The Best Fish Oil for Dogs: Reviewed and Ranked

Just like humans, canines need several things as part of their diet to remain healthy. While most dog foods contain vitamins and minerals, there are a number of other things you may want to add to your dog’s diet. 

There are a variety of supplements on the market, but how do you know which one your dog actually needs? If your pooch has itchy skin, a dull coat, joint issues, gastrointestinal problems, or other health concerns, ask your vet about giving your dog fish oil. After your vet has given the go-ahead, you may be wondering, what is the best fish oil for dogs?

This in-depth guide will teach you everything you need to know about the benefits, side effects, and types of fish oil for dogs. Below you’ll find honest reviews and the pros and cons of each product. 

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Fish Oil for Dogs

#1 Best Overall: Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement

Our selection as the best overall is the Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement for a variety of reasons.

For higher quality, it’s made with sustainably sourced wild Alaskan salmon, which is high in DHA, EPA, and omega-3 fatty acids that can be processed by your pet’s metabolism.

In a variety of ways, fish oil benefits and protects your dog’s health. The omega-3 fatty acids in this product help to keep your pet’s immune system, eyesight, and brain in good shape. In addition, antioxidants and vitamins help your dog’s hair and skin. 

It’s available in three different sizes and can be given to dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. The pump handle makes it easy to add the oil to their daily kibble. Dogs love the rich taste and won’t think twice about scarfing down their food with the fish oil added on top! 

The only drawback to this product is that some customers found that the pump on the bottle leaked.

Pros and Cons of the Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement

#1 Overall Best

Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement

• Made with sustainably sourced wild Alaskan salmon
• High in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids
• The convenient pump makes adding oil to kibble easy
• Dogs love the taste!
• Wild salmon contains fewer calories than farmed salmon, so your pup won't gain weight from this oil

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2. Best for Large Dogs: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Supplement for Large & Giant Dogs

If you have a larger dog then we recommend the Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Supplement for Large & Giant Dogs.

Nordic Naturals is a good choice if you want your pup to have a healthy, lustrous coat, hydrated skin, and a bright mind. This fish oil for dogs is made from sardines and anchovies located in the South Pacific, rather than salmon. It supplies your dog with the critical omega-3 fatty acids they require. Furthermore, this oil is beneficial to the health of the joints, eyes, and heart. Plus, the fatty acid, along with EPA and DHA promote skin and coat health.

You’ll have to measure out a serving for your dog for each meal because it’s a pour bottle rather than a pump. It can last for up to three months after being opened. These fish oils are Friend of the Sea certified and produced in a zero-waste, biofuel-powered plant.

Pros and Cons of the Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Supplement for Large & Giant Dogs

Best for Large Dogs

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Supplement for Large & Giant Dogs

• Made from ethically sourced sardines and anchovies instead of salmon
• Contains the omega-3 fatty acids your dog needs
• Promotes a healthy, shiny coat, hydrated skin, and brain health
• Distilled for safety and tested by a third party for quality
• Manufactured in a zero-waste, biofuel-powered factory and certified by Friend of the Sea

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3. Best Capsules: Nutramax Welactin Liquid Softgels Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement

If you prefer to feed your dog their supplement in capsule format we suggest the Nutramax Welactin Liquid Softgels Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement.

This product is made from wild-caught sardines and anchovies from Peru, and each serving contains at least 155mg of EPA and 100mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids. That’ll provide your dog a health boost for their kidneys, brain, and eyes, as well as support for a healthy, lustrous coat and less dry skin. 

Nutramax fish oil also helps to maintain joint and immunological function, as well as the neurological system and a healthy heart rhythm. Plus, these capsules have a pleasant minty taste.

Sardines and anchovies in this product are screened for pollutants before usage, you don’t have to worry about anything hurting your pet. This fish oil is obtained from smaller cold-water fish, which tend to accumulate fewer toxins than bigger cold-water fish. A single soft gel capsule per 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight should be given once a day, or as advised by your veterinarian.

The only drawback to this product is that some dogs do not like taking the capsules.

Pros and Cons of the Nutramax Welactin Liquid Softgels Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement

Best Capsules

Nutramax Welactin Liquid Softgels Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement

• Made from wild-caught sardines and anchovies
• Contains 155 mg of EPA and 100 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids per serving
• Supports kidney, brain, eye, coat, and skin health
• Maintains immune and joint function and promotes a healthy neurological system and heart rhythm
• Contains peppermint, which is analgesic and anti-inflammatory -- and dogs love the taste!

