Omega-3 for Dogs: How to Choose the One that Actually Works?

Why Omega-3 is one of the most powerful supplements you can add to your dog’s diet

All five pups in the Pawsomely Healthy pack take Omega-3 daily. Simba, Remy, and Django rely on it for healthy skin and coats, while Ace uses it for allergies and seizures, and Bruno for immune support and recurring allergies.

And they’re not alone. Countless studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids provide a wide range of benefits for dogs, including supporting brain development in puppies, slowing cognitive decline in seniors, strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, aiding in cancer-fighting processes, improving skin and coat condition, easing allergy symptoms, and supporting joint health and mobility.

But here's the catch: not all Omega-3s are created equal. While Omega-3s are essential for canine health, it's important to know that not all sources offer the same benefits. Understanding the differences between types of Omega-3s and their sources helps ensure you're giving your dog a truly effective supplement.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that dogs cannot produce on their own; they must be obtained through diet or supplementation. These are three primary types:

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
• ALA (Alpha-linolenic Acid)

EPA and DHA are long-chain fatty acids found in marine sources like fish and krill. They are ready for your dog's body to use, no conversion is needed. ALA is a short-chain omega-3 found in plant oils like flaxseed, linseed oil, and canola.

While ALA can technically convert to EPA and DHA in a dog’s body, the conversion rate is extremely low - only 5-15% becomes EPA, and less than 1% converts to DHA. This means that plant-based Omega-3s simply don’t provide the same health benefits.

The Science: Marine Omega-3s vs. Flaxseed

A 2020 peer-reviewed study published in Veterinary Medicine and Science compared the effects of flaxseed oil (rich in ALA) and krill oil (rich in EPA and DHA) in dogs.

In just 6 weeks:

• Dogs supplemented with krill oil showed a significant increase in EPA and DHA levels.
• Dogs given flaxseed oil showed a decrease in both EPA and DHA.

This shows that dogs need pre-formed EPA and DHA from marine sources to gain any real health benefits.

Why Dog Food Isn’t Enough

Most commercial dog foods are processed at high temperatures, which destroy delicate nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. Even if labeled “Omega-3 enriched,” many foods rely on flaxseed or other plant-based oils, which don’t provide sufficient EPA and DHA.

If you are feeding kibble, raw, or even fresh diets, chances are your dog is not getting enough bioavailable Omega-3 unless you are actively supplementing it.

Why Small Cold-Water Fish Are Ideal

Small cold-water fish like anchovies and sardines are among the best sources of Omega-3 for dogs because:

• They are naturally rich in EPA and DHA.
• Their short lifespans reduce the risk of heavy metal accumulation (such as mercury, lead, or arsenic).
• Being low on the food chain, they carry fewer environmental toxins.
• Their oil is more sustainable and easier to purify than oil from larger fish.

Concerns with Farm-Raised Fish

Farm-raised fish are commonly used in lower-cost Omega-3 supplements, but they come with several concerns:

• They are often fed grain-based, unnatural diets, which result in lower Omega-3 levels.
• Conditions in fish farms are crowded and stressful, which can increase the need for antibiotics.
• Farm environments may lead to higher levels of pollutants in the fish.

Choosing wild-caught fish helps ensure cleaner, higher-quality oil with greater nutritional benefit.

How to Choose the Right Omega-3 Supplement for Your Dog

Here’s what to look for:

1. Rich in EPA & DHA
Choose marine-based sources such as small, wild-caught cold-water fish like anchovies and sardines, krill oil, or algae oil. Avoid plant-based oils like flaxseed or canola, which contain only ALA.

2. Avoid Large Fish
Fish like tuna and mackerel can accumulate heavy metals over their longer lifespans. Stick to short-lived fish that are lower on the food chain.

3. Watch the Form
Liquid fish oils in bottles or pumps begin to oxidize quickly after opening, which can lead to rancidity. Rancid oil not only loses its effectiveness but can also be harmful to your dog’s health. If using liquid oil, choose products packaged in dark, opaque bottles to reduce light exposure, and always refrigerate after opening. Capsules are more stable, but powdered form provides the longest shelf life and allows for more accurate dosing.

4. Check for Purity, Sustainability & Origin
Choose products that are third-party tested, sustainably sourced, and free of toxins, heavy metals, and preservatives. Oils from small wild-caught fish are nutritionally superior and environmentally responsible. Prioritize products made in the USA to ensure regulatory oversight and quality manufacturing.

5. Know the Label
Some brands advertise their products as "rich in Omega-3" when they contain only ALA from flaxseed or similar sources - a plant-based form that dogs can’t efficiently convert into the beneficial EPA and DHA. ALA may also be labeled as "alpha-linolenic acid," "linseed oil," or "vegetable omega-3." Always read the label carefully and look for the actual amounts of EPA and DHA per serving, not just the total per jar. Some brands advertise impressive totals, but they’re often misleading if they don’t break it down by serving size. Be cautious of proprietary blends, which often conceal low-quality ingredients behind vague labeling.

Why We Trust Our Formula

At Pawsomely Healthy, our Omega-3 supplement is sustainably sourced from wild-caught South Pacific anchovies - naturally high in EPA and DHA and low in environmental contaminants.

The fish oil is spray-dried into a powdered form to preserve freshness and nutritional integrity, and encapsulated in easy-to-use, twist-open veggie capsules - free of toxins and preservatives.

Each capsule is:

• Designed for maximum bioavailability and freshness
• Easy to serve whole or sprinkled on food
• Manufactured in the USA in FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant facility.

The Bottom Line

Omega-3s are essential for your dog’s health - but not all sources deliver the same results. For meaningful benefits, choose a clean, marine-based supplement high in EPA and DHA.

Whether your pup needs support for itchy skin, stiff joints, allergies, or just staying sharp as they age, choosing the right Omega-3 supplement can make all the difference.

Ready to support your dog’s health the natural way? Want to learn more about our Omega-3 powder for dogs? Explore our Omega-3 supplement here →