The best fish oils for dogs help with arthritis, joint pain and skin, cardiovascular, and immune health. Our top picks are liquids, softgels and chews.
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Research has found that the best fish oils for dogs may help with arthritis, skin allergies, coat health, joint diseases, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Two specific fatty acids in fish oil, DHA and EPA, have even been associated with increased trainability in puppies, says Dr. Emily Luisana, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals.
We spoke to an expert from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and several veterinarians for advice on selecting the best fish oil supplements. After a thorough review of oils, soft gels, and chews, we landed on our top picks. The overall best fish oil for dogs is Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil. This liquid fish oil supplement has high concentrations of EPA and DHA from wild-caught fish that are low in mercury and other toxins.
Of course, you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement, even if it's over-the-counter. And while our picks have dosage recommendations on their labels, your vet should ultimately determine the right amount for your dog.
Best overall: Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil - See at Chewy
Best softgels: Elanco Free Form Omega-3 Fish Oil - See at Chewy
Best budget: Now Pets Omega-3 Support for Dogs and Cats - See at Chewy
Best chews: Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Omega and Skin Soft Chews - See at Amazon
Our top pick for the best fish oil for dogs is Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil, which comes in liquid form. "Fish oil that comes in a liquid is best for dosing as you can be more precise," says Luisana. Among our recommendations, this fish oil also has the highest concentrations of overall omega-3 fatty acids (1,300 mg) and EPA and DHA, two kinds of fatty acids that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to contribute to most of fish oil's health benefits, according to a study published in In Vivo.
Pet Honesty Omega-3 Fish Oil has at least 100 milligrams more of combined EPA and DHA than the competition. The product label clearly lists the sources of the oils, which are anchovies, herring, sardines, and mackerel, and there are no added flavors or dyes. In addition, Pet Honesty is an audited NASC member, and ConsumerLab named this the top fish oil for dogs after completing comprehensive third-party testing.
Potency and quality assurance aside, Pet Honesty Omega-3 Fish Oil won us over with its low cost and non-fishy smell, the result of purifying the oil. While we wish there were a pump or pour spout for easy dispensing, it's hard to hold that against a top-quality product, especially when some of the brand's profits go to no-kill animal shelters.
Even though the label does not say it requires refrigeration, our experts recommend storing liquid fish oils in the refrigerator to prevent them from going rancid.
Softgels offer an alternate delivery system for your dog, and Elanco Free Form Omega-3 Fish Oil is our top pick in this category. Although the source of the fish oil is not given, Elanco is a trusted name in the pet supplements industry with a strong focus on research and development, and the NASC seal on this product ensures quality control. In addition, the fish oil has high concentrations of EPA and DHA and a short ingredient list.
These softgels have the advantage of coming in distinct formulations for small dogs and medium and large breeds, which helps with proper dosing. Even more, the snip tip gives you the option to mix the oil in with your dog's food if they won't accept the capsules. They're also easy to store since they don't require refrigeration.
Some users say the snip tips can be messy, and the oil has a lasting odor, which may deter picky dogs. But overall, the quality you get for a good price makes the Elanco Free Form Omega-3 Fish Oil softgels one of best fish oils for dogs.
One drawback of fish oil supplements for dogs is that they can get expensive, but the Now Pets Omega-3 Support softgels are a standout exception. Each softgel contains 300 mg of EPA and DHA, which exceeds Luisana's minimum recommendation of at least 225 mg per capsule. In addition to being NASC-certified, the Now brand has a solid reputation for fish oil: ConsumerLab chose the brand's Now Kids DHA Fish Oil Chewables as its top recommendation for children following independent testing.
While you won't get the highest concentrations of DHA and EPA, you will still get 1,000 mg of fish oil concentrate, which includes other omega-3 fatty acids that have potential benefits. These softgels are also suitable for cats, though you should confirm the correct dosages with your veterinarian.
This might not be the best softgel for small breeds since some users have had issues with the pill's larger size. However, you can always squeeze the liquid out if you don't mind getting a little messy. Ultimately, this is a solid choice of fish oil for dogs at a great price point.
