What is the Best Source of Omega 3 for Dogs?
The Best Source of Omega-3 for Dogs: Ensuring Optimal Health with DHA, EPA, and ALA
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in a dog's health, supporting everything from skin and coat health to cognitive function and joint mobility. The three main types of omega-3s are Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Each of these fatty acids has distinct biological roles, and not all omega-3 sources provide them equally.
In this article, we’ll explore the best omega-3 sources for dogs, their benefits, and scientific evidence supporting their role in canine nutrition.
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that dogs cannot synthesize on their own, meaning they must be obtained through diet. These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and provide support for various bodily functions, including:
Joint health: Reducing inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
Skin and coat health: Promoting smooth, hydrated skin and a shiny coat.
Heart health: Supporting cardiovascular function.
Cognitive function: Helping brain development and maintaining cognitive health in senior dogs.
The three primary forms of omega-3s — DHA, EPA, and ALA — serve different purposes:
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): Critical for brain health, cognitive function, and retinal development in dogs. It is especially important for puppies during growth stages and for senior dogs to maintain brain function.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, EPA helps in reducing inflammation in joints, skin, and tissues, making it an ideal supplement for dogs with arthritis or inflammatory skin conditions.
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid): ALA is a precursor to EPA and DHA but must be converted by the body into these forms to be beneficial. Dogs have a limited ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, making direct sources of EPA and DHA more valuable.
Sources of Omega-3 for Dogs
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil is one of the best-known sources of EPA and DHA. Specifically, oil from cold-water, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies is rich in these long-chain omega-3s. Fish oil is highly bioavailable, meaning it is easy for dogs to absorb and use.
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2010) showed that fish oil supplementation reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs, leading to improved mobility and reduced pain . Another peer-reviewed study by Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019) demonstrated that fish oil enriched with EPA and DHA improves cognitive function in senior dogs .
Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs:
High in EPA and DHA, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy brain and joint function.
Supports heart health by lowering triglyceride levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Limitations: Depending on how the fish oil is produced and stored will depend on it’s efficiency. Fish oil that has been heated treated, stored poorly and exposed to light and oxygen will be oxidised. Look out for supplements that test the peroxide levels prior to bottling and that ideally molecularly distill the oil to take out heavy metals.
Recommended Dosage:
The typical dosage for dogs is about 100 mg of combined EPA and DHA per kg of body weight, although this may vary based on the dog’s age, health condition, and veterinarian’s advice.
2. Krill Oil
Krill oil is a more sustainable option that also provides EPA and DHA but in phospholipid form, which is easier for the body to absorb. Additionally, krill oil contains a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage. A 2017 study in Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology found that krill oil improved omega-3 index levels in dogs more effectively than fish oil, due to its enhanced absorption .
Benefits of Krill Oil:
Contains highly bioavailable forms of EPA and DHA.
Rich in antioxidants like astaxanthin, offering additional protection against oxidative stress.
3. Algae oil
Algae oil is an even more sustainable source of Omega 3s than krill oil. It’s high in DHA than EPA.
Benefits of Algae oil:
High in DHA which is exceptional for brain and cognitive function
A good omega source for dogs with intolerances to fish or seafood sources
4. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of omega-3s and is particularly rich in ALA. While ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA, dogs are inefficient at this conversion process. Thus, while flaxseed oil may be helpful for general health and coat maintenance, it is not as beneficial as fish or krill oil for supporting inflammation and cognitive health. Research published in The Veterinary Journal (2004) suggests that while ALA from flaxseed oil is useful for skin health, it provides limited anti-inflammatory benefits compared to DHA and EPA from marine sources .
Benefits of Flaxseed Oil:
Suitable for dogs with fish allergies.
Supports skin health and offers mild anti-inflammatory benefits.
Limitations:
Flaxseed oil is not a reliable source of EPA and DHA due to dogs’ poor conversion rate of ALA. Therefore, it should not be relied upon as the sole omega-3 source in dogs prone to inflammatory issues.
The Importance of Omega-3/Omega 6 Balance
Maintaining the correct balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important for your dog’s health. While omega-6s (found in chicken, eggs, seed oils and some grains) are essential for promoting skin health and inflammation response, too much can exacerbate inflammation. Dogs fed a commercial diet often receive plenty of omega-6s, but their omega-3 levels may be low.
By adding high-quality sources of DHA and EPA through fish or krill oil, you can correct this imbalance and improve overall health. Check with your food supplier the omega3 Omega 6 ratio. For healthy adult dogs we want it be sit between 4:1-6:1 if you are feeding a high quality complete food the additions of omega 3s in for healthy adult dogs may not be needed.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Omega 3's are generally safe but as mentioned in the last page we need to ask ourselves if they are needed first.
A few side effects include;
GI upset: including diarrhea, vomiting and nausea can occur with high doses.
Blood Thinning: High levels of Omega 3 supplementation can affect blood clotting especially with dogs who are on anti-coagulant medication.
Weight Gain: Adding in sardines and other fresh fish can lead to weight gain if not managed as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
To provide the best source of omega-3 for your dog, focus on high-quality marine oils like fish oil or krill oil, which offer concentrated amounts of EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting cognitive health, and maintaining joint function. While flaxseed oil can be a secondary source of omega-3s, it should not be relied upon for dogs needing targeted anti-inflammatory support due to its ALA content, which is inefficiently converted to EPA and DHA.
As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing new supplements to ensure proper dosing based on your dog's specific needs. Want to know more about omega 3s? Join The Canine Code today for our full guide
References
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2010). Effects of fish oil on osteoarthritis in dogs.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019). Cognitive improvements in senior dogs through fish oil supplementation.
Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology (2017). Omega-3 bioavailability from krill oil vs fish oil.
The Veterinary Journal (2004). Comparing flaxseed oil and fish oil for anti-inflammatory benefits in dogs.