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4. Best on a Budget: Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil Skin & Coat Health Dog Supplement

A fish oil supplement for your dog doesn’t need to break the bank, which is why we recommend the Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil Skin & Coat Health Dog Supplement as the best budget option.

This quality supplement features fish oil from wild caught salmon and pollock. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as biotin to support the joints, bones, and immune system. They also promote a healthy skin and coat. It also contains DHA and EPA which both support skin and coat health too. By looking after the skin and coat this supplement also helps to alleviate the itching caused by seasonal allergies.

This product also contains wheat germ oil as a source of vitamin A. However, this does mean that it is not suitable for dogs with a wheat allergy.

Pros and Cons of the Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil Skin & Coat Health Dog Supplement

Why Should I Give My Dog Fish Oil?

Omega fatty acids are required for dogs to mature properly and maintain excellent health. Some of these acids may be produced by dogs, while others, known as essential fatty acids, have to be absorbed from their food. 

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two of the key fatty acids. They have quite a distinct function in your dog’s biology and they are both omega-3 fatty acids. These crucial molecules are difficult to come by, as they are only present in a small number of dog foods.

Chia seeds and flaxseed are two examples of this. However, the ocean provides some of the richest supplies of omega-3 fatty acids, notably fatty seafood such as salmon, herring, and anchovies.

Benefits of Fish Oil

Some of fish oils’ health advantages are tiny, while others can effectively enhance your pet’s quality of life. Fish oils include omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the following:

• Better Coat: After giving their dog fish oil supplements for a few months, many owners are surprised at how smooth and lustrous their dog’s fur becomes.
• Helps Dry Skin: Omega-3 fatty acids frequently enhance your dog’s overall skin health in addition to improving his hair. These advantages are more noticeable in dogs with skin conditions.
• Development in Puppies: The continuous growth of your dog’s brain and eyes is critical for his long-term health, and fish oils can help guarantee that your new puppy receives all he requires. 
• Reduce inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit in a variety of ways due to their anti-inflammatory properties that function throughout your dog’s body. This implies that fish oil supplements may aid your dog with inflammation in any part of his body, including his heart, kidneys, joints, and a variety of other areas.

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

How do you know if one product is worth your money and if one is just a hoax? In order for you to pick a high-quality fish oil that will provide your pup with better health, look for the following factors. 

Ingredients 

A fish oil supplement, like any other pet food, should be checked for ingredients. You’ll want to check for omega-3 fatty acids in particular. There are several decent products on the market, but you should look for one that has EPA and DHA, which are two of the most essential forms of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Testing 

Because the FDA does not monitor pet foods as strictly as it regulates human meals, choosing a product that has been privately tested for purity is advantageous. Look for a money-back guarantee and make sure the product has been third-party evaluated by an independent testing agency. Another item to check for is the NASC Quality Seal, which is only given to brands that fulfil stringent quality standards.

Form

Fish oil for dogs is available in a variety of formats, mostly as a liquid or a soft gel, but also as a chew or tablet. You already know your pet, so you’ll be able to tell which kind will be the easiest for them to ingest. Although tablets are normally less smelly, some dogs refuse to take them.

Price

Supplements, whether for pets or humans, may be costly! Check costs, ingredients, and quality carefully—you can discover many products with the same components, etc., but at dramatically different rates.

Reviews

Testimonials from other dog lovers who use a product that you’re considering are an excellent source of information about its performance and advantages. Just bear in mind that every dog reacts to diets and supplements individually, so even the best-rated product might not be right for your pup. 

What Dosage Should I Give My Dog? 

The majority of pet owners want to know how much fish oil is beneficial for dogs. Your dog’s fish oil therapy will be as individual as his dosage. Before adding fish oil to your dog’s food, consult with your veterinarian to confirm that your dog is getting the right quantity. 

A dog’s gastrointestinal tract can be harmed by too much fish oil, resulting in diarrhea. It will be ineffective if there isn’t enough fish oil. A veterinarian can recommend a starting dose based on the problem being managed, your dog’s weight, breed, size, and other relevant factors.

The Different Types of Fish Oil for Dogs: Pros and Cons Compared

Fish oil for dogs is available in a few different styles. There’s no denying that not all dogs will take capsules or chews. It’s important to find a form that your pup will enjoy. Let’s take a look at the benefits and advantages of each type. 

Capsules and Tablets

Liquid

Chews