If your dog doesn't accept pills or liquids, treats may be a viable way to give them additional omega fatty acids, and the Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Omega and Skin Soft Chews are our top choice. The oils in these compact but soft treats are a mixture of marine and plant sources to deliver a variety of fatty acids, including omega-6s, which support healthy skin and coat and immune function. Because dogs can't make these essential fats on their own, they need to get them through their diet.
Chews, in general, tend to have more extraneous ingredients added for flavor, texture, and shelf stability. In contrast, other forms of fish oil for dogs have relatively simple ingredient lists outside of their active ingredients. They also have the lowest amounts of EPA and DHA (150 mg combined) of the products we reviewed — for a price that's among the highest. That said, these chews are made with salmon and krill oil, and there's biotin to support skin and coat. We also like the resealable bag and screw-top container to preserve freshness.
We wish the chews came in a variety of flavors. Users report the salmon flavor is a hit with their dogs, but keep in mind that may not be the case with your pet.
There is a vast amount of fish oil supplements for dogs on the market, so it helps to understand what experts use to gauge a product's quality. Here are the most important things to look for.
Omega-3, EPA, and DHA concentrations: In general, the more concentrated a product is, the better, says Luisana. She recommends looking for fish oil supplements for dogs with at least 225 mg of EPA and DHA per mL or per small softgel, and the highest amount of total omega-3 fatty acids available. While EPA and DHA are the most important omega-3s to look for, given that they are the most bioactive forms (most easily used by canine bodies), other omega-3 fats are also beneficial. In comparing products with equal amounts of DHA and EPA, Luisana says she would give preference to a product with the highest amount of total omega-3s. However, the priority is always high EPA and DHA concentrations.
Ingredients: Fish oil should, of course, be the primary ingredient, and supplements that specify the source of the oil are best, though you won't always see this. Ideally, you want the oil to come from wild-caught small fish because they tend to be lower in mercury and other toxins, says Priyank Kumar, an associate professor of veterinary pharmacology at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine. You also want to look out for ingredients that shouldn't be there, like xylitol, which is used to mask the flavor of some fish oil but can be harmful to dogs, he says. Luisana adds citrus flavorings to that list since many pets don't like them and says to avoid vitamins A and D, as most pets have these well-supplemented in their food, and adding more to their diet could reach toxic levels. "I avoid cod liver oil products due to the vitamin A inclusion," she says. Other vitamins, including E, which may be listed as mixed tocopherols on product labels, are needed to avoid oxidation of fish oils and are not a cause for concern, she adds.
Format: Fish oil comes in different forms, including liquids, softgels, and chews. The experts we spoke to agree that liquids tend to be easiest to dose and administer to a dog that has difficulty swallowing or sneak into their food if needed. However, some picky eaters may be put off by the odor, which tends to be masked in a softgel or especially by a chew, which usually contains other appealing ingredients and can be given in place of a regular treat.
Calories: You may not consider it because supplements and treats are so small, but both can add calories to your dog's diet. Fish oil is the most caloric of the macronutrients at around 9 calories per gram, and a typical serving of fish oil contains about 40 calories. Keep in mind that treats and supplements should generally make up no more than 10% of a dog's total caloric intake each day. Choosing a concentrated source of EPA and DHA (the active omega-3 fatty acids) means you can deliver more benefits in fewer calories, a good option for dogs whose weight needs to be carefully managed.
Third-party testing and quality seals: The supplement industry for human products is not well regulated, and that of animal products even less so, says Kumar. That's why quality seals from credible organizations and third-party testing factored heavily into our recommendations for the best fish oils for dogs. "The seal signifies that the product has gone through and met or exceeded stringent standards and good manufacturing standards," Kumar says.
One of the top certifying agencies is the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). "We are a nonprofit that works cooperatively with the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine and state regulators," says Bill Bookout, president of the NASC. "Our goal is quality and compliance." Other third-party agencies include ConsumerLab, NSF International, and Eurofins. While these seals guarantee quality control, keep in mind that they make no claims in terms of efficacy or how well a fish oil supplement delivers on the health claims.
