Omega 3 & 6 for Dogs: What They Are, Benefits and Dosage
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Getting your dog’s nutrition right can feel overwhelming. With so many different health requirements necessary for the maintenance of your dog’s health, it can be tricky trying to keep up. Thankfully, at Years, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll look at the importance of omega for dogs – the different types, where you can find them, and how much to give.
Table of contents
What is Omega 3? Benefits of Omega 3 for dogs What foods are high in Omega 3 for dogs? How much Omega 3 should I give my dog? How can I tell if my dog needs more Omega 3? What is Omega 6? Benefits of Omega 6 Fatty Acids What foods are high in Omega 6 for dogs? Differences in Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids for dogs Summary FAQs
What is Omega 3?
Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that both you and your dog need to stay healthy. These fatty acids are called "essential" because your dog's body can’t produce them naturally, so they must come from their diet or supplements. Omega 3s are used by nearly every tissue and system in your dog's body (especially when they're injured or unwell), so it's important they get enough in their diet.
Omega 3s include several types of fatty acids, two of the most popular types for dogs are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) , DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
Benefits of Omega 3 for dogs
Omega-3 fatty acids support brain function, heart and joint health, immune system strength, and reduce inflammation for dogs. They also promote a healthy skin barrier, glossy coat, and relieve irritation. All dogs need Omega 3, but at certain life stages, the demand increases. For instance, while puppies are growing, they require more for growth, while older dogs benefit from its anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis and age-related decline.
What foods are high in Omega 3 for dogs?
One of the best natural sources of Omega 3 for dogs is oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. These fish are rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) the most digestible form of Omega 3 for dogs. Our Salmon and Pollock Cauliflower Bake recipe is packed with these oily fats!
In addition to fish, fish oil supplements can be a great way to ensure your dog gets enough Omega 3 in their diet, especially if they’re showing signs of skin irritation, inflammation, or itching. Many of our recipes include hemp oil, fish oils, or omega powders as key ingredients to support dogs with skin issues and help with the absorption of essential fatty acids.
If you're looking for plant-based sources of Omega 3, certain nuts and seeds can be good options too. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are rich in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a type of Omega 3 that your dog’s body can convert into EPA and DHA, although this conversion process isn't as efficient as directly consuming fish-based Omega 3s.
How much Omega 3 should I give my dog?
Figuring out how much Omega 3 your dog needs can be tricky, as it depends on their weight and health. The National Research Council (NRC) recommends 30 mg per kg^0.75 of body weight [1], but dogs with health conditions like heart problems, inflammation, kidney disease, or joint pain might need more. You can start with a small amount (about a quarter of the highest safe dose of 370 mg/kg^0.75) and gradually increase it while keeping an eye out for any side effects.
To make it easier, you can use the Omega 3 for Dogs Calculator to figure out the right amount for your dog based on their weight and health, or check with your vet for the best advice.
How can I tell if my dog needs more Omega 3?
Signs that your dog might benefit from more Omega 3 include a dull coat, itchy or flaky skin, and stiff joints. Of course, other health issues are likely to contribute to these symptoms, but if your dog has an ongoing illness or injury, has joint disease, or is immunosuppressed, increasing their Omega 3 intake alongside veterinary treatment could improve their symptoms.
What is Omega 6?
Omega 6 is another essential fatty acid that your dog needs in their diet. It has similar benefits and functions to Omega 3, and just like Omega 3, your dog’s body can’t produce it and must be obtained through their diet.
The main types of Omega 6 fatty acids are:
- Linoleic Acid (LA) – Found in vegetable oils (like sunflower, safflower, and corn oil), chicken fat, and seeds (like flaxseeds and walnuts).
- Arachidonic Acid (AA) – Found in animal products such as liver, poultry, and fish.
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) – Found in plant oils like evening primrose oil, borage oil, and hemp seeds.
Benefits of Omega 6 Fatty Acids - What does Omega 6 do for dogs?
Just like Omega 3, Omega 6 is essential for your dog's health. It improves skin and coat condition, supports the immune system, and helps maintain healthy growth. Omega 6 is also important for normal reproduction.
Specifically, Linoleic Acid (LA) promotes healthy skin and coat and strengthens the immune system. Arachidonic Acid (AA) helps regulate inflammation, supports tissue repair, and contributes to brain function. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) has anti-inflammatory effects, supports skin health, and can reduce joint pain, especially in older dogs or those with arthritis.
What foods are high in Omega 6 for dogs?
Omega 6 fatty acids come from both animal and plant sources. To be specific, Linoleic Acid (LA) is found in vegetable oils like sunflower and soybean, animal fats (such as chicken and beef fat), and seeds like flaxseeds and chia seeds. Arachidonic Acid (AA) is primarily in animal products like liver, poultry, and fatty fish like salmon. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is found in plant oils such as evening primrose and borage oil, as well as hemp and chia seeds.
Sunflower oil is a great source of Omega 6 for dogs, and it’s used in many of our recipes, including our Chicken Thigh Mediterranean Casserole, Turkey Thigh Cranberry Fricassee, and Salmon and Pollock Cauliflower Bake.
Differences in Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids for dogs
Omega oil for dogs is really important, and although the benefits of Omega 3 and 6 are similar, both are needed in the diet. The main difference in omega fats for dogs is that Omega 3 is more important in puppies and during gestation, while Omega 6 is essential for reproductive function. It's important to get the balance of Omega 3 and 6 right because it's thought that too much Omega 6 can reduce the benefit of Omega 3.
Summary
Omega 3 benefits for dogs are similar to that of Omega 6. Both support heart, eye, skin, and joint health and maintain the immune system. Both are required for growth and development and have a role in reducing inflammation. Therefore, ensuring your dog gets both in their diet will help to make sure that they live a long and healthy life.
[1] National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2006
FAQs
Is fish oil good for dogs?
Omega 3 fish oil for dogs is a great way to improve skin, joint, and heart health and maintain a strong immune system.
Is Omega 3 good for dogs with kidney disease?
Any dog with a chronic illness or inflammation will benefit from fatty acids in their diet, but be aware that too much can cause obesity.
Can dogs take Omega 3 for humans?
It’s never recommended to give a supplement intended for humans to dogs, as it may contain additives that are toxic, like xylitol. However, generic fish oil is safe for dogs to have.
Dr. Hannah
Hannah Godfrey – BVetMed MRCVS
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas. February 2023 marked a big development in Hannah’s career, as she moved from permanent clinical veterinary work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local veterinary practices.
