The Best Salmon Oil Supplements for Dogs

Written by Joan W.
Updated: February 3, 2023
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Do you have a puppy or older dog? Does your dog deal with itchy skin or food allergies? Fish oil is a great supplement to add to your dog’s diet, especially if they are young, older, or dealing with allergies.

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3, which supports your dog’s healthy coat, heart, skin, joints, and immune system. It also soothes itchy and flaky skin. If your dog has food allergies, fish oil is an excellent addition to a limited ingredient diet to bring relief to allergy symptoms and bolster your dog’s health.

Of course, you can get too much of a good thing. The recommended dose of fish oil is about 180 milligrams for each pound your dog weighs. You may want to start with a small amount and ramp-up to the full recommended dose, especially for sensitive dogs. 

We’ve researched and reviewed the best high-quality salmon oil supplements available so all you have to do is choose one to add to your dog’s diet.

  1. Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula Dog Supplement
    • Minimally processed
    • Contains balanced DHA and EPA Omega-3 fatty acids
    • Stabilized with natural rosemary extracts
    • Made in Alaska
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Dog & Cat Supplement
    • Safe and non-toxic
    • Can be used regularly
    • Fortified with vitamins and minerals
    • Made from salmon caught with approved fishing methods
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs & Cats
    • Keep skin and coat soft
    • Can be used for dogs and cats
    • Contains no additives
    • Easy to give, just mix with food
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement for Dogs & Cats
    • Made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon
    • No preservatives, additives, or chemicals
    • Contains essential Omega-3s
    • Promote healthy skin and coat
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Wholistic Pet Organics Wild Salmon Oil Skin & Coat Supplement
    • Free of pollutants and heavy metals
    • Premium oil supplement
    • Added vitamin E
    • No chemical preservatives and additives
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Salmon Oil Supplements For Dogs

#1 Best Overall: Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Sourced from wild-caught salmon and processed in the pristine natural beauty of Alaska, Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is minimally processed, which make it an excellent choice to nourish your dog’s overall health, skin, and shiny coat.

Never distilled in high heat, Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil delivers balanced DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids. It is free of fillers and chemicals. 

Since it is stabilized with natural rosemary extracts, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated after opening, but you should store it in a cool, dry place. If you live in a very hot climate, you will want to keep it refrigerated to keep it fresh.

Most reviews for this product were positive. The majority of negative reviews had to do with the pump not functioning well. One reviewer reported that their dogs had diarrhea after consuming this product.

Pros and Cons of Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

ProsCons
This salmon oil is sourced from wild-caught salmon and minimally process in Alaska.Most negative reviews had to do with the pump not functioning well.
It’s never distilled in high heat and is free from fillers and chemicals.One reviewer reported that their dogs had diarrhea after consuming this product.
It delivers balanced DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids.
This oil is stabilized with rosemary extracts, so you don’t have to refrigerate it after opening.
#1 Best Overall
Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula Dog Supplement
  • Minimally processed
  • Contains balanced DHA and EPA Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Stabilized with natural rosemary extracts
  • Made in Alaska
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Enriched Salmon Oil: Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is responsibly sourced from salmon using approved fishing methods. It’s certified and made in the U.S.A. from globally sourced ingredients.

In addition to the long-chain fatty acids provided by the omega-3, this oil is fortified with other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to nourish pets. Additives include selenium, and astaxanthin, plus vitamins D and B12.

Paws & Pals uses a molecular distillation process designed to purify the oil and make it non-toxic and safe for regular use. 

Several reviewers said they received bottles that were close to their expiration date. A few others said that the pump on their bottle didn’t work.

Pros and Cons of Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

ProsCons
This salmon oil is made from responsibly sourced salmon using approved fishing methods.Several reviewers said they received bottles that were close to their expiration date.
It’s certified and made in the U.S. from globally sourced ingredients.A few others said that the pump on their bottle didn’t work.
This oil is fortified with selenium, astaxanthin, and vitamin D and B12 to nourish pets.
The company uses a molecular distillation to purify the oil and make it non-toxic and safe for regular use.
Best Enriched Salmon Oil
Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Dog & Cat Supplement
  • Safe and non-toxic
  • Can be used regularly
  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals
  • Made from salmon caught with approved fishing methods
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Picky Eaters: Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Zesty Paws pure salmon oil has one ingredient: salmon oil. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids from EPA and DHA, which will support your dog’s holistic health and help keep their skin and coat healthy and soft. 

Sourced from Alaska, it is produced in FDA-registered facilities in the United States that are NSF and GMP-certified. This supplement is good for both dogs and cats. So if you have a mix of pets, everyone can enjoy a pump or two mixed in with their food.

Since it’s pure salmon oil with no additives, you don’t need much to deliver all the omega-3s your dog needs. It will remain fresh for up to 18 months if you refrigerate it, but only four to six months if you don’t.

A few reviewers reported that their pets (cats) didn’t like this oil. Some said that the pump leaked.

Pros and Cons of Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

ProsCons
The only ingredient in this product is salmon oil sourced from Alaska and produced in FDA-registered facilities in the U.S. that are NSF and GMP-certified.A few reviewers reported that their pets (cats) didn’t like this oil.
It’s safe for dogs and cats. Some reviewers said that the pump leaked.
It will remain fresh for up to 18 months if you refrigerate it, but only four to six months if you don’t.
Best for Picky Eaters
Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs & Cats
  • Keep skin and coat soft
  • Can be used for dogs and cats
  • Contains no additives
  • Easy to give, just mix with food
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Socially Responsible Choice: PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is 100% pure wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil that’s rich in essential omega-3s. In fact, the ingredient list for PetHonesty’s salmon oil lists a single item: wild-caught Alaskan salmon. It is made from fish that are sustainably caught. There are no preservatives, additives, or chemicals and it’s made in the U.S.A.

