4 Benefits of Giving Fish Oil To Your Dog

If you’ve ever taken fish oil for its brain, joint, or heart benefits, you might be wondering—is fish oil good for dogs, too? The answer is yes! Fish oil is a powerful supplement that supports your pup’s overall health, from a shinier coat to improved joint mobility and even better brain function.

Veterinarians frequently recommend fish oil as a safe and beneficial addition to a dog’s diet. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids—essential nutrients that your dog’s body doesn’t produce on its own but needs to thrive. Adding fish oil products to your dog’s routine can help with inflammation, allergies, and long-term wellness.

Can You Give a Dog Fish Oil?

Yes! Fish oil is not only safe for dogs, but it’s also one of the best supplements you can add to their diet. According to the American Kennel Club, fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, joints, heart health, and cognitive function in dogs (1).

Dogs can’t produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own, meaning they must get them through their diet. Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods are high in omega-6 fatty acids but low in omega-3s, leading to an imbalance that can contribute to inflammation and health issues over time. That’s where fish oil supplements come in—they help restore this balance and provide a range of health benefits.

Fish oil benefits dogs by supporting healthy skin, joints, heart, and brain function.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs must get omega-3 fatty acids from their diets. These essential fats play a vital role in overall health, influencing everything from skin condition and joint function to heart health and brain development. Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods contain too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance contributes to inflammation and chronic health issues.

A growing body of research shows that supplementing dogs with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—two key types of omega-3s found in fish oil—can positively impact their health (2). These fatty acids are crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Studies also suggest that maintaining a low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio can help lower the risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, and chronic inflammatory conditions in both dogs and cats. Since many pet diets are high in omega-6 due to processed ingredients and seed oils, adding an omega-3 supplement like fish oil can help restore balance and promote long-term health (3).

Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

Adding fish oil to your dog’s diet can support their health in multiple ways, from soothing itchy skin to keeping their joints flexible and their brain sharp. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, provide anti-inflammatory benefits that can improve mobility, support heart health, and even enhance cognitive function. 

Here’s how fish oil can help your pup:

1. Skin and Coat Health

If your dog struggles with itchy skin, dandruff, or allergies, fish oil might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of cytokines, compounds that trigger itching and irritation (4). This makes fish oil a great supplement for dogs with seasonal allergies, dry skin, or chronic skin conditions.

Additionally, omega-3s support a shiny, healthy coat, reducing shedding and dullness. A well-balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids can help prevent flaky skin and keep your pup looking and feeling their best.

2. Joint and Mobility Support

As dogs age, their joints experience wear and tear, leading to stiffness, arthritis, and mobility issues. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can lessen chronic pain, making movement easier and more comfortable for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Studies even suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may improve joint health by protecting cartilage and slowing the progression of joint-related diseases (5). If your dog is slowing down, adding fish oil to their diet may help them stay active for longer.

3. Cognitive and Heart Health

Fish oil isn’t just good for the body—it’s also great for the brain. Studies show that senior dogs supplemented with fish oil had improved recognition of family members and other dogs (4), suggesting omega-3s may slow cognitive decline in aging pets.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Fish oil also helps lower triglyceride levels, which are linked to heart disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. If your dog is at risk for heart problems, adding omega-3s to their diet may provide critical cardiovascular support.

There’s even research suggesting that fish oil may help reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (6), though more studies are needed to confirm its full effects.

4. Immune System and Inflammatory Support

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can positively influence immune function, which is essential for keeping your dog healthy and resilient. For example, one study found that dogs fed a 5:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3s maintained a strong immune system, while younger dogs saw improvements in immune function (3). 

When thinking about achieving the right balance of omega-6 to omega-3s, remember that most dogs get too much omega-6s from their regular diets. To get a healthier omega 6 to omega-3 ratio, increase the amount of omega-3s in your dog’s diet and avoid products advertising extra omega-6s. 

How to Choose Fish Oil Supplements For Your Dog

Pet parents should look for high-quality fish oil supplements with the right balance of EPA and DHA to maximize health benefits for their dogs.

Not all fish oil supplements are created equal, and choosing the right one for your dog’s health is essential. The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs come from marine sources, like fish oils (5). 

Marine sources provide the EPA and DHA that dogs need to support their joints, heart, skin, and brain. Unlike plant-based omega-3 sources like flaxseed, omega-3s derived from cold water fish are more bioavailable and easier for your dog’s body to absorb.

Tips for Choosing a High-Quality Fish Oil for Your Dog:

• Check for the right omega-3s (EPA and DHA): These are the active omega-3 fatty acids that benefit your dog’s health the most.
• Focus on Freshness: Many omega-3 supplements are rancid, which can hurt the efficacy of the oil. Look instead for brands that focus on preserving low oxidation levels. 
• Avoid artificial additives: Skip products with unnecessary fillers or artificial flavors. 
• Choose a liquid formula: Liquid fish oil is often easier to mix into food and ensures better absorption than capsules.
• Look for purity-tested products: High-quality fish oils are tested for heavy metals and contaminants to ensure safety.
• Consult your veterinarian: Your pet’s health needs are unique, so always check with your vet to determine the right dosage for your dog’s size and condition.

Can You Give a Dog Human Fish Oil Supplements?

Yes, you can give your dog a human fish oil supplement, as long as it’s the right kind. The key is choosing a high-quality fish oil without unnecessary additives, artificial flavors, or harmful ingredients. Many human fish oils contain fillers or heavy flavorings that aren’t safe for dogs, so reading the ingredient list is crucial.

If you are seeking an omega-3 supplement that you can share with your dog, Omega Cure can be a good option. Unlike many fish oils, Omega Cure is a liquid formula, making it easy to mix into your dog’s food. Plus, because it’s purified and made with few additives, you can personalize the dosage to match your dog’s specific needs—something that’s harder to do with capsules.

That said, dosage is critical. While human fish oil can be a great option, dogs require different amounts based on their size, weight, and health needs. Too much fish oil can lead to side effects like loose bowels or stomach upset. That’s why it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your pet’s diet.

If you choose a clean, liquid fish oil like Omega Cure and follow the proper dosage guidelines, it can be a fantastic way to support your dog’s health while keeping things simple and cost-effective.

Is Fish Oil Good for Dogs?

Absolutely! Fish oil is one of the best supplements you can add to your dog’s diet. Just like with humans, omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting joint health, brain function, heart health, and skin and coat condition. Whether you’re looking to help an aging dog stay mobile, soothe itchy skin, or promote overall wellness, fish oil is a simple and effective way to give your pup a boost.

Choosing a high quality fish oil —whether a pet-specific formula or a carefully selected human formula option like Omega Cure — ensures your dog gets enough EPA and DHA without excess additives.

Remember, before starting your dog on any new supplement, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dosage for their size, breed, and health condition. With the right approach, fish oil can be a natural way to support your dog long-term.