The 5 Best Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs
Is there any doubt how much we love our dogs, or that we’d do anything for them? All dogs are special, but some have special needs – especially older dogs or pooches with pre-existing genetic conditions. One of the most popular supplements for dogs is Omega-3, a family of the family acids DHA, EPA and ALA. These fatty acids are advertised to assist with liver function, skin conditions, arthritis, lymphoma, heart disease, allergies, cognitive function and more. If you think your dog might benefit from an Omega-3 supplement, talk to your veterinarian, then make sure you’re choosing the highest-quality supplements on the market. We’re not vets, but we know a thing or two (or five) about quality, so here’s what we’ve found to be the best five Omega-3 supplements for dogs.
Zesty Paws Omega Bites
Don’t Get Bitten With Bites
Zesty Paws Omega Bites are soft, chewable and delicious treats that provide your dog with a complete lineup of fatty acids to promote health. Created using MSC-Certified sustainable Wild Alaskan Pollock, each chewable is bursting with DHA and EPA omegas. Along with Vitamins E and C, antioxidants and Biotin, these chewables may also help your dog with itchy, dry, irritated skin along with other hot spot or sensitivity issues. Zesty Paws is a trusted name in the pet supplement industry, conducting extensive research and staying on the forefront of pet nutritional science, making their chewable our choice for Best Overall Omega-3 supplement for your dog.
Pros:
- Made from sustainable and traceable fishing practices
- Grain, corn and soy-free
- Manufactured in the USA
Cons:
- Can dry in air if exposed too long
- Package measured by weight, not count
Zesty Paws Pure Liquid Salmon Oil
Because No One Wants To Liquify Their Own Salmon
Nutritionists agree that one of the most powerful sources of Omega-3 fatty acids is fresh salmon. Of course, not everyone can grill-up a nice piece of salmon for their dog every day, so Zesty Paws has a more economical solution in their Pure Liquid Salmon Oil. A great alternative to soft chews or capsules, each dose has a high amount of DHA and EPA, helping your dog maintain a soft and shiny coat while protecting his immune system and joint functions. Made with wild Alaskan salmon, Zesty Paws tastes great and mixes right into your dog’s daily food. We don’t usually have two products from the same company on our short list of five, so it says a lot about Zesty Paws that these supplements are in our top two!
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Stores at room temperature
- No unpleasant smell
Cons:
- Oils can lose effectiveness after 2 weeks
- Dispenser can get messy
Vetflix Pet Vitamins
Vetflix And Chill
Older dogs especially may require more than one supplement. Glucosamine and Pantothenic Acid are two other popular supplements suggested for bone and hip health for older dogs. If your pet is already taking other supplements for his health and you want to integrate Omega-3 into his diet, we suggest Vetflix 10-In-1 Pet Vitamins. As the name suggests, each dropper-full contains ten different vitamins and minerals, including Omega-3, B12, B6, Biotin, Glucosamine and many others. And since it easily mixes in with your pet’s food, you don’t have to give your dog multiple pills or treats to provide him with all the supplements he needs.
Pros:
- No additives or GMOs
- Made in an FDA and GMP-registered facility
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Cons:
- Taste is polarizing – your dog may not enjoy
- Small, 2-ounce bottle
Vetoquinol Supplement Capsules
A Not-So-Tough Pill To Swallow
Dogs can certainly be as finicky as their owners – if not more so. Maybe they don’t like the smell of their fish oil supplement? Maybe the dog treat supplement contains ingredients you don’t want to feed your pet? Maybe you’re one of the lucky few whose Pit Bull prefers pills? Whatever your case may be, if you or your dog prefer the convenience of a simple pill for your Omega-3 supplement, Vetoquinal has you covered with one of the highest-quality products on the market. Their triglyceride fish oil contains all the fatty acids your dog needs, and is guaranteed to be free of mercury, BPAs and other toxins that may be present in wild-caught fish.
Pros:
- Only supplement with USP Ingredient Verification
- Also contains vitamins E, A and C
- Available in size for large and small dogs
Cons:
- Not inexpensive
- 2,000mg pills are large
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Oil
Don’t Hold The Anchovies, Please
In the quest to find an Omega-3 oil supplement your dog will happily eat, Nordic Naturals leads the fight. Their Omega-3 oil is made with anchovies and sardines, all fished from the wild and sustainably sourced. Nordic Naturals then verifies their product’s freshness and purity through a third-party, ensuring quality with every batch. Available in both 8-ounce and 16-ounce jars, your dog gets a high concentration of the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy coat and supported heart function, with a taste that separates Nordic Naturals from other salmon-based products.
Pros:
- Manufactured under European Pharmacopoeia standards
- Purity certification available on request
- Contains no flavoring
Cons:
- Smells like you think it would
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog needs supplements?
Ask your veterinarian. Most dog food is formulated to have all the nutritional needs your dog requires, since your pet typically eats the same thing day in and day out. As such, the vitamin and mineral balance your dog needs is already in his daily diet. Adding supplemental vitamins to this diet could cause toxicity if those vitamins are not required. Talk to your vet to determine if your dog has special needs that require supplements.
Is there any science to back-up the idea that dogs need Omega-3 supplements?
Yes. According to a 2016 study by Tufts University, dogs with heart disease stand to benefit from the fatty acids found in Omega-3, as they help provide protection against arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) and reduce inflammation. The dose of Omega-3 recommended by the study for dogs with heart disease is 40 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with 25 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day. That said, do remember that most statements of any vitamin’s efficacy have not been verified by the FDA.
How do I know if I should get chewables, pills or drops?
This is where you’ll have to practice the time-honored practice of trial and error. Like humans, all dogs are different, and their tastes and preferences will vary. Unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise (and insists on one formula or brand over another), you’ll need to take your best guess and try different products until you find the one your dog will eat (without trying to eat you).
Why Trust Us
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