PetHonesty takes its commitment to pet health even further by donating a portion of its profits to no-kill animal shelters. So, not only are you giving your dog a natural source of omega-3, B12, B3, D3, B6, biotin, choline, potassium, and selenium — you are also helping pets in need with every purchase.

Make sure and refrigerate this product after you open it.

Most negative reviews had to do with the pump not functioning correctly.

Pros and Cons of PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

ProsCons
This product is 100% pure wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil with no additives.It must be refrigerated after opening.
It’s made from sustainably caught fish in the U.S.Most negative reviews had to do with the pump not functioning correctly.
The company gives a portion of their profits to no-kill animal shelters.
This oil is a natural source of omega-3, B12, B3, D3, B6, biotin, choline, potassium, and selenium.
Best Socially Responsible Choice
PetHonesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement for Dogs & Cats
  • Made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon
  • No preservatives, additives, or chemicals
  • Contains essential Omega-3s
  • Promote healthy skin and coat
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best Organic Salmon Oil: Wholistic Pet Organics Wild Salmon Oil

Wholistic Pet Organics Wild Salmon Oil includes wild-caught Alaskan salmon to create this premium oil supplement and add some vitamin E as a natural preservative. The formula is free of chemical preservatives, additives, or anything artificial.

Wholistic Pet Organics is based in Bedford, NH, and has provided premium pet supplements to veterinarians for over 15 years. Their organic wild salmon oil has been tested to be free of pollutants and heavy metals.

The company prides itself on quality, and its facility is audited and inspected by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). They are also Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and GMP certified in all 50 states.

Some long-term buyers left negative reviews for this product saying that the quality wasn’t as good as it used to be.

Pros and Cons of Wholistic Pet Organics Wild Salmon Oil

ProsCons
This supplement is made of wild-caught Alaskan salmon with vitamin E as a natural preservative.Some long-term buyers left negative reviews for this product saying that the quality wasn’t as good as it used to be.
It’s free from chemical preservatives, additives, and anything artificial.
The company has provided premium pet supplements to veterinarians for more than 15 years.
Their salmon oil has been tested to be free of pollutants and heavy metals.
The company’s facility is audited and inspected by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).
The manufacturer is Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and GMP certified in all 50 states.
Best Organic Salmon Oil
Wholistic Pet Organics Wild Salmon Oil Skin & Coat Supplement
  • Free of pollutants and heavy metals
  • Premium oil supplement
  • Added vitamin E
  • No chemical preservatives and additives
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When choosing the best salmon oil supplements for dogs, there are a couple of factors you will want to consider. They include the following:

  • The source of the salmon: The supplement’s effectiveness will depend on the health of the fish it is made from, so wild-caught salmon makes a better oil. 
  • The purity of the oil: You want to avoid artificial ingredients, preservatives, or fillers that don’t add to the potency of the oil supplement.

The Different Types of Salmon Oil Supplements For Dogs: Pros and Cons Compared

Dogs are such good companions and are so happy when they feel good. It’s hard to watch when they get older, sick, or are itching. If you’re motivated to try a salmon oil supplement to support your dog’s well-being, you may be overwhelmed by the different types available: oils, capsules, chews, wild-caught, chemically preserved, and naturally preserved.

Here are some pros and cons of each type.

Oil

PROSCONS
You can mix it with your dog’s foodSome dogs don’t like fish
Many pure options on the marketCan get messy and hard to use if the pump doesn’t work
Most dogs enjoy the taste

Capsules

PROSCONS
Better for dogs that won’t eat anything fish-flavoredClever dogs will eat around the capsule or spit it out
Easy to hide in a treatMore expensive per serving
Pre-measured doses

Chews

PROSCONS
Come in different flavorsCan have extra fillers, additives, and preservatives
Some dogs like them better – they seem like a treat
Pre-measured doses

Wild-Caught

PROSCONS
High-quality nutrient-rich fishIt may be more expensive
Some companies use sustainable fishing practices
Highly absorbable Omega-3s for your dog

Chemically Preserved

PROSCONS
Lasts longerAdding unnecessary chemicals to a health supplement
Easier to storeIt may not deliver the same level of benefits as pure oil
Unlikely to go rancid

Naturally Preserved or With No Preservatives

PROSCONS
FreshMost need to be refrigerated
PureCan go rancid if left out
Easy to absorb nutrients

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About the Author

Joan Weisman is an experienced freelance marketing strategist and copywriter who helps small businesses expand their audience and stay top of mind with customers. She loves animals and dotes on her cat and dog.

The Best Salmon Oil Supplements for Dogs FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is salmon oil good for dogs?

Salmon oil is an excellent supplement that’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit your dog’s immune system, heart, cognitive function, skin and coat.

Does salmon oil have any side effects?

Your dog shouldn’t suffer from side effects unless you give them higher doses than recommended. Side effects may include diarrhea, drowsiness, delayed wound healing, flaky skin, oily coat, a fishy odor to the skin or breath, or increased itchiness.

These side effects should clear up after you stop giving your dog salmon oil.

Will salmon oil make my dog stop itching?

Chances are that it will! Salmon oil contains essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. The fatty acids can also help restore the skin’s moisture balance.

 

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.