Salmon oil has become an increasingly popular supplement for dogs in recent years. This is because salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which have been shown to provide many health benefits for dogs. As a dog owner, you may be wondering just how much salmon oil to give your furry friend every day. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of salmon oil for dogs, recommended dosages based on your dog’s weight, and tips for choosing a high-quality salmon oil supplement.
Why Is Salmon Oil Good For Dogs?
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two omega-3 fatty acids that are very good for dogs, are found in large amounts in salmon oil.
Because dogs’ bodies can’t make EPA and DHA on their own, they need to get them from their food. These important fatty acids are found in salmon oil and can help your dog’s health in many ways:
-
Joint health: EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory effects that can help dogs with arthritis and other joint problems by reducing pain and stiffness. The oils lubricate joints for increased mobility and flexibility.
-
Omega-3s are good for your dog’s skin and coat. They keep the coat soft, shiny, and healthy. Salmon oil can also help dogs whose skin is dry and itchy or has other skin allergies.
-
Cognitive function DHA, in particular is important for brain development and function. Salmon oil supports cognitive processes and may help prevent dementia in senior dogs.
-
Heart health: EPA and DHA keep your dog’s heart healthy by regulating heart rhythms and blood pressure. Omega-3s can lower blood triglyceride levels.
-
Immune system: Salmon oil strengthens immune function and response. EPA and DHA have natural anti-inflammatory properties to help fight disease.
So by supplementing your dog’s diet with salmon oil, you can promote overall wellness and prevent various health problems. Even for young, healthy dogs, salmon oil provides nutritional benefits for optimal health.
How Much Salmon Oil Should You Give Your Dog?
The amount of salmon oil you should give your dog depends on their weight. Heavier dogs need higher doses of EPA and DHA compared to smaller breeds. Here are general dosing guidelines based on your dog’s size:
Small Dogs
Up to 25 lbs: 250 mg EPA/DHA per day
This equates to about 1/4 teaspoon of liquid salmon oil or 1 capsule (500 mg).
Medium Dogs
26-50 lbs: 500 mg EPA/DHA per day
Give your medium-sized dog 1/2 teaspoon of oil or 1-2 capsules daily.
Large Dogs
51-90 lbs: 750 mg EPA/DHA per day
For larger dogs, administer 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of salmon oil or 1-3 capsules each day.
Giant Dogs
Over 90 lbs: 1000 mg EPA/DHA per day
Big dogs need 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons or 2-4 capsules of salmon oil daily.
These dosage guidelines are general recommendations that provide a good starting point. But you should also follow instructions on your specific salmon oil product’s packaging.
It’s best to start with lower doses and gradually increase over 2-4 weeks to avoid stomach upset. Monitor your dog for any side effects like diarrhea.
You can give salmon oil with your dog’s meals by pouring liquid oil over their food or popping a capsule open. For finicky dogs, try mixing oil into wet food. Salmon oil can also be given as a treat between meals.
How Often Should You Give Salmon Oil?
For maximum benefits, you should aim to give your dog salmon oil every day. Consistency is key for getting optimal omega-3 levels in your dog’s system.
Some people only give salmon oil a few times per week, but daily administration provides a constant source of EPA and DHA.
If giving capsules, you can alternate doses throughout the day. For liquid oil, add it at one meal per day. Follow package directions on frequency.
Do not exceed recommended dosages because oversupplementing with salmon oil can lead to side effects. More is not necessarily better when it comes to fish oils.
Choosing A High-Quality Salmon Oil
With so many salmon oil products on the market, it can be tricky finding a high-quality option for your dog. Here are some tips for picking the best salmon oil supplement:
-
Look for wild salmon oil. Oil sourced from wild Alaskan or deep cold-water salmon has higher omega-3 levels than farmed salmon.
-
Choose sustainably sourced salmon. Sustainably caught wild salmon ensures conservation of natural fish populations.
-
Avoid added fillers. Steer clear of salmon oils diluted with filler oils or extra ingredients.
-
Check EPA and DHA levels. Optimal oils provide at least 30% combined EPA/DHA concentrations.
-
Store oil properly. Keep salmon oil away from heat and light to prevent oxidation. Refrigerate after opening.
-
Pick minimal packaging. Oil in glass bottles or aluminum cans maintains purity compared to some plastics.
-
Watch out for rancid smells. Discard bottles with a fishy odor, which indicates spoiled oil.
