A fish oil supplement covers what your dog's meal doesn't always reach
A fish oil supplement is a liquid source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which your dog cannot produce in sufficient quantity on its own and therefore must obtain through the diet. The fatty acids support, among other things, the skin and coat, joints, and the general maintenance of the circulatory and nervous systems. Even a well-composed meal may need a boost if your dog has dry skin, an itchy coat, stiff joints, or simply needs extra shine in its coat. This is where a daily supplement comes into the picture.
In this collection you'll find the omega 3 oil in three sizes, so you can choose based on how many dogs you have and how much you use. The oil is poured directly over the dog's dry food or pâté, which makes it easy to dose and easy to get into even the picky ones.
How much fish oil should a dog have per day?
The right dose depends on the dog's weight, not on a fixed amount for all dogs. The bigger the dog, the more oil. That's why the dosage on the bottle is given according to body weight, and you should always follow the instructions on the specific bottle rather than a rough estimate. A small dog weighing just a few kilos needs significantly less than a large breed dog.
Feel free to start gently and build up over a few days, so the dog's stomach gets used to the extra fat. If the dog already gets a meal with a high and balanced content of omega-3, it doesn't necessarily need a large supplement on top, but a daily touch can still make a visible difference to the coat and skin. If you're in doubt about the amount for your particular dog, especially if it has a known illness or takes medication, discuss the dosage with your vet.
Can you give a dog too much fish oil?
Yes, more is not better. Fish oil is pure fat and therefore energy-dense, so too large a daily amount can contribute to weight gain over time and, in some dogs, cause loose stools or fishy breath. Very high doses over a prolonged period can also affect the blood's ability to clot. That's why the point of a supplement is to hit an appropriate daily amount according to the dog's weight, not to pour on plenty.
If you stick to the dosage instructions and adjust according to the dog's size, fish oil is a safe daily supplement. If you notice changes in stools or appetite, cut back and give the stomach time to get used to it.
EPA and DHA are what count
When you compare fish oils, it's not the total amount of oil that determines the quality, but how much of the two active omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are actually in each dose. EPA is particularly linked to the normal function of skin and joints, while DHA is involved in, among other things, the brain and nervous system and is especially relevant for puppies during growth and for senior dogs. An oil with a low content of EPA and DHA requires larger amounts to give the same effect, and then it quickly adds up.
So look at what is specifically stated per dose, and not just at the bottle size. It's the content of the two fatty acids that determines what your dog actually gets out of the supplement.
Freshness and purity are decisive for a fat supplement
Fish oil is sensitive to oxygen, light, and heat, and rancid oil loses both effect and taste. That's why it matters how the oil is produced and stored. Keep the bottle cool and dark, close it well after use, and use it within the shelf life indicated after opening. If the oil smells sharp or rancid, it should not be used.
Purity is about the oil coming from fish without an accumulation of undesirable substances. Choose a supplement from a producer who is transparent about where the fish comes from and how the oil is handled. A fresh oil of good quality tastes and smells mild, and that's typically also the one your dog accepts without protest.
How to get the oil into your dog
The big advantage of a liquid fish oil is that it blends directly into the meal. Pour the measured amount over the dog's regular food and stir, so it spreads out. Most dogs take to it well, because the oil adds flavour and makes the dry food more tempting, which can also help with picky dogs.
Fish oil suits dogs in all life stages, but the need varies. Puppies benefit from DHA during development, adult dogs use it for maintaining skin, coat, and joints, and in seniors a daily supplement can support ageing joints and a coat that is no longer as shiny as before. If joints are your main concern, you can also look at the mobility blend, which is composed with a focus on mobility.
