Fish Oil For a Pet Dog? Read This Before Supplementing!

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Lots of folks take fish oil daily. Omega-3 fatty acids are obviously very valuable from a health standpoint, but what about for your dog?

Can I Give My Dog Fish Oil?Great news!

Reasonably dosed fish oil is not only harmless but several studies have found that it’s a supplement that also makes sense for dogs.

So it is worth learning about fatty acids for your furry friend!

Dogs Can Generally Take Fish Oil

An improved skin and coat is typically the most noticeable effect.

More substantial benefits from omega-3 tend to be for older/larger dogs, particularly in the form of reduced inflammation and arthritic-related symptoms.

Other reasons to get quality K9-formulated chewable fish oil include positives for your dog’s immune and cardiovascular systems, stronger bones and even a brain health boost!

How to Choose For Your Pet

Fish oil is harvested from:

All of the above species have omega-3 fatty acids – including Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – and they are excellent for animals.

But there is a catch (no pun intended):

Some types of fish oil contain unacceptable levels of toxins (i.e. mercury) which could be harmful for your dog.

Scrutinize labels as best you can including for certain favorable attributes.

Basically you want a fish oil product with high concentrations of both EPA for fighting off osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases and DHA for the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.

Pro Tip: Wild-sourced fish is much better than farm-sourced.

Many Preventative Properties

It’s worth mentioning once more that fish oil has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, can strengthen the immune system, improve a canine’s coat as well as assist with mental development for young pups.

It is also entirely possible that your dog will have more energy and increased stamina!

Omega-3 essential fatty acids can also help to prevent auto-immune disorders and kidney disease.

Dosing Fish Oil For Your Dog

Determining a fish oil dose can be tricky considering there are many products, different concentrations, potencies and purities.

A general rule of thumb is 20mg per pound of the dog’s weight.

But, again, it depends on several factors including if you have long-chain Omega-3 versions or DHA or EPA, etc.

Something To Watch Out For

Diarrhea is a strong indicator of too much fish oil.

Reduce the dose if your dog’s stools change in any significant way. Besides, too much omega-3 could create a vitamin-E deficiency.

It cannot be stressed enough:

Speak with a professional about the right amount to provide.

Careful When Supplementing

Some experts advise against giving fish oil on a regular basis for dogs in good health.

So consider going easy if your pet is already doing fantastic.

One way to add fatty acids is by simply feeding a premium dog food that incorporates fish.

On the other end of the spectrum, omega-3, in high amounts, is sometimes advised for dogs with certain medical conditions.

The Bottom Line

Fish oil has improved the lives of many dogs.

You can expect a carefully selected omega-3 product to be beneficial. However, too much fish oil can also end up being harmful.

Speak with your vet to ensure you are doing the right thing in regards to supplementing your dog’s diet.

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7 thoughts on “Fish Oil For a Pet Dog? Read This Before Supplementing!”

  1. I asked my vet about olive oil for dry skin. She said no! It’s very bad for the pancreas (research has been done on it at UC Davis).

    But fish oil is okay, though she did not give me a specific kind.

    In any case, I’ve stopped giving my dog olive oil.

  2. I have a 9 month old Maremma pup and there may be issues with his hind legs. He is not in pain and runs like the wind, but he has a swagger when he walks. I thought that maybe fish oil with glucosamine may help him to develop stronger rear spine and legs.

  3. I have a 3 year old Staffie cross lab and she has osteoarthritis. What is the best oil to give her? I have her on Mobiflex for her joints but would prefer a more natural option. I have been told flaxseed oil or fish oil. Thanks

  4. I was giving my 3 year old Lab 2 fish oil capsules daily, some fried chicken and baked salmon as a treat. After ten days, she got severe diarrhea with blood. Off to the nearby vet who said, “too much fat”. Now, small amounts of boiled chicken and rice water. After 2 days, fasting and Pepcid. Stay away from fat and oily foods!

  5. I would like to know if it’s okay can give dogs fish oil. We were told by a pet shop it was okay but I’ve been hearing conflicting info. If you can, I would like to know if it helps dogs with dry skin. My dog named Roxy is a Miniature Poodle and she weighs 2.40 kilograms. How much should I give her?

  6. My dog has a staph infection and hot spots. Will High Lignan Flaxseed oil 500mg help? Montana is 58 pounds. Thank you!

    1. 100% organic and pure flaxseed oil can be used to treat skin disorders, including hot spots, skin irritation and immune deficiencies.

      By the way, how do you know your dog got a staph infection? This is serious and best treated by a vet. The infection can spread to the blood, to the bones and even to the heart valves.

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