Omega-3 for Dogs: Benefits, Balance & Best Sources

Storms Raw
Aug 29
11 min read

Let’s Talk Omega-3 🐟

I don’t think omega-3 gets the attention it deserves. Honestly, it’s one of those things that can completely change a dog’s health — yet most people don’t realise how important it really is.

Yes, it’s a fat. But not all fats are created equal. Omega-3 is a healthy, essential fat that every dog needs. Whether you’ve got a growing pup, a wise old plodder, or a nutter like Taz (my collie who never stops), omega-3 plays a role in keeping them comfortable and thriving.

Think of it like a little superhero nutrient: it calms itchy skin 🐾, cushions stiff joints 🦴, sharpens the brain 🧠, and gives that glossy “show-off” coat we all love.

The catch? Dogs can’t make enough omega-3 on their own — so it’s up to us to put it in the bowl.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what omega-3 is, why it matters, how to balance it, and the best ways to add it into your dog’s diet (no matter what you feed). In other words, a complete guide to omega-3 for dogs.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? 🐠

Here’s the simple version: omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that keep your dog’s skin, coat, joints, brain, and immune system in good working order. They’re like the oil that keeps the engine running smoothly.

Because dogs can’t produce enough of these fats on their own, we have to add them through food or supplements.

There are a few different types of omega-3s you’ll hear about:

🐟 EPA – brilliant for calming itchy skin and easing stiff joints.
🧠 DHA – the brain booster, helping puppies learn and older dogs stay sharp.
🔄 DPA – the “middleman” that helps the body use and store omega-3 more effectively.
🌱 ALA – the plant one (from flax, chia, hemp), but harder for dogs to turn into the useful stuff.

👉 The stars of the show for dogs are EPA and DHA.

Why Does My Dog Need Omega-3? 🐶

If your dog isn’t getting enough omega-3, inflammation starts building up in the body. That shows up as 🐾 itchy skin, a dull coat, creaky joints, or just not bouncing back as quickly as they used to.

Adding omega-3 helps to:

🐾 Calm itchy, allergy-prone skin (perfect for dogs with skin sensitivities).
🦴 Keep joints flexible and comfortable (ideal for dogs with arthritis or stiffness).
🧠 Support brain and eye health in both pups and seniors.
🛡️ Balance the immune system and keep inflammation in check.
⚡ Boost overall energy and vitality.

👉 In short: omega-3 isn’t just a “nice extra.” It’s an essential nutrient that keeps your dog’s skin, joints, brain, and body in balance.

Omega-3 Benefits for Dogs (Backed by Science) 📚

Let’s break down what omega-3 actually does for your dog — and the science that backs it up:

🐾 Skin & Allergies – EPA reduces inflammation and helps itchy or allergy-prone dogs (Bauer, 2011).
🦴 Arthritis & Joints – EPA & DHA reduce stiffness and improve mobility in arthritic dogs (Roush et al., 2010).
🧠 Brain & Learning – DHA supports puppy brain and eye development and helps older dogs stay sharp (Zicker et al., 2012).
❤️ Heart & Immune Health – omega-3 helps keep inflammation balanced across the whole body, supporting long-term health.

Omega-6 vs Omega-3 in Dogs: Why Balance Matters ⚖️

We can’t talk about omega-3 without mentioning omega-6. Most modern dog diets are absolutely loaded with omega-6 — especially kibble or chicken-heavy meals. And while omega-6 often gets a bad rep, it’s not the villain here. Dogs need omega-6 too.

So, what is omega-6? It’s another group of essential fatty acids — just like omega-3 — but they play a slightly different role:

🐶 Help with growth and development, especially in young dogs.
✨ Support skin and coat health by maintaining the barrier function.
🐾 Important for reproduction and fertility.
🩹 Kickstart the body’s inflammatory response — vital for wound healing and fighting off infection.

The problem comes when there’s too much omega-6 compared to omega-3. That’s when inflammation gets out of control and stops being helpful.

🔥 Omega-6 = the spark. It switches inflammation on when the body needs it.
💧 Omega-3 = the extinguisher. It helps switch inflammation off once the job is done.

🔑 Dogs thrive when these two are kept in balance. The sweet spot is around 5:1 to 10:1 (omega-6:omega-3) (NRC, 2006).

But many commercial diets sit at 15:1 or even 30:1 — far too high in omega-6 and not nearly enough omega-3.

⚠️ When that balance is off, you’ll often see:

Itchy or inflamed skin
Dull, flaky coats
Stiff or creaky joints
Slower recovery after exercise or illness

👉 Common omega-6 sources in dog food: chicken, grains (wheat, corn, rice), vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, corn, soy), and processed kibble/treats.

Omega-6 vs Omega-3: Roles at a Glance

Omega-6	Omega-3
Growth & development	Calms inflammation
Skin & coat barrier	Soothes itchy, irritated skin
Reproduction & fertility	Supports joint mobility & comfort
Starts inflammation (for healing & immunity)	Switches inflammation off after it’s done its job
Common in chicken, grains, veg oils	Found in fish, mussels, krill, algae

👉 Think of it this way: omega-6 is the fire starter and omega-3 is the fire extinguisher. A little fire is useful — but too many sparks without enough water? That’s when problems start.

