Is salmon oil good for dogs?

Quick takeaways about salmon oil

• Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids – great for joints and cognitive function in dogs.
• Adding it to your dog’s dinner is easy, but be mindful of the extra calories.
• It’s not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet.

 

You've probably heard about the benefits of omega-3 supplements for humans, but did you know it’s great for dogs, too?

Salmon oil is a great source of these fatty acids and has both owners’ tongues and dogs’ tails wagging.

Research has proven that salmon oil has multiple health benefits. But is this popular supplement really worth it?

 

What is salmon oil?

Salmon oil is a nutritional supplement. It’s made from concentrated oil from salmon – usually from salmon farms.

Salmon oil is beneficial for dogs because it contains a trio of omega acids – 3, 6, and 9 – making it a nutritional powerhouse.

Salmon oil for dogs usually comes in liquid form.

 

Why is salmon oil good for dogs?

You and your dog have something in common: you can’t make your own omega-3 fatty acids.

EPA and DHA are the big ones, and these support joint health, help to reduce inflammation; and there’s even some evidence that it supports learning and cognitive function in puppies.

Salmon oil can help:

• Promote a healthy coat and skin. It might also help to reduce itching and flakiness.
• Support joint health, alleviating stiffness and discomfort, especially in senior dogs or those prone to arthritis.
• Reduce inflammation throughout the body, benefiting dogs with allergies or inflammatory conditions.

Not to mention they’ll most likely enjoy it as a tasty addition to their regular meals.

Though nothing beats a natural, complete and balanced diet, salmon oil has a fair amount of evidence to support it as a worthy food topper.

 

How much salmon oil should I give my dog?

There’s no one-size-fits-all dose of salmon oil for dogs. You’ll need to tailor the amount to their weight, age and overall health, too.

General guidelines recommend a daily dose of 1000mg of EPA and DHA combined for every 4.5kg of body weight.

But, a better approach would be to consult your vet for accurate dosing.

Giving salmon oil in capsules can help to be more precise with the dose, but it depends on how much your dog likes eating tablets.

They might prefer oil drizzled directly over food or gently squirted in their mouth with a syringe or pipette.

Always speak to your vet before adding something to your dog’s diet.

 

Are there any downsides to salmon oil?

Salmon oil is a type of fat. It’s naturally high in calories, so you’ll need to consider this when planning meals for your dog.

A single teaspoon of salmon oil contains around 40 calories, which could be almost 10% of a small active dog's daily calorie requirement.

This is another reason it’s helpful to chat with your vet before starting salmon oil supplements.

They’ll be able to help you make any dietary tweaks and help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

 

The side effects of salmon oil

Most dogs have no problems with salmon oil. But, if you notice any stomach upsets like loose poo or being sick, stop the supplements and contact your vet for advice.

 

Is salmon oil better than other fish oils?

Salmon oil is generally considered to have the edge over other fish because it’s richer in omega-3.

However, some studies suggest that omega-3 in farmed salmon has declined.

However, given that oil from other fish is also likely to be farmed, salmon oil is still the preferred choice for many pet owners.

 

Are there other ways to get more omega-3 into my dog’s diet?

Salmon oil is just one way to boost omega-3. If you prefer to keep things simple, why not get it straight from the source?

Fish is a tasty, healthy protein source that many dogs will happily chow down on. They can even have it raw, when it’s from a specialist provider.

Nature’s Menu offers raw salmon dog food – with natural salmon oils and omega-3. Some are enriched with extra cod oil to pack a healthy punch.

 

Salmon oil FAQs:

How can I choose the best salmon oil?

Look for high-quality, pure salmon oil without additives or preservatives.

Opt for products that undergo molecular distillation, which helps remove contaminants like pesticides and pollutants. It uses a high-pressure vacuum to separate them out.

 

Can salmon oil help with joint problems?

Salmon oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate joint stiffness and discomfort in dogs with arthritis or other joint issues.

 

Should I feed my dog salmon oil if they have a skin allergy?

Fish oils, including salmon oil, can help soothe skin allergies and reduce inflammation, promoting healthier skin and coat.

 

Does my dog need more omega-3 in their diet?

Salmon oil isn’t a substitute for a balanced diet but can help if your dog is low in omega-3.

Signs that your dog might benefit from more omega-3 include:

• A dull coat
• Flaky, itchy skin
• Scratching
• Brittle nails
• Lack of energy

But if you’re worried about your dog's health, it’s always worth visiting the vet to make sure something else isn’t at play.

   
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.