Is Salmon Oil Good for Dogs?

Key Takeaways:

• Yes! Salmon oil is amazing for dogs.
• The main benefits include better brain function, mental development and memory, a glossier and healthier coat, reduced itchy and dry skin, boosted immunity, and support for heart health, joint health, eye health, and weight management.
• Salmon oil is packed with Omega-3, which contains DHA and EPA — long-chain fatty acids that all mammals, including dogs, cannot produce naturally.

Salmon oil is great for dogs and contains vital ingredients that are essential for a dog's development. Here's exactly how salmon oil can benefit your dog, and some of the science behind its powerful ingredients.

The Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs

Better Brain Function, Mental Development and Memory

Salmon oil can seriously improve brain function in dogs — in fact, it's particularly recommended for the brain development of growing puppies. Research carried out by Lewisburg PHNC found that 9-week-old puppies fed on a high DHA diet became more intelligent, easier to train, and had improved memory in tests which taught them how to recognise shapes that led them to a treat.

You can also feed it to an older dog, as cognitive development needs to be nurtured at all ages. Healthy brain function helps dogs stay alert, energetic, and reactive to their owners.

A Glossy, Healthy Coat

The anti-inflammatory properties of salmon oil help reduce scratching and limit shedding, making your dog's coat smoother, shinier, and more lustrous than ever.

No More Itchy or Dry Skin

The fatty acids found in salmon oil help form a protective layer which moisturises your dog's skin and acts as a barrier to allergens and irritants. If your dog suffers from skin inflammation, Omega-3's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce itching.

Boosted Immunity Against Diseases

DHA and EPA found in salmon oil can supercharge your dog's immune system, meaning their body will be naturally stronger in fighting off infectious diseases. A study by K.J. Rutherfurd-Markwick found that animals supplied with salmon oil had a greater ability to fight infection and disease.

Improved Cardiovascular and Heart Health

The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil help protect your dog's heart by managing cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels, improving overall stamina and cardiovascular health.

Lubricated Joints for Better Mobility

Salmon oil can help keep your dog's joints limber and lubricated so they can move around easily — an essential aspect of continued mobility as they grow and age.

Bright Eyes and Better Sight

Salmon oil can help promote bright, clear eyes and better sight thanks to DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), which plays a role in aiding brain development and eye function, particularly the retina.

Healthy Weight Gain, Especially for Puppies

As salmon oil is a nutrient-rich source of fat, it's the ideal way to induce healthy weight gain in a puppy or underweight adult dog, in a way that includes vital nutrition too.

Why Does Salmon Oil Help Dogs?

Salmon oil is beneficial for dogs because of its wonder-trio of fatty acids: Omega-3, 6, and 9. These powerful ingredients promote healthier skin and coat quality, improved heart health, a boosted immune system, sharper brainpower, and better movement.

What's the Science Behind Salmon Oil?

Omega-3 was recognised as a molecular marvel when it was found to contain fatty acids Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — long-chain acids containing 20 or more carbon atoms. In 1929, scientists found that they form the important structural components of healthy cell membranes. In 2004, the US FDA gave Omega-3 and Omega-6 'qualified health claim status' for being beneficial to normal, healthy growth.

All mammal bodies, including humans and dogs, don't produce DHA and EPA naturally. To receive these nutrients, vital for mental and physical development, we have to get them from food sources such as salmon oil.

Can I Give My Dog Too Much Salmon Oil?

Short answer — yes, and you could risk the side effects listed below. Be sure to feed your dog the recommended daily amounts according to their size and age, as indicated on the product label.

Are There Any Side Effects of Salmon Oil for My Dog?

Most dogs will experience many positives from salmon oil, however with any supplement there's always a risk of side effects or allergies. If you notice your dog experiencing any of the following symptoms, book a visit to your vet:

• Weight gain. Salmon oil is very energy-dense. If your dog seems to be gaining excess weight with no change to exercise or diet, you may need to cut back.
• Diarrhoea. Salmon oil acts as a lubricant, so if given too much it can cause diarrhoea. Try a few days of just their regular food to see if it makes a difference.
• Pancreatitis. If your dog shows classic signs of pancreatitis — a hunched back, sustained vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or abdominal pain — take them to the vet and discontinue salmon oil immediately.

How Is Salmon Oil Different from Other Oils for Dogs?

Salmon Oil vs Other Fish Oils

Oils derived from other fish, such as cod liver oil, offer many of the same benefits — improved coat and skin quality, a boosted immune system, and decreased inflammation. However, prioritising salmon oil helps avoid the risk of Vitamin A overdose associated with cod liver oil. Salmon oil also provides superior Omega-3 absorption and has a fishier taste that dogs love.

Salmon Oil vs Plant-Based Oils

While fish oils contain the long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA found in Omega-3, plant-based oils like olive, coconut, and flaxseed contain more of the short-chain acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Though ALA is still beneficial, dogs would need to consume far more plant-based oil to receive the potent nutrients found in smaller amounts of salmon oil.

Ready to see the benefits in your dog? Explore our DHA & EPA Pet Fish Oil Supplement — sustainably sourced and packed with Omega-3, 6, and 9 — or browse our full dog vitamins and supplements range.