Why the Source of Omega-3 Matters 🔑

Okay, so we’ve nailed down why balance matters — but here’s where most people slip up. It’s easy to think, “I’ll just add some oil and that’ll sort it.” Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

Not all omega-3s work the same way in your dog’s body. Some forms are ready to go and deliver quick results, while others need to be converted first — and dogs aren’t very good at that bit.

That’s why the type of omega-3 you choose makes such a difference to your dog’s skin, joints, and overall health.

👉 So, should you be reaching for flax oil… or fish oil? Let’s look at the difference between plant-based and animal-based omega-3s.

Plant vs Animal Omega-3: What’s the Difference? 🌱🐟

Here’s the thing: not all omega-3s are created equal.

🌱 Plant oils (like flax, chia, hemp) mainly provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Dogs can only convert a tiny amount of this into EPA and DHA — the forms that actually do the heavy lifting.
🐟 Animal sources (like fish, krill, mussels, grass-fed meats) already contain EPA, DHA, and DPA in their ready-to-use forms.

👉 Think of it like giving your dog raw cake ingredients (ALA) but no oven — they can’t bake the cake. Fish and mussels hand them the fully baked cake, ready to eat.

Now that we know the broad difference, let’s break down the most common oils you’ll actually see on the shelf and what they really offer your dog.

Comparing Popular Oils for Dogs 🐾

🌱🐟 Algae Oil – The Plant-Based Powerhouse

Algae oil is the exception to the “plant oils aren’t enough” rule. Unlike flax or chia, algae naturally contains EPA and DHA — the active forms your dog’s body can actually use. In fact, fish only have omega-3 because they eat algae in the first place!

That makes algae oil direct, bioavailable, and effective. For owners who prefer a plant-based option (or just don’t want to use fish), it’s a fantastic alternative.

Research even shows algae oil works just as well as fish oil for raising EPA and DHA levels (Lenox & Bauer, 2013).

👉 If you'd like to give your dog this quality plant-based omega-3, try our Algae Oil for Dogs—just the right drop to boost brain, coat, and joint health.

🐟 Salmon Oil – The Classic Choice

Salmon oil is probably the most well-known omega-3 supplement for dogs — and for good reason. It’s naturally rich in EPA and DHA, making it brilliant for calming itchy skin, improving coat shine, and supporting creaky joints.

It’s also easy to use: just drizzle it over meals. The key is quality. Cheap salmon oils can be poorly filtered, so always look for one that’s sustainably sourced and tested for heavy metals.

👉 Want the full deep-dive? Check out my blog: Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs (and Why They’re Not All Equal).

And if you’re ready to give it a try, you’ll find our AniForte Salmon Oil in the shop.

🦐 Krill Oil – The Super-Absorbable Option

Krill oil is often thought of as the “upgrade” to standard fish oil. The omega-3s in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, which makes them easier for your dog’s body to absorb.

On top of that, krill oil naturally contains astaxanthin — a powerful antioxidant that gives it a deep red colour. This means you’re not just supporting skin and joints, but also protecting cells from oxidative stress.

The result? A highly bioavailable, antioxidant-rich omega-3 source that often works in smaller doses than fish oil.

🌱 Flaxseed Oil – The Limited Plant Option

Flaxseed oil is the plant-based option that gets asked about a lot. It’s rich in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), but here’s the catch: dogs can only convert a tiny amount of that into EPA and DHA.

That means while flaxseed oil can add a bit of coat shine, it’s not enough on its own for skin health, joints, or brain support. Think of it more as a supporting act rather than the star of the show — useful alongside marine sources, but not a replacement.

🥥 Coconut Oil – Not Omega-3, but Still Useful

Coconut oil is another one that pops up in dog health chats, but here’s the truth: it’s not a source of omega-3. Instead, it provides MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which can support digestion, provide quick energy, and may even help with brain health in seniors.

That said, it won’t give your dog EPA or DHA, so it won’t replace fish or algae oil. Use it in moderation for its own benefits, but don’t rely on it as your omega-3 top-up.

Omega-3 Oils for Dogs: Quick Comparison 📊

Oil	Best For	Drawbacks	Key Benefit
🌱🐟 Algae Oil	Owners wanting a plant-based but effective omega-3	Can be pricier than fish oil	Provides EPA & DHA directly, just like fish
🐟 Salmon Oil	All-round skin, coat & joint support	Quality varies; risk of heavy metals if not tested	Rich in EPA & DHA, easy to add to meals
🦐 Krill Oil	Dogs needing highly absorbable omega-3 & antioxidant boost	Usually more expensive, smaller bottles	EPA & DHA bound to phospholipids + natural astaxanthin
🌱 Flaxseed Oil	Gentle coat support, owners wanting a plant-based addition	Only provides ALA; dogs convert poorly to EPA/DHA	Adds shine, but works best alongside marine sources
🥥 Coconut Oil	Digestion, energy, cognitive support	Not an omega-3 source	Provides MCTs for gut & brain health

👉 That’s a lot of info — but this table should help you compare at a glance.