-
Look for purity certifications. Third-party testing like from the GOED verifies quality standards.
Reputable brands like Zesty Paws and Nordic Naturals offer high-quality salmon oils that meet these criteria. Consult your veterinarian for product recommendations.
Potential Side Effects
Salmon oil is very safe for most dogs but can cause some mild side effects in sensitive animals, including:
- Upset stomach like vomiting or diarrhea
- Fishy breath
- Allergic reactions (very rare)
- Weight gain from extra calories
These effects are unusual and often preventable. Introduce salmon oil gradually and discontinue use if any symptoms develop.
Certain conditions may require care with salmon oil like bleeding disorders since omega-3s can slow blood clotting. Always get veterinary approval before supplementing dogs on medication or with health issues.
The Takeaway
When added daily to your dog’s diet in the right dosages, salmon oil can impart tremendous benefits related to joint health, skin and coat, heart function, brain development, and much more. Concentrated omega-3s from salmon oil help dogs live their healthiest lives.
Follow the guidelines provided here based on your dog’s weight, choose a high-quality product sourced from wild salmon, and administer the oil consistently. Partner with your veterinarian to determine if salmon oil is appropriate for your canine companion. With the proper supplemental regimen, salmon oil can be an invaluable addition to any dog’s diet.
Omega 3 Dosing (101-150 lbs)
| Bodyweight (lbs) | Bodyweight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 45.5 | 4550 mg | 5427 mg |
| 105 | 47.7 | 4770 mg | 5629 mg |
| 110 | 50 | 5000 mg | 5829 mg |
| 115 | 52.3 | 5230 mg | 6027 mg |
| 120 | 54.5 | 5450 mg | 6222 mg |
| 125 | 56.8 | 5680 mg | 6415 mg |
| 130 | 59.1 | 5910 mg | 6607 mg |
| 135 | 61.3 | 6130 mg | 6797 mg |
| 140 | 63.6 | 6360 mg | 6985 mg |
| 145 | 65.9 | 6590 mg | 7171 mg |
| 150 | 68.2 | 6820 mg | 7356 mg |
What are Omega 3s?
Researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acids are good for both people and animals in many ways. They are a powerful, natural method of decreasing the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. However, studies on dogs and cats have shown that our pets may need higher doses than what most over-the-counter medicines suggest when used to treat arthritis.
To further complicate matters, there are three types of Omega 3s. They include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Dogs specifically need EPA and DHA to decrease inflammation due to arthritis.
The most potent source of EPA and DHA is fish oil. You can give EPA and DHA by giving fish oil supplements, whole fish (like anchovies and sardines), or a prescription food that has a lot of fish oil in it.
Did you know: Dogs cannot metabolize ALA (flaxseed, linseed or canola oil) sufficiently to help treat arthritis.
Don’t give your Pets Fish Oil UNLESS you are doing these 5 Things
FAQ
How much salmon oil can a dog have per day?
Can dogs have too much salmon oil?
Is 1000 mg of fish oil too much for a dog?
How do I introduce salmon oil to my dog?
How much salmon oil for dogs per day?
How much salmon oil for dogs per day depends on several factors, including your pup’s weight, the brand of oil (i.e., the levels of omegas, EPA, and DHA), the presence of health conditions, and more. It also depends on your pup’s diet because some dog foods already have omega-3 fatty acids in them.
How much fish oil should one take daily?
Fish oil is a supplement that provides vitamin A and essential fatty acids such as omega 3, among other nutrients. Its consumption is recommended when the supply of these nutrients is not sufficient through food. The adequate amount of fish oil varies according to the age and type of diet of the person. It is advisable to consult a nutritionist to know which is the adequate daily recommendation since an excess of it could be detrimental to health.
Can I give my Dog Salmon oil?
Bad (fishy) breath — Your dog’s breath might smell like fish after eating salmon oil supplements, but you can get rid of the fishy scent by brushing his teeth, or try an unscented supplement instead (check out our top pick below). If you want to give your pup salmon oil, you can drizzle the liquid form on his dog food once a day, Dr. Crow said.
Can a dog eat too much salmon oil?
“Too much salmon oil given at once can cause stomach upset in dogs, which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, compromised immune system and delayed wound healing,” Dr. Crow said. There are some things you should consider when choosing a salmon oil supplement to make sure you’re getting the right one for your pup and that it’s high quality.