Fish oil, especially salmon oil, is good for your dog … in moderation. Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids – known as ‘good’ fats and DHA, both good for people and pups. Neither is created naturally in the body and must be part of the diet. But sometimes diet isn’t enough – especially in winter when skin can get dry and itchy.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links are indicated in brackets.

Fish oil supplements can be a safe way to add omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. However, like any supplement, there are some cautions to consider particularly if your dog has allergies or is prone to weight gain. Consulting veterinarians is always a good idea.

Fish and Salmon Oil Canine Supplements

Dosage is important, and there are a number of fish oil products for dogs that help you with that, including Boat to Bowl Wild Alaskan Fish Oil (affiliate link) and Brilliant Petcare’s Brilliant Salmon Oil (affiliate link). These products are created specifically for both dogs and cats, from human-grade food sources, and designed to make it easy to dispense the correct daily amount that will benefit, not harm, our furry family members.

I was given a sample of the fish and salmon oil products listed here at SuperZoo in Las Vegas, and I have tried all with my dog – who has a delicate constitution. She experienced no negative effects – positive impacts were subtle over time.

But first here’s why (and when) to give your dog salmon oil supplements.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

1. Improves Coat and Skin Health
   Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and enhance skin hydration. Fatty acids help reduce itching and promote a shinier, healthier coat, particularly for dogs with dry, flaky skin.
2. Supports Joint Health
   Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or joint discomfort. Research indicates omega-3s can help reduce stiffness, pain, and swelling, helping mobility, especially for senior and/or large dogs.
3. Promotes Heart Health
   Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can improve overall heart health in dogs by reducing inflammation in blood vessels, lowering cholesterol, and regulating triglycerides (a type of blood fat). According to Chewy’s PetMD, fish oil can even help prevent blood clots in dogs because it acts as an anticoagulant. (However, this can be problematic – see below).
4. Enhances Cognitive Function
   DHA, a component of omega-3s, helps cognitive function making it good for puppies and, according to the AKC, older dogs experiencing cognitive decline.
5. Boosts Immune System
   Omega-3 fatty acids help balance the immune system by moderating inflammatory responses.

However, you can have too much of a good thing. Salmon oil supplements, especially if you’re already giving your dog salmon or if there are omega-3s in their food, can be overkill. Here are some downsides to overdoing it with fish oil.

Cautions when Giving Your Dog Fish Oil

1. Overdose Risk
   Any supplement must be regulated carefully – too much fish oil specifically can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It’s essential to consult your veterinarian’s dosing instructions (and the product’s directions).
2. Bleeding Disorders
   Omega-3 fatty acids have a mild blood-thinning effect, which can contribute to heart health, but, according to VCA Canada, can also increase the risk of bleeding. Consult a vet, if your dog is taking NSAIDs or anticoagulants – or if your dog requires surgery. If your dog requires emergency surgery, definitely tell the vet when you last gave your pup salmon or fish oil.
3. Allergic Reactions
   Some dogs are allergic to fish and therefore fish oil. Symptoms include itching, swelling, and breathing difficulties. Clearly, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian immediately.
4. Quality Concerns
   Where the fish is sourced should be on the supplement’s label. Poor-quality fish oil may contain toxins such as mercury, PCBs, or other harmful contaminants. Look for salmon oil specifically formulated for pets from human-grade fish. The fish oil products my dog tested here are sourced from wild Atlantic salmon and Norwegian salmon.
5. Risk of Weight Gain
   Fish oil is calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain. This was a concern for my dog, so I measured carefully. (The vet recently noted my dog is about 1.2kg overweight, so we’re working on that. Likely reviewing many dog treats isn’t helping).

Fish Oil Supplements Review

Product #1: Brilliant Salmon Oil

Manufactured by Brilliant Petcare in Europe, Brilliant Salmon Oil for dogs is pure fish oil sustainably sourced, according to the company, from Norwegian fish. A QR code on each bottle allows you to trace the salmon’s journey from the fjords of western Norway to the pump bottle you’re holding.

Speaking of a pump, I found this oil the easiest to administer to my dog’s food because the pump on the top doses without measuring – however, math is involved. Use one pump per 6.6 pounds of dog (to a maximum of 12 pumps). My mid-sized Sprocker got five pumps on her breakfast. But not every morning, because we are calorie counting.

This product is 100% salmon oil specifically, and being a fan of salmon myself, gravitated toward this choice for my dog. Also, Brilliant contains no preservatives, and has a refrigerated shelf life of four months after opening.

Product #2: Boat to Bowl Fish Oil

Boat to Bowl Pet Foods is a subsidiary of North Coast Seafoods in Boston, U.S.A. – a company processing fish products for people. I met them previously at SuperZoo when they launched Boat to Bowl pet food manufactured from cut off (but still people-grade) fish.

This fish oil product designed to be an omega-3 food topper for dogs (and cats) is an extension of the Boat to Bowl brand. Made from responsibly wild-caught pollock from Alaskan waters, Boat to Bowl is a fish (but not salmon) oil; however, it provides the same beneficial fatty acids. Mixed tocopherols are added as a preservative, so the shelf life is a little longer. According to the company, the product needs to be stored in a ‘cool’ place, but I kept it in the refrigerator.

This squeeze bottle is easy to use, store, and even travel with but the oil must be measured. The recommended dosage is ½ teaspoon per 10 pounds of pet. My pup got 1.5 teaspoons. The math was a little easier, but I needed a measuring spoon.

Conclusion

Overall, salmon and salmon oil can provide health benefits for your pup, including improved skin and coat, joint health, heart function, and cognitive support. However, administering the oil (or supplement) in appropriate doses and checking the source of the product to avoid risks like overdoses, product contamination, and bleeding issues in your dog.

I found Brilliant Salmon Oil to be easy to dose, thanks to the spray applicator, and Boat to Bowl’s compact container takes up little room in the refrigerator and compact enough to bring on a road trip.

However, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing fish oil (or any supplement) into your dog’s diet to ensure it’s safe for your dog and won’t interfere with any medications, surgery, or existing health issues.

Check out many brands of fish oil for dogs food toppers (affiliate link) here or use the Chewy link below:

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!