Fish oil has become a popular supplement for dogs due to its many health benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the overall health of our furry friends. If you notice that your dog has itchy skin or a dull coat, they may benefit from a fish oil supplement.
Omega-3 supports joint health, promotes coat and skin health, boosts the immune system and helps with cognitive function. Dr Fossum recommends choosing a product that contains both EPA and DHA (two essential fatty acids) and uses sustainably sourced ingredients. To make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of the nine best dog fish oils for 2023 based on quality, purity and customer satisfaction.
Best Fish Oils for Dogs
1. Heads Up For Tails Sardine Oil for Dogs and Cats
Heads Up For Tails Sardine Oil contains omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. The source is sardines, from which the Omega 3 fatty acids are isolated to a particularly high degree of purity.
The fish oil is also ultra-refined, extracted and molecularly distilled in an ISO 22000 and GMP and EIA certified production facility. No chemical residues are left behind. This supplement comes in a pressurised bottle, well designed for easy dispensing. Allows you to easily spray it onto your dog’s food every day. As an added benefit, this fish oil can also be given to cats.
2. Puainta Sardine Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats
If you prefer to give your dog a pill rather than pumping the oil into his food, Puainta Sardine Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats is available in a convenient once daily softgel form. Each container contains 90 pills and the instructions say to give your dog one pill for every 22 to 55 pounds of body weight.
Puainta Sardine Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats contains 300mg of fatty acids and is also formulated with vitamins A and E. These pills are not messy and odourless when taken (ideal if you can’t stand the taste of fish) and they don’t need to be refrigerated like many liquid products.
3. Zesty Paws Core Elements Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
Zesty Paws Core Elements Alaskan Salmon Oil is a great source of DHA and EPA for dogs and the fact that it comes in an easy-to-manage container is always an added bonus. The premium fish oil is made from wild Alaskan salmon and contains 850mg of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, per teaspoon.
This supplement comes in a pump-top can, allowing you to easily spray it onto your dog’s food every day. This is our best overall, partly because it contains no artificial flavours, preservatives or synthetic colours and is made in the U.S.A. Zesty Paws offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on its products and as an added benefit, this fish oil can also be given to cats.
4. Native Pet Omega Oil for Dogs
Native Pet Omega Oil for Dogs fish oil comes in liquid form and its container has a handy pump for easy dispensing onto your dog’s food. Made from wild salmon and cod oil sourced in the USA, the fish oil is purified to remove the fishy taste and the brand uses a third party tester to ensure the potency and purity of the product. However, he is only suitable for dogs and not for cats.
5. Amazing Nutritionals Omega-3 Fish Oil Chew-able Tablet
Amazing Nutritionals Omega-3 Fish Oil Chew-able Tablets are a convenient and tasty option for dogs. It is the only tasty dog supplement that treats coat and skin conditions, itchy skin, flaking and hot spots while protecting your dog’s heart, immune system and joints.
If your dog doesn’t like the taste of fish oil, this is the perfect choice for Containing no fish, shrimp, crab, shark or avocado, dogs will absolutely love these tasty bacon and liver flavoured chews.
6. PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil Dog & Cat Supplement
If you are looking for a very effective fish oil for dogs, Pet Honesty’s Omega-3 fish oil is made from sardines, mackerel, anchovies and herring, which are high in Omega-3 but low in mercury and toxins, containing 1,438 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (approximately 4.6 g) per two pumps.
PetHonest Fish Oil comes in liquid form and its container has a handy pump for easy dispensing onto your dog’s food. The fish oil is purified to remove the fishy smell and the brand uses a third party tester to ensure the potency and purity of the product.
7. Grizzly Omega Health Liquid Omega-3 Supplement for Dogs and Cats
Grizzly Omega Health Liquid Omega-3 Supplement comes in a large 64oz can, allowing you to use it for longer and is even more friendly for families with many furry children. The fish oil is made from wild, not farmed, Alaskan salmon.
(Because wild salmon has fewer calories than fish oil), this makes it higher in omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains 1,090mg of omega-3 fatty acids per teaspoon, making it an extremely effective choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a prescription for fish oil for dogs?
Fish oil supplements for dogs are an over-the-counter product and can be purchased without a prescription.
How long does it take to see results with fish oil?
In general, it is recommended to take fish oil supplements for a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks to start noticing potential benefits.
Can You Give Pets Human Fish Oil?
While fish oil supplements for humans are generally safe for pets, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before giving them to your pet. This is because the dosage and formulation of human fish oil supplements may not be appropriate for your pet, and there may be other factors to consider, such as your pet’s age, weight, and overall health.
In addition, some human fish oil supplements may contain additional ingredients, such as flavorings or other additives, that could be harmful to pets. It’s always best to choose a fish oil supplement that is specifically formulated for pets and to follow the dosage recommendations provided by your veterinarian.
Fish Oil for Dogs&Cats Selection Criteria
Ingredients
There are many good products on the market, but you must find one that contains EPA and DHA
Quality
Choose a high quality fish oil supplement formulated specifically for cats. Look for products made from good quality pure fish oil, free from contaminants such as mercury, PCBs and dioxins. It is therefore necessary to choose a product that has been processed through distillation. Distillation removes these harmful chemicals and other impurities, so the final product is safe.
Conclusion
The 7 options listed above are among the best fish oils for dogs in 2023, offering various health benefits and positive customer reviews.
Remember to consider your dog’s unique requirements and consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplements. By choosing a high-quality fish oil, you can contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being.