Dosage directions: "There is a lot to consider when deciding a patient's ideal dosage of fish oil," says Luisana. Factors to consider are the size of the pet, its health, diet, and tolerance. "Additionally, we prefer to dose on ideal body weight, so patients that are under/overweight may need some adjustments after calculating their dose," she says. For those reasons, you should always consult your veterinarian before starting a new supplement for your pet and for proper dosing. A good product will offer rough guidelines on the label for dosing according to weight. Still, it pays to be safe, especially if you're not certain what amounts of nutrients your dog is getting from their regular food.
Packaging: Fish oil supplements can be a tricky venture if your dog is not keen on taking them, so a well-designed product can help minimize mess. You may find liquids with dispenser pumps easier to use or prefer a capsule with a snip-off tip — just cut it with scissors to squeeze out the oil if your dog doesn't like the capsules. The most important thing when it comes to packaging, however, is that it is opaque and airtight because heat and light, even sunlight, can degrade fish oil and cause it to go rancid. For that reason, Bookout cautions never to buy a product without a lot number, so you know how old it is and, if there is a problem, what to reference when speaking with the company.
Quantity: While fish oil supplements for dogs come in various quantities, this is one instance where it doesn't pay to buy in bulk. "I recommend people only get what they can use in 30 to 60 days," says Dr. Gary Richter, author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide. As mentioned previously, fish oil can go rancid, and the longer it sits around, the more likely that scenario is. It's not a bargain if it goes bad before you can safely use it. The shelf life of products can vary quite a bit, given that synthetic oils may last years, but natural products lacking preservatives only last around 20 days, says Kumar.
Storage directions: Follow the storage instructions on the package to be safe. Not all fish oil supplements for dogs have to be refrigerated, and many are fine if kept out of direct light, but cooler temperatures help them last longer, especially if the ambient room temperature gets above 60 degrees F. "Liquid fish oil does spoil the most rapidly, and should be kept in the refrigerator," says Richter. "Gel caps are much more stable and can be kept at room temperature."
We spoke to several experts about what to consider when choosing among the best fish oils for dogs. Our sources include Bill Bookout, president of National Animal Supplement Council; Dr. Emily Luisana, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC; Priyank Kumar, an associate professor of veterinary pharmacology at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Gary Richter, author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide.
Based on our experts' feedback, we developed criteria for vetting fish oil supplements for dogs. We carefully evaluated dozens of fish oil supplements based on their concentration of total omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA, the sources of the fish oil, other ingredients, third-party certification, packaging, and storage instructions. We also noted any consistent customer complaints about a given product, its available flavors and sizes, and price.
Fish oil, specifically the EPA and DHA fatty acids it contains, is beneficial in many conditions, says Luisana. "I use it commonly with patients that have inflammatory conditions, skin disease, arthritis, renal disease, and heart disease," she says. "Counterintuitively, some patients with diseases that are historically fat-sensitive, such as pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia, can also benefit from omega-3 supplementation."
The best fish oil supplement for dogs is whatever your veterinarian recommends. If you have your vet's OK to give your dog fish oil, we recommend buying a supplement that is transparent in its labeling and lists the concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA; ideally, the source of the oil; a lot number; and a seal from a reputable third-party certifier like the NASC.
While you can give dogs fish oil supplements made for people, it is not a great idea because human products are formulated differently and may contain ingredients or concentrations of ingredients that are harmful to dogs, says Kumar. Additionally, the doses specified on the packaging will not be accurate.
Generally, any wild fish oil with at least 225 mg of EPA and DHA per mL or small softgel is a quality product for your pet. If the source of the fish oil is specified and it is a wild-caught small species such as sardines or mackerel, you lower your risk of toxin contamination in the product.
Depending on the results you are looking for, it can take several weeks or more to notice a difference in your pet. Skin and coat improvements may be obvious, while improved heart health may only be detected by a vet.
