Omega 3 for Dogs – Buyer’s Guide, Reviews and Comparisons
Health Benefits of Omega Fatty Acids for Dogs
Fatty Acid Supplements for Dogs — What To Look For
TOP RECOMMENDED OMEGA 3 FOR DOGS
Strawfield Omega 3 Soft Gels For Dogs
The Strawfield Omega 3 for dogs provides your furry friend with essential fatty acids to help improve their overall health. These soft gels also include vitamin A, E, and D which all have anti-aging properties and the high potency fatty acids provide a wide range of health benefits.
Grain-free.
- Anti-inflammatory to reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
- Chemical-free and distilled in the USA for optimum purity.
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Are you wondering if you should be giving your dog omega 3? There are many benefits of omega 3 for dogs, including immune system support, reduction in inflammation, and joint support. Plus, it can help your dog maintain a healthy and shiny coat. As a good doggy parent, you want your pooch to be happy and in good shape. Yet, we also understand that the number of different canine-suitable omega-3 products are vast, which can be overwhelming.
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Product
Details
Strawfield Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement for Dogs
Product count: 250
Flavor: Fish Oil
DHA/EPA values: 120 mg / 180 mg
Omega 3 content: 710 mg
100 percent grain-free
Over 300 mg EPA and DHA per serving
Includes vitamin A, D, and E
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil Dog Chew Treats
Product count: 90
Flavor: Chicken
DHA/EPA values: 25 mg / 80 mg
Omega 3 content: 145 mg
DHA and EPA support brain development and a healthy immune system
Chicken flavored chews are more appealing
Made with grain-free omega 3
Product Rating: 4.5/5
Amazing Nutritionals Omega 3 for Dogs
Product count: 120
Flavor: Liver or Salmon
DHA/EPA values: 18 mg / 27 mg
Omega 3 content: 150 mg
Complete balance of omega 3 6 and 9
Available in liver and salmon flavor
Supports hip and joint health and helps ease inflammation
Product Rating: 4.5/5
Product count: N/A (8 fl ounces of oil)
Flavor: Fish oil
DHA/EPA values: 525 mg / 800 mg
Omega 3 content: 1597.5 mg
Easy to use pump included
Effectively improves allergy symptoms
Human-grade fish oil
Product Rating: 4.5/5
Omega 3 for Dogs Buying Guide
If you’re feeding your dog quality food and ensuring they get regular exercise, you may be wondering why your dog needs omega 3. Before we get into the benefits of omega 3 for dogs, let’s first take a closer look at what it is.
Found in polyunsaturated fats, omega 3s are healthy fatty acids that work to regulate blood flow and enhance brain development. You can find them in shellfish, plants, seeds and nuts, and cold-water fish.
Fat is a crucial component in your dog’s diet, it provides your dog with energy and supports their body’s normal function. However, like humans, a bow-wow can’t produce omega 3. Hence, it’s down to their pet parents to ensure it’s incorporated into their diet.
Omega 3 is made up of these three fatty acids:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega 3 fatty acids are also important to reduce the risk of an imbalance with omega 6. Many commercial dog foods are produced with a high content of omega 6. An imbalance between these two can cause health issues for your furry friend.
Also known as fish oil supplements, omega 3 can provide your dog with the essential fats that they may not be getting from their regular diet. What’s more, omega 3 fatty acids can deteriorate at high temperatures, this means your dog’s regular food may lack the nutrient due to the production process.
Omega 3 fish oil for dogs has many health benefits. It can be given to your dog as a long-term supplement or to help your pooch recover from an illness or injury.
Supports Proper Brain and Eye Development
Research has found that the DHA in omega 3 can support brain and eye development in puppies. It’s also believed that DHA can help improve the cognitive function of older tail-waggers, including those with canine cognitive dysfunction.
Offers Joint Support
Studies have also shown that certain properties found in fatty acids mean omega 3 supplements work as an effective anti-inflammatory. Omega 3 is often used to help treat canine arthritis as it can reduce inflammation in stiff and uncomfortable joints.
Boosts the Immune System
Significant evidence points towards the positive effects omega 3 has on the immune system. Research has discovered that canines with high levels of omega 3 have more antibodies following vaccinations than dogs who don’t take a supplement.
These fatty acids have also been found to help dogs suffering from allergies and an overactive immune response. Hence, you may notice an improvement in their skin and fur once they start taking omega 3 regularly.
