Fish oil is the fatty oil extracted from fish, and it is primarily of interest because of its high content of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It is precisely these two fatty acids that give fish oil its reputation, because they are building blocks that the dog's body does not produce itself in sufficient quantity, and they must therefore come from meals or a supplement. When you consider a daily supplement for your dog, it is therefore relevant to know both what fish oil is made of and what it actually does in the body.
Here we take a concrete approach: what the oil consists of, what it contributes in everyday life, how much a dog needs, and how to find the right quality. We also look at how fish oil works together with the rest of the meals, so that your dog gets a whole rather than a stand-alone supplement.
What is fish oil made of, and what does it contain?
Fish oil is produced by pressing or extracting the oil from oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardine and anchovy. What makes the oil valuable is its content of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fish absorb these fatty acids through the food they eat in the sea, and this is why cold-water fish from clean waters are such a central source. In addition to EPA and DHA, fish oil may also contain a smaller amount of fat-soluble vitamins, but it is the two fatty acids that are the whole focus.
It is worth distinguishing between the omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish and the plant-based omega-3 (ALA) found, for example, in flaxseed. Dogs only convert ALA into EPA and DHA to a limited extent, and therefore marine sources are the most direct route to the active fatty acids. This is precisely why fish oil is referred to as an omega-3 source of high bioavailability, that is, a form the body can easily absorb and use.
What is fish oil good for in dogs?
Omega-3 from fish oil is a natural part of the fatty acids that the dog's body uses as building blocks in cells and tissue. Among other things, EPA and DHA are part of what supports well-functioning skin and a glossy coat, and they are part of the dog's normal, healthy balance. Many dog owners choose a fish oil supplement precisely to give the coat shine and support healthy skin, and this is one of the most well-known reasons to supplement with the oil.
DHA also has a special role in puppies, where the fatty acid is part of the normal development of the nervous system. In the adult dog, many think of fish oil in connection with mobility and everyday comfort, not least in a senior dog enjoying its golden years at a more leisurely pace. It is important to emphasise, however, that fish oil is a dietary supplement and not a treatment. If your dog has specific ailments or health concerns, those belong with your veterinarian, not in a supplement.
If you are unsure how fish oil fits into your particular dog's nutrition, you are always welcome to contact ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisors. They are ready by phone, chat and email and advise on feeding, food and nutrition, so that you can make a choice that matches your dog's everyday life and needs.
How much fish oil should a dog have per day?
How much fish oil a dog needs per day depends on the dog's size, age and the rest of its diet. A small dog naturally needs a smaller amount than a large dog, and therefore it makes no sense to set one fixed figure that fits everyone. The dosage should always be adapted to the individual dog, and here it is a good idea to follow the instructions on the product you choose and, if necessary, discuss the amount with a professional.
An important point is that fish oil is a concentrated fat and thus also a source of energy. If you give a daily supplement, it forms part of the dog's total fat and energy intake, and you should take this into account so that the dog maintains a healthy weight. If you are unsure whether your dog is at a good weight, you may benefit from reading the guide on healthy weight in dogs and using it as a benchmark before adjusting the amounts.
Which fish oil should you choose for your dog?
When choosing fish oil, the quality of the raw material is crucial. Look for an oil made from fresh fish from clean waters, and where the content of EPA and DHA is clearly stated, so that you know what you are actually giving your dog. A clean, fresh oil without a rancid smell is a good sign, because omega-3 is sensitive to oxygen and light, and freshness therefore means a lot for both taste and nutritional value.
At ESSENTIAL FOODS you will find fish oil as part of the daily dietary supplement, where The Omega 3 Oil is created from exquisite raw materials with a focus on pure omega-3 from fish. The oil comes in two sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your dog's everyday life and consumption. If you also want to support your dog's mobility, you can take a closer look at The Mobility Blend, which is composed with exactly that in mind. Whatever you choose, it is about giving your dog a supplement of the same high, well-considered quality as the rest of the dog's meals.
Fish oil or fish in the meal itself?
A daily fish oil supplement is not the only route to omega-3. Oily fish in the meal itself also contribute the beneficial fatty acids, and for many dogs a fish-based diet is a natural starting point. If you choose a meal prepared with fish as the key raw material, your dog gets omega-3 directly from the meal, together with fresh raw materials and carefully selected local and regional delicacies.
In ESSENTIAL FOODS' range you will find fish-based meals where the produce of the sea takes centre stage, just as you can give your dog Fish Delights as a tasty treat with fish. If you want to get an overview of the entire palette of human-grade ingredients and chef-prepared meals, you can explore all meals and find the nutritional profile that suits your dog's taste, life stage and needs. In this way, fish oil does not become a detached supplement, but part of a well-considered whole, where your dog gets the best both from the bowl and from the daily supplement.