How Much Fish Oil Should I Give My Dog?

You’ve heard fish oil is good for dogs, but how much fish oil should you give your dog? Keep reading to find out all the amazing benefits of fish oil and the omega-3 oils in it, as well as how to figure out the correct dosage for your dog, and how to pick the absolute best fish oil for your dog.

What Is the Difference between Omega-3s and Fish Oil?

Fish oil is most often extracted from fish like mackerel, salmon, or sardines. That oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). So while “fish oil” and “omega-3” are often used interchangeably, omega-3 fatty acids are actually what comes from fish oil and are the derivative that contains all those amazing health benefits.

Is Fish Oil Good for Dogs?

Absolutely! While many people have heard of the health benefits of fish oil and their omega-3 fatty acids for humans, not everyone knows how good it is for our pets too.

Actually, because of its multiple health benefits, one could argue that omega-3 is the best supplement you can give your dog. But, since every dog’s health needs are different, always check with your veterinarian before starting them on a new supplement.

What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs?

Doctors have known for years that too much inflammation is bad for us – and for our dogs. It leads to or aggravates many different diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory properties that give them a wide range of benefits. They include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Alleviating allergies and related symptoms, like itchy skin
• Improving overall skin and coat condition
• Strengthening the immune system
• Slowing down mental decline in senior dogs
• Helping brain development in puppies
• Protecting the heart
• Helping with emotional issues like depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity
• Aiding joint mobility and soothing arthritis
• Dramatic reduction of seizure episodes in dogs suffering from epilepsy

Research even shows it may slow the progression of kidney disease and support dogs battling cancer!  No matter your pup’s age, omega-3 fish oil can offer lasting, whole-body wellness.

Is Fish Oil in Dog Food Enough?

Some dog food brands have been touting that they have omega-3 fatty acids in their formulas, but here is the problem: most kibble is cooked at high temperatures that destroy delicate fatty acids like EPA and DHA, eliminating their potential health benefits.

That’s why a dedicated omega-3 supplement — prepared with care to preserve the oil’s potency — is the most effective way to support your dog’s health.

Why the Source Matters

When choosing a fish oil, purity matters. Larger fish like tuna and mackerel accumulate heavy metals (like mercury) over their lifetime. These toxins can carry over into the oil. Giving your dog oil made from smaller fish, lower in the food chain, limits the number of harmful toxins and metals in it.

At Pawsomely Healthy, we use wild-caught anchovies — a smaller, short-lived species that sits low on the food chain and is far less likely to carry contaminants.

And we don’t stop there. Our Omega-3 supplement is manufactured in the USA in an FDA-approved and CGMP-compliant facility using strict quality controls — so you get a clean, safe product every time.

How Much Fish Oil is Good for Dogs?

With so many different sizes and breeds of dogs, it probably isn’t surprising that there isn’t a “one size fits all” fish oil dose for healthy dogs. A dose that works for a Chihuahua won’t come close for a Great Dane.

That’s why weight is the main factor in determining how much fish oil you should give your dog. Always be careful not to overdose your dog. Overdosing can lead to nausea, diarrhea, other digestive issues, and even problems with blood clotting. According to the National Research Council, “a dose between 20-55 mg combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight is safe for dogs.”

But dosing gets tricky — not all supplements clearly state their EPA and DHA content. When you’re purchasing fish oil for your dog, make sure the label clearly states the correct dose for your dog based on their weight.

Pawsomely Healthy’s Omega-3 fish oil for dogs lists both the total omega-3 content (EPA + DHA) and dosing by weight on every bottle. 

Please note that these dosages are for healthy dogs, based on a practical daily routine and assume long-term use without vet supervision. If your dog has kidney disease, heart issues, or other medical conditions, your vet may recommend a different dose.

You should always speak to your veterinarian before starting your dog on a new supplement.

Can Dogs Have Side Effects from Fish Oil?

When given in the correct dosage, fish oil is generally well tolerated. But like any supplement, some dogs may be sensitive. Potential side effects from overuse include:

• Diarrhea or soft stools
• Upset stomach
• Fishy breath
• Blood clotting issues may occur if overdosed long-term

It’s always a good idea to watch your pet after giving them a new supplement for the first time. If your dog has a fish allergy or is taking medications that affect blood clotting, consult your vet first.

Can Dogs Take Human Fish Oil?

Maybe, but it is not without its risks and dangers. Technically, some human-grade fish oils may be safe, but there are real risks. Human supplements often contain:

• Vitamin D — safe for us, toxic for dogs in excess
• Additives, flavorings, or synthetic preservatives
• Softgel capsules that are too large for small dogs

Even if the oil is pure, dosing is a major concern. Most human fish oil supplements come in capsule form. Those capsules are sized for humans, not dogs. They are usually too strong for small or medium dogs, and measuring out the right amount can be difficult (and messy).

Your best bet? Select a supplement specifically formulated for dogs, featuring dog-safe ingredients and clear dosage instructions.

How to Give Your Dog Fish Oil

Most Omega-3 fish oil supplements for dogs come in pumps (liquid oil) or softgel capsules. Another option, less common, is powdered veggie capsules. 

Each has pros and cons:

• Pumps are easy but prone to oxidation, especially if the oil sits out or is exposed to air and heat.
• Capsules are cleaner and more shelf-stable, but some dogs hate taking pills, which could turn mealtime into a battle.
• Powdered Omega-3 (like ours) offers the best of both:
  → Easily twist open and sprinkle into food
  → No mess, longer shelf life, and zero fishy smell

Bonus: Powdered fish oil is better tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs or pancreatitis, since it doesn’t contain the same volume of free-flowing oils.

Why Powdered Omega-3 is a Game Changer 

Our Omega-3 supplement uses a spray-drying process to transform pure anchovy oil into a powder — a format that is:

• More stable and oxidation-resistant
• Easier to dose and travel with
• Less messy (no fishy spills!)

We encapsulate the powder in plant-based capsules that are 100% edible, giving you the option to feed it whole or sprinkle it over food.

The Final Woof

Omega-3 fish oil is one of the most effective supplements you can give your dog, supporting everything from skin to heart to brain.

The key? Choose the right form, the right dose, and the right source.

• Wild-caught fish
• No synthetic additives
• Safe, stable, and easy to use
• Backed by science and vet-trusted

That’s what Pawsomely Healthy delivers.