Helps Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease
Pooches suffering from chronic kidney disease can greatly benefit from taking regular omega 3 supplements. Studies have shown too much omega 6 can make canine kidney disease worse. As mentioned, by supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids for dogs you can correct the imbalance.
Improves Heart Health and Quality of Life
Omega for dogs can significantly improve your hound’s heart health and improve their overall quality of life. Research indicates that this fatty acid can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and reduce muscle loss. These benefits combined add up to a healthy pooch with a healthy heart.
Shiny Coat
Fatty acids but particularly those found in omega 3 have been found to not only help promote healthy skin but also a shiny coat. Oily fish such as sardines, salmon and anchovies contain vital nutrients that make a dog’s coat soft and gleaming.
There are many different omega 3 fish oils for dogs available on the market. But before you choose, there are a few factors you should think about.
EPA and DHA Values
While omega 3 is made up of three fatty acids, EPA and DHA are more beneficial for your bow-wow. Therefore, check whether the content is adequate for your requirements.
Your Dog’s Overall Health
If your dog has an existing medical condition such as allergies, arthritis, inflammatory illness, etc. Then they may require a higher dosage compared to a healthy pooch. The best advice would be to discuss with your vet how much omega 3 your dog needs for their specific ailments.
Oil or Chews
Fatty acid supplements for dogs can be given in either liquid or solid form.
Encouraging your canine companion to take omega 3 oil from a spoon can be a tricky and messy process — but it’s not impossible. You can give your dog liquid fish oil by using a pump or cup but it definitely isn’t the easiest way to give your dog their daily omega 3! On the plus side, it can be easily mixed into their food, meaning they will never know they’re taking it.
Soft gels and chews are a favorite among dogs and their owners, all you need to do is put the supplement in with your dog’s food or offer it as a treat. However, if you do have a fussy pup, be mindful to choose a flavor they find appealing.
1. Strawfield Omega 3 Soft Gels for Dogs
This Omega oil for dogs is pawfect for pooches who either prefer a chewy gel or for dogs who will only take omega 3 when it’s spread on their food. These Strawfield soft gels can be given to your dog whole, like a treat, or you can rip them in half and pour the oil inside over your dog’s dinner.
Unlike other fish oils on the market, Strawfield gels also contain vitamins A, D, and E. All of these nutrients combined offer a range of health benefits and also carry anti-aging properties.
Every capsule contains 1000 mg of fish oil and is formulated to reduce inflammation and improve your dog’s mobility. The high levels of EPA (180 mg) and DHA (120 mg) — per capsule — provide your dog with effective immune system support, while also improving their coat and skin.
Worried about the purity of omega 3 supplements? Don’t stress, the Strawfields soft gels are made from wild anchovies and sardines that are molecularly distilled in the US to remove any mercury and toxins. These soft gels are also gluten-free, chemical-free, and non-GMO.
Pros
- Made with wild-caught anchovy and sardines.
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, and chemical-free.
- Includes vitamin A, D, and E for anti-aging.
- Molecularly distilled for added purity.
Cons
- Can give your dog bad breath.
- The capsules may be too large for smaller dogs to swallow.
2. Zesty Paws Omega Bites for Dogs
Made with sustainably sourced Alaskan fish oil, these omega fatty acids for dogs include 80 mg EPA and 25 mg of DPA per chew.
Omega oil for dogs doesn’t always taste — or smell! — very appetizing. This can pose an issue when your tail-wagger has to take it. However, these Omega Bites are chicken flavored and treat-like, which should make administering a whole lot smoother.
If you want your four-legged friend to have healthy skin and a beautiful coat, Zesty Paws Omega Bites help to support both your dog’s skin and their fur. The EPA and DHA both work to support normal skin moisture — regular use promises to reduce the risk of your dog developing dry skin as well as helping to keep your dog’s heart, joints, and immune system in tip-top condition.
Zesty Paws Omega Bites are also a source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and biotin. All of these ingredients can help to alleviate discomfort caused by dry and inflamed skin.
Pros
- Suitable for dogs of all ages.
- Includes vitamin C and E and biotin.
- Grain-free source of omega for dogs.
- Made with sustainably sourced Alaskan pollock.
Cons
- May cause an upset stomach.
- Could work out expensive for large breeds.
