The 11 Best Fish Oils For Dogs

Buying Advice: Deciding on the Finest Fish Oil for Fido

In other words, what exactly are omega-3 fatty acids?

When you hear the name “omega-3 fatty acids,” your first thought might be “fat isn’t good,” but you’d be wrong. Polyunsaturated fats are where you’ll discover the omega fatty acids (one of the good kinds of fats). These fatty acids are used to manufacture hormones that have a role in controlling inflammation and blood flow. You’d think everyone would have one of these lying around, but they’re really rather rare. Consequently, foods like flaxseed and fish oil that naturally contain them are very important for us and our dogs.

Not only are omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for this, but they also have many other uses. They are beneficial because they counteract the omega-6 fatty acids that are prevalent in processed and refined meals. There are excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids in many commercial dog meals, and your dog probably has the same problem (and they do need some omega-6, just not an overabundance).

Why Is Giving Your Dog Fish Oil A Good Idea?

Injecting fish oil into your dog has several potential health advantages.

Benefits

• Fish oil’s high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids is fantastic news for your dog’s hair and skin, since these fats have been shown to reduce dry skin-related irritation and enhance the natural luster of your pet’s coat. A pleasant byproduct of enhancing your dog’s skin health? Perhaps it will lessen the amount of hair that falls out!Dogs’ Immune Systems: They get into some nasty stuff! (like the garbage).. That means they’re exposed to microorganisms all the time.
• Your pet’s immune system will benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids you feed them, making it more robust and better able to fend off any potential infections. In addition, if the fish oil your dog is getting includes salmon, that’s even better! The astaxanthin in salmon has been linked to a variety of health advantages, including a reduced risk of cancer in dogs.
• Including fish oil supplements in your dog’s food has the same heart-healthy effects as including them in a human’s diet. The cardiac muscle can be strengthened and the risk of arrhythmia can be decreased thanks to the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, it is a great supplement for any dog with joint problems. When it comes to arthritis, not only may this reduction in inflammation assist lower discomfort and increase mobility, but studies indicated that dogs using fish oil were able to use less of their arthritis medication.
• Elbow and hip dysplasia may also benefit from fish oil. When your pet’s joints do not grow normally, this is known as dysplasia. Joint discomfort, swelling, and instability are the end results of cartilage destruction. Fish oil is not a treatment, but it can help alleviate some of the inflammation that brings on the symptoms.
• Because of their importance in the development of a puppy’s brain, omega-3 fatty acids are commonly administered to pregnant dogs. However, the benefits aren’t limited to canine companions. DHA levels are often reduced in older dogs with cognitive impairment syndrome.Studies indicated that symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome might be ameliorated with the use of fish oil containing DHA.

Concomitant Risks

It is possible that fish oil, like any other supplement, might cause certain unwanted reactions. It’s important to be aware of these things, because they might not manifest in every dog.

• Having an upset stomach is common when trying new foods with your pet, especially if your pet has a very sensitive stomach. Fish oil, being mostly fat, can sometimes induce a slight case of diarrhea in dogs, although this usually clears up soon. Stop providing your pet fish oil immediately if the diarrhea doesn’t improve or worsens, and see your vet about appropriate dosing.
• Extremely rarely, some canines may have an allergy to certain types of fish, which would make fish oil produced from such fish unsafe for them to consume. If this happens, your pet’s skin or fur may become itchy, and their overall appearance may suffer.
• Fish oil may cause your pet’s blood to thin since omega-3s reduce the likelihood of blood clots. This isn’t normally a problem, though (and may even improve heart health). But if your dog is bleeding from an injury, things may get tricky. Do not administer fish oil to a dog if it is currently taking anticoagulant medicine.
• Fish oil for dogs is just as effective as it is for people. Because of this, the fatty acids in fish oil may not be suitable for dogs who are already taking other medications. Before giving your pet any kind of supplement, you should always check with your veterinarian.

How Should I Keep Fish Oil?

Fish oil storage is a breeze. It will go bad if exposed to oxidation, so keep it out of the sun, heat, and air. Fish oil should be kept in the fridge if you want to keep it in its optimal state.

Fish Oil for Dogs: What to Look For

As with whatever your dog eats, you should only give them the best. For this reason, the following are important considerations when selecting a fish oil for your dog.

Ingredients

You may get fish oils for dogs that are created with a wide variety of components. Some will be made entirely from salmon, some from salmon and pollock, and yet others from a broad variety of fish.

Unless your dog has a fish allergy, you may feel safe giving him fish oil made from any fish. However, you will discover that the ones made from 100% salmon have far more omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin.

Vitamins (particularly Vitamin E) and antioxidants are added to some fish oils to increase their efficacy. To make fish oil more palatable, some manufacturers add flavour to it.

The level of purity and requirement for extra nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants in your dog’s food are also factors you’ll have to weigh. It’s also crucial to know what’s in the fish oil in case it has an adverse reaction to your pet’s other treatments.

Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

We’ve already established that not all fish oils are the same. There will be those with very high concentrations of EPA and DHA and those with considerably lower concentrations. The more value you can extract from your expenditures, the better.

Form

Canine fish oil supplements are most commonly found in liquid or softgel form (but occasionally as a chew). You are the best judge of the easiest delivery method since you know your pet best.

Pills are often less odorous, although not all dogs will consume them (no matter how much peanut butter or other deliciousness you put on them).

Testing

Pet food and supplements are subject to significantly less stringent regulation by the FDA than human food and supplements are.

That’s why it’s crucial that you pick a product that’s been independently verified for its authenticity and safety. Similarly, you may ensure that the fish oil you’re contemplating has passed rigorous requirements by looking for The NASC Quality Seal.

Price

Supplements, whether for humans or canines, may be rather pricy. In certain cases, you may find many products with the same set of components, etc., that sell for dramatically different rates.

Reviews

You may learn a lot about a product’s quality and advantages from reviews written by other pet owners who have tried using it. Remember that even the highest-rated product might fail to please your dog because every dog is unique and has a distinct reaction to food and supplements.

Conclusion

Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 is our top pick for the best fish oil for your dog because it has the NASC seal of approval and is fortified with vitamins and antioxidants.

In the end, Zesty Paws is our top pick, as it’s made with 100% pure salmon oil and flavored to whet your dog’s appetite. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you can find the best fish oils for dogs for your pet.

Reviews

Overall, the Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement is the Best Choice

• 16 ounces, 32 ounces, and 64 ounces
• Form: condiment, meal add-on
• Liquid product

Grizzly Omega Health’s Omega-3 supplement is the way to go if you want to give your dog the greatest fish oil possible. This fish oil protects and enhances your dog’s health in a number of ways since it is made from sustainably caught wild Alaskan salmon and is rich in DHA and EPA, omega-3 fatty acids that are absorbed by your pet’s metabolism.

The omega-3 fatty acids in it are great for your pet’s immune system, eyesight, and mental well-being. Antioxidants and vitamins are also beneficial to your dog’s hair and skin.

Because it is wild salmon, it contains fewer calories than farmed salmon, thus it won’t cause weight gain. This fish oil has also been given the approval of the National Animal Supplement Council, so you know it’s of the highest quality and won’t harm your pet.

Pros

• Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids
• Dietary intake is low
• Excellent for dogs of all sizes.

Cons

• Possible Pump Leak
• Strident odor

 

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement by Zesty Paws Core Elements for Cats & Dogs – Top Pick

• Sizes available: 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, and a 32 oz set of two
• Form: condiment, meal add-on
• Liquid product

Zesty Paws Core Elements is our go-to recommendation if you’re shopping for a high-quality fish oil for your pet. Your dog will love this flavored fish oil for healthy skin because it is made from premium wild-caught Alaskan salmon.

In addition, Zesty Paws is made from 100% salmon oil, not a combination of oils from different fish. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are provided, which are beneficial for shiny fur and alleviating dry skin in your dog.

Pet owners reported improvements in their animals’ appetite, reduced allergy and itchiness, and even the disappearance of dandruff.

With the convenient pump bottle, measuring out your pet’s daily dose of one teaspoon is a breeze.

Pros

• Pure salmon lipids
• People who own pets are often seen to
• Simple bottle design.

Cons

• A dripping bottle is possible.
• In extremely unusual cases, customers have received bottles that leak.

 

Dogs might benefit from the Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement from Nordic Naturals

• Size: 8 oz., 16 oz.
• Form: condiment, meal add-on
• Liquid product

If you want your puppy to grow up with a healthy, lustrous coat, soft, supple skin, and a smart mind, Nordic Naturals might be the way to go.

This fish oil for dogs is not made from salmon, but rather from sardines and anchovies caught in the South Pacific that are caught in a sustainable manner. Additionally, this oil aids in maintaining healthy ligaments, eyes, and cardiovascular systems.

This item is triple-distilled for safety and quality control and then lab-tested. There is no pump, so you’ll have to carefully measure out how much you’ll need for each serving. Once opened, it has a shelf life of up to three months.

Pros

• Pureness that has been distilled
• Quality assured by independent testing
• Benefits your dog in a variety of ways, including his skin, coat, eyes, brain, and heart.

Cons

• Taking real measurements is required.
• Potentially leaves a lingering odor on hands, even after washing.
• Sickness in pets is rarely reported.

 

Supplement for Healthy Dog and Cat Skin, Coat, and Immune System with PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil

• Two different sizes (16 oz. and 32 oz.)
• Supplements as a Type of Food
• Liquid product

This fish oil for dogs is recommended by veterinarians and is formulated from a variety of fish caught off the coast of Iceland, including herring, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies.

PetHonesty’s oil, which improves joint health, skin health, coat health, and immunity, is free of corn, soy, wheat, and genetically modified organisms.