Best Omega-3 Food Sources for Dogs (Beyond Oils) 🍣

Oils are handy, but they’re not the only way to add omega-3 to your dog’s diet. You can also boost intake naturally through whole foods — which often come with extra vitamins and minerals too. You’ll find a wide range of options in our Frozen Fish for Dogs section— from salmon to sardines—making it easy to add natural omega-3 to your dog’s meals.

Some of the best options include:

🐟 Salmon – one of the richest sources of EPA and DHA. Brilliant for skin and joint health.
🐠 Sardines – small, oily fish that are usually low in heavy metals and easy to feed whole. Great for all dogs, big or small.
🐟 Mackerel – high in omega-3 and vitamin D. Best fed in moderation as it can be rich.
🐟 Herring – a great alternative to sardines, with a similar nutrient profile.
🐠 Anchovies – tiny but mighty! Packed with omega-3 and perfect as bite-sized snacks.
🐠 Sprats – a doggy favourite. Dried sprats make brilliant training treats while sneaking in extra omega-3.
🦪 Green-lipped mussel – not a fish, but famous for joint support thanks to unique compounds as well as omega-3.

👉 Looking for a powerful, whole-food omega-3 boost? Try our Green-lipped Mussel Powder or handy Mussel Capsules—both excellent for skin, joints, and inflammation support.

👉 Feeding a mix of different fish is the easiest way to keep things balanced while avoiding too much of one type. For most dogs, adding fish 2–3 times per week is a simple way to give them a natural omega-3 boost.

Does Processing Change the Omega-3 Content? 🔍

Fish is full of goodness — but once it’s frozen, canned, dried, or cooked, the omega-3 levels can shift. Some methods lock those healthy fats in, while others reduce them. Knowing the difference helps you make the most of what you’re feeding.

🐟 Fresh or Frozen Fish – the gold standard. Keeps the most omega-3 intact, as long as it’s stored properly. Freezing doesn’t damage omega-3 — it’s a great way to preserve nutrients.
🐠 Tinned Fish – still a brilliant option (especially sardines or mackerel in spring water). The canning process may reduce some delicate nutrients, but omega-3 levels generally hold up well. Just avoid brine or oil-packed tins. Tip: skip fish in oil, as it’s usually sunflower oil (high in omega-6) and heat-treated, which can increase rancidity.
🐟 Dried Fish – sprats, whitebait, salmon skin. Drying concentrates nutrients, but some delicate oils can be lost depending on the method. Still a handy option for treats or training rewards.
🍲 Cooked Fish – gentle steaming keeps most of the omega-3, but frying or cooking in oil can destroy it. Keep it plain and simple — just how dogs like it.

👉 The takeaway: fresh, frozen, or tinned in spring water are the most reliable ways to maximise omega-3, while dried and cooked fish are still useful but best as part of a mix.

How to Add Omega-3 to Your Dog’s Diet 🐾

The good news? Getting more omega-3 into your dog’s diet doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple tweaks can make a big difference:

🐟 Add oily fish to meals – pop salmon, sardines, or mackerel into their bowl 2–3 times a week. Fresh, frozen, or tinned in spring water all work.
🐠 Use fishy treats – sprats, salmon skin, or little fish cubes are perfect for training and enrichment. Your dog thinks it’s a reward… you know it’s also topping up their skin, coat, and joints.
💊 Top up with supplements – fish oil, krill oil, mussel powder, or algae oil are all great options if you want something quick and measured. Handy if your dog isn’t keen on whole fish.
🐾 Start small – omega-3 is powerful, but too much too quickly can upset tummies. Begin with a little and build up gradually until you find the right balance.

👉 Whether it’s through whole foods, tasty treats, or a splash of oil, the key is consistency. A steady supply of omega-3 will do far more good than a one-off fishy feast.

Key Takeaways: Omega-3 for Dogs 📝

Omega-3 benefits → calmer skin, flexible joints, sharper brain, healthier heart.
Best sources → fish, mussel, krill, algae oil.
Plant oils vs animal oils → plant = ALA (hard for dogs to use), fish/algae = EPA & DHA (ready to go).
Balance matters → ideal ratio 5:1–10:1, kibble often 15:1+.
Algae oil → the best plant-based alternative to fish oil.

👉 In short: omega-3 is essential for dogs, and the best way to add it is through oily fish, mussels, krill oil, fish oil, or algae oil.

Final Thoughts 💚

Omega-3 is one of those simple things that can have a massive impact on your dog’s health. Just remember: not all omega-3s are equal. Fish and mussels give your dog EPA, DPA and DHA directly. Plant oils mainly give ALA, which dogs can’t use well — with algae oil being the one exception.

If you’d like to explore natural ways to add omega-3 to your dog’s diet, check out our fish treats, oils, and supplements in the Storm’s Raw Emporium shop.

Because a glossy coat, comfy joints, and a wagging tail start from the inside out 🐶💚

Storm's Raw Emporium