3. Amazing Nutritionals Omega 3 Chews for Dogs
Amazing Nutritionals Omega 3 chews aim to offer your dog an all-around supply of omega 3, 6, and 9. Hence, providing your furry friend with all of the fatty acid benefits they need.
The Amazing Nutritionals chews pledge to restore your dog’s balance of omega 3, 6, and 9. Often dogs can be at risk of consuming too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3 due to the processed food they eat. This mix of fatty acids will aid your dog’s heart, immune system, and brain health. Plus, their coat and skin will benefit too.
What’s more, these fatty acids for dogs can be especially effective at helping hounds with arthritis and mobility issues. The Amazing Nutritionals Omega 3 chews support your dog’s joints and can reduce inflammation to reduce pain caused by inflamed hips.
If you’re concerned that your tail-wagger will turn his nose up at a fishy aroma, don’t panic — these chews are liver and bacon flavored. It can take time to notice the health benefits of omega 3 in your dog and Amazing Nutritionals claim it may take up to 4 weeks before you notice your dog’s health improving.
Pros
- Includes 150 mg of omega 3.
- Improves the appearance of your dog’s coat.
- Designed to support your dog’s joints and reduce inflammation.
- Liver and bacon flavored.
Cons
- May not agree with woofers with a sensitive digestive system.
- Hard texture — may be too tough to eat for some.
4. Planopaws Omega 3 Fish Oil For Dogs
Planopaws Omega 3 fish oil is a safe and effective source of fatty acids for dogs. It contains EPA (800 mg) and DHA (525 mg). This supplement is made from four of the most nutritious fish — mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and herrings. Plus, these fish are sustainably sourced — ideal if you’re an eco-conscious pet parent.
Unlike the chews and capsule supplements, Planopaws is in liquid form and can be easily administered using the pump. All you need to do is squirt the oil over your dog’s usual food, they won’t even know it’s there! And, while some fish oils can smell, well, fishy you don’t need to worry about that with Planopaws. As it’s low-odor you shouldn’t have much trouble encouraging your pooch to take their daily omega 3.
The Planopaws fish oil can help to reduce shedding and to improve your dog’s skin. Fish oils, including Planopaws, can also assist in relieving skin allergy symptoms in your dog. This is a non-GMO, human-grade oil that’s produced from freshly sourced fish from the ocean surrounding Iceland.
Why We Love It
- Low odor.
- Non-GMO, human-grade fish oil.
- Pump included for convenient use.
- Helps to improve symptoms in dogs with allergies.
Cons
- Some have had issues with the pump.
- Not all dogs will eat their food if there is fish oil on it.
Giving your pooch the recommended amount of omega 3 fish oil every day can have a significant and positive impact on their overall health.
Omega 3 fatty acids support your dog’s immune system, improve the appearance of their coat, reduce inflammation and help to relieve itching. And, as canines can’t make this essential nutrient within their body, supplementing is an ideal way to fill in the gaps.
In this article, we have reviewed our top four favorite omega 3 for dogs. Whether you decide to give your tail-wagger fish oil in liquid form or as a gel chew, you will be helping your best buddy live a happier and healthier life.
Dog Omega 3 FAQs
How Much Omega-3 Should I Give My Dog?
The size of your dog will determine how much you should give them per day. It is possible to give your dog too much, which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, and altered immune function. The recommended daily dose varies depending on the source — it ranges from 75-100 mg/kg total EPA/DHA to 50-220 mg/kg total EPA/DHA.
Can Human Omega-3 Be Given to Dogs?
It’s considered safe to give your dog fish oil or omega 3 capsules intended for humans. However, it’s always best to consult with a vet before doing so — you need to be sure you’re giving them the correct dose.
Can I Give My Dog Omega-3 Every Day?
Providing you aren’t exceeding the recommended daily dosage, it’s fine to give your dog omega 3 daily, unless otherwise advised by your vet.
Does Omega 3 Help Dogs With Itchy Skin?
Yes. Omega 3 can calm the inflammation and ease the itchiness, which in turn, will stop your dog from scratching and damaging their skin further.
How Can I Add Omega 3 to My Dog’s Diet?
If you want your dog to experience all the health benefits of omega 3 you will need to incorporate it into their diet. Choose dog foods that include natural sources of omega 3, such as fatty fish, flax seeds, and oils. You can give your dog omega 3 supplements but natural sources of omega 3 are also ideal.