On top of that, it has negligible amounts of mercury. This fish oil has been refined to reduce any potential fishy aftertaste or odor, which is great news for both you and your pet.

PetHonesty uses an FDA-approved facility to package its fish oil. The proceeds help fund no-kill animal shelters.

Pros

• Guarantees a reduction in “fishiness”
• Quantities of mercury that are low
• GMO-free

Cons

• Some bottles may have caps instead of pumps, according to reports.
• Perhaps the bottle will leak.

 

Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil for Dogs – TerraMax Pro

• Two different sizes (16 oz. and 32 oz.)
• Form: condiment, meal add-on
• Liquid product

Vet-recommended Anchovies, mackerel, sardines, and herring taken off the coast of Iceland are blended together to create a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil for TerraMax Pro Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil.

The molecular distillation process used to create this oil ensures that no contaminants remain. According to the label, each serving will provide your dog with at least 525 mg of DHA and 800 mg of EPA, which together reduce inflammation, alleviate allergies and itchy skin, and boost the quality of your dog’s coat.

Zero traces of mercury or any other heavy metals, pesticides, dioxins, or PCBs may be found in TerraMax Pro. To safeguard dolphins and other endangered animals, they only engage in environmentally responsible fishing methods.

Pros

• No traces of mercury at all
• Medical grade
• Ample supplies of omega-3 fatty acids

Cons

• The pump has a leak.
• Only seldom do we hear that people are unhappy with the beverage because it is too watery.
• There have been isolated complaints of consumers obtaining products with defective pumps.

 

Dogs’ Omega-3 Skin & Coat Supplement, Nutramax Welactin Softgels

• Count: 120, 240, 360
• Supplements as a Type of Food
• Softgel is the product form.

Each serving of Nutramax, which is sourced from wild-caught Peruvian sardines and anchovies, provides at least 155 mg of EPA and 100 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids.

This amount will help your dog’s kidneys, brain, and eyes, in addition to promoting a healthy, lustrous coat and reducing dry skin. In addition to helping your joints and immune system, this fish oil also promotes healthy nerves and a steady heartbeat.

The minty softgels are refreshing (peppermint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is fine in moderation for dogs). All of the sardines and anchovies used in this product are inspected for harmful substances before they are used, reassuring pet owners that they are safe to feed.

Pros

• Aroma and taste of fresh mint
• checked for harmful substances

Cons

• Harder to administer than liquids, especially to pets.
• Hard “softgels” are a common complaint.

 

Dogs’ Skin & Coat Supplement, Fish Oil Softgels by Nutri-Vet

• Count: one hundred
• Supplements as a Type of Food
• Softgel is the product form.

Veterinarian-formulated fish oil softgels are both nutritious and tasty for your dog. Vitamins A, D, and E, along with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like sprat, salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring, are essential for maintaining your dog’s healthy coat, joints, and immune system. In addition, they won’t contribute to bad breath in your cat.

You can give your pet the recommended daily amount of 120 mg of DHA and 180 mg of EPA in just one small softgel.

Pros

• Vitamins added
• A lack of odor is claimed.

Cons

• Larger dogs may have trouble swallowing the pills.
• Although many pet owners report satisfaction with one particular brand, others have had more success with alternatives.
• Dogs occasionally experience gassiness after ingesting

 

Nutritional Supplement for Dogs and Cats containing EicosaDerm Omega 3 Liquid

• Pounds: 8 oz., 32 oz.
• Form: condiment, meal add-on
• Liquid product

EicosaDerma Omega 3 Liquid is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune system booster made in the USA from tiny, cold-water fish. The combination of vitamin E and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA will help your pet’s skin and coat maintain a healthy sheen and prevent flaking.

In addition, it’s a great complement for dogs that are on a calorie-restricted diet because each milliliter has just about 17 calories.

Products go through rigorous testing to guarantee they are pesticide-free. The fish oil comes with a helpful dosage schedule based on weight, and one pump measures out to roughly 2 milliliters, so you can be confident you’re giving your pet the right quantity.

Pros

• Reduced calorie
• Vitamin E has been added.

Cons

• The leaking bottle pump
• Really pungent

 

Natural Dog Food Supplement Made with Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil from Alaska Naturals

• Eight ounces, fifteen and a half ounces, thirty-two ounces, sixty-four ounces, one hundred and twenty ounces
• Form: condiment, meal add-on
• Liquid product

The wild-caught Alaskan salmon used in Alaska Naturals is of the highest quality, and it features an optimal ratio of omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy pet food option.

Since it is not distilled at high temperatures and undergoes little processing, more of the beneficial components for your dog remain. It’s low in calories (40 per teaspoon) and won’t make your dog gain weight.

A third-party verifies the purity of every batch of Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula Dog Supplement.

Pros

• Minimum processing time
• Third-Party Verification
• Promotes better skin and coat condition

Cons

• There were complaints that the bottle’s pump was difficult to use.
• Includes pollock oil as an additional ingredient.
• Smell bad at times