, while dogs with chronic diseases may benefit from higher doses, both of which would be determined by your vet.
Also, always introduce any new supplement into your pet's diet gradually. This avoids upsetting your dog’s digestive system.
Now, how to pick the perfect fish oil supplement?
We all want what’s best for our dogs, but when we’re confronted with a sea of supplements, it can be hard to choose. Here are the top things to consider.
Signs of a quality fish oil supplement for dogs
The top four things to look for in a quality fish oil supplement are:
- Purity
- Source
- Sustainability
- EPA and DHA concentration
Fish oil supplements with high purity will not have contaminants like mercury or dioxins.
The source of the fish also impacts the quality of the oil. For example, small wild-caught fish from cold water often have higher concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids and fewer contaminants.
Sustainably-sourced fish are a better choice for the environment at large.
And finally, higher concentrations of EPA and DHA usually indicates a better product. You can find these listed on the fish oil’s label.
Liquid fish oil vs soft gels
You can purchase fish oil supplements in many different forms, including soft gel capsules, liquids, powders, and chewables.
I recommend either liquids or capsules. The choice between these two comes down to preference, as different options will work better for different dogs.
You want the fish oil to be easy for your dog to take. No one needs or wants the stress of fighting with their dog to take their fish oil every day.
Capsules have the benefit of keeping the oil fresh, since the capsules are sealed. However, if your dog can’t or won’t swallow capsules, mixing liquid fish oil in with their food will give them the Omega-3s they need. If you go the liquid fish oil route, store it in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
If you’re mixing the oil with your dog’s food, making fresh food from a veterinarian-approved recipe is the best way to make sure they’re absorbing all those beneficial Omega-3s.
What are some high-quality supplements?
For a liquid fish oil supplement for dogs, Holistic Vet Blend’s Icelandic Blend Omega-3 Fish Oil is a great choice.
It’s made from sustainably-sourced, wild-caught cold water fish: anchovy, sardines, and mackerel. It is also third-party tested for purity and quality. Each teaspoon of Icelandic Blend Omega-3 Fish Oil contains a guaranteed 800 mg of EPA and 525 mg of DHA fatty acids for your dog’s health.
For larger dogs that can take a gel capsule in their food, I sometimes recommend a quality brand for humans, such as Thorne, NatureMade, and Carlson's. When giving dogs items intended for humans, always double check with your veterinarian for the correct use and dosage.
Conclusion
Omega 3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, promote healthy skin and coat in our dogs and support many aspects of their wellbeing, from heart health to proper kidney function and more. In short, they are critical for a dog to live a happy and healthy life.
However, due to the low number of Omega-3s in commercial dog food, you should consider adding a fish oil supplement for dogs to their diet. Choosing a high quality supplement, like Holistic Vet Blend’s Icelandic Blend Omega-3 Fish Oil, provides your pet with the essential fatty acids they need to support their health and wellbeing for years to come.
