Omega-3 is one of the most wonderful supplements you can add to your dog’s diet. The omega-3 fatty acid is an important immune-boosting supplement and has been found to provide a wide range of benefits to dogs.
Omega-3s are a powerful, natural method of decreasing inflammation. It helps control chronic inflammation that leads to cancer as well as other diseases.
The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are
● Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
● Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
● Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Dogs particularly need EPA and DHA to decrease inflammation and other problems.
Omega 3 and Cancer
Omega-3 may help protect your dog against cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore recent studies from DVM360, investigated their role in cancer prevention. There are a variety of cancers in dogs that have been linked to chronic inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation in your dog’s body.
As with people, dogs often get cancer, especially as they get older. It can occur in any part or system of their body. Also, its symptoms are very varied. Omega-3 acts as a natural ally for your dog’s immune system when they need it the most.
Top 3 Omega 3 Products for Dogs
So clearly, your fur buddy needs omega-3 supplements. But which one? There are many omega-3 products on the market and one can get confused easily. Here we have listed the top 3 omega-3 supplements for dogs.
1. Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil Chew Treats for Dogs
Zesty Paws Omega-3 Bites are premium fish-oil supplements for dogs that come in delicious soft chews. The chews are packed with omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.
These supplements are a great way to help protect your dog’s joints, keeping his coat looking shiny and reducing unwanted shedding. Omega Bites also contain antioxidants that provide additional free-radical support for your dog.
Many buyers began using the supplements to improve their dog’s mobility or joint health. Zesty Paws Omega chew treats are a great way to ensure your dog gets all the omega 3 fatty acids he needs in a delicious manner. Omega treats also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Biotin, which means that they are a good vitamin supplement too.
Each package contains 90 soft chews. Each chew features AlaskOmega, a premium fish oil with Omega 3 fatty acids.
Key Features
● Brand: Zesty Paws
● Flavor: Chicken, bacon
● Item Form: Soft Chew
● Sourced from wild-caught Alaskan salmon
● Made with AlaskOmega
● Supports Skin Health
● Vitamin C, Vitamin E & Biotin
● For Dogs of All Ages
Pros
● Promotes a shiny coat
● Good for joint health
● Good for brain health
● Your dog will love the tasty chewable tablet
● Helps reduce inflammation and discomfort
● Good sources of DHA and EPA
Cons
● Pricey
2. Amazing Omega 3 for Dogs – Dog Fish Oil Pet Antioxidant Bacon Flavor Chews
Amazing Omega 3 tablets for dogs restore your dog’s natural balance with a complete Omega 3-6-9. These tablets help to achieve optimal heart, immune system, and hip and joint support.
Each package contains 120 Chews. Each serving contains 300 mg of Omega 3-6-9 Fish Oil with 18% EPA and 12% DHA.
Key Features
● Brand: Amazing Nutritionals
● Flavor: Liver, salmon
● Item Form: Tablet
● Small and chewable
● Manufactured in the USA
● Third-party tested for purity
Pros
● Good sources of DHA and EPA
● Many customers noted that this supplement drastically improved their dog’s skin and coat condition.
● Promotes healthy bones, joints, and brain health
● Helps reduce inflammation and discomfort
● Safe and effective
Cons
● Smells strongly of fish
3. Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet – Special Dog Formula Fish Oil Omega-3
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Soft Gels are all-natural omega-3 capsules for dogs. They are made from cold-water sardines and anchovies. These soft-gels are easy to administer and full of the Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) your dog needs to enjoy a healthy coat and pain-free joints. They are formulated without any artificial colors or flavors.
Each package contains 180 soft gel capsules, and features omega-3 fish oil in soft gels. Each pill contains 165 mg of EPA, 105 mg of DHA, and 330 mg total omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Features
● Brand: Nordic Naturals
● Flavor: Unflavored
● Item Form: Capsule
● Soft texture
● Made exclusively from sustainably sourced sardines and anchovies
● Good sources of DHA and EPA
● No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Pros
● They help to improve your dog’s mobility
● It helps support your dog’s heart health
● This supplement improves your dog’s coat and skin health.
● No strange additional components
● Great for picky eaters as they don’t have a strong taste
Cons
● Some buyers have mentioned that the label is very misleading for appropriate dosage.
Pet parent tip: Always consult your vet before starting your dog on any omega-3 supplement.
What to Look for in Omega-3 Products for Dogs
Here are some buying considerations when looking for omega-3 products:
● Ingredients
As with any product for your dog, it’s important to look at the ingredients in an Omega-3 supplement. In particular, you should be sure to find a product that contains EPA and DHA.
● Delivery method
Omega-3 supplements come in pill, capsule, treats, and liquid form. You should choose one depending on your dog’s preferences. Pills and dog treats often have less odor and are less messy to administer as compared to fish oil.
● Testing
It’s beneficial to select an omega-3 product that has been independently tested for purity.
● Cost
There’s a lot of variety when it comes to omega-3 products and that means a lot of variation in price. Investing in a good omega-3 product saves you a lot of money and possibly some painful vet visits in the long run.
● Age
Puppies and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. When you buy omega-3 products, have a look at the life stages description. Some omega-3 products are designed specifically for senior dogs or puppies.
If your dog has some health concerns, you should take expert advice to establish an appropriate care plan. Consult your vet for more guidance on your dog’s omega-3 supplement intake.
Does My Dog Need Omega-3 Nutritional Supplements?
Yes, your furry companion’s health and happiness will benefit hugely by adding an omega supplement to their diet. Most dogs who eat a commercial dog food, either kibble and/or canned food, will have an imbalance of omegas.
Remember that there is an upper limit on how much omega-3 is good for your dog. Overdosing with omega-3 can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, altered platelet function, delayed wound healing, weight gain, altered immune function, and more.
A quick note: Experts suggest that dog treats should make up to no more than 5% to 10% of your dog’s daily diet. You should be careful about the calorie content in your dog’s food and treats.
What Foods Provide Omega-3 for Dogs?
Omega-3 is found abundantly in certain foods such as oily fish and some seeds. The foods rich in omega-3 include
● Anchovies
● Sardines
● Salmon
● Soy
● Fish oils made from small fatty fish
● Krill oil
Keep in mind that flaxseed is a good sources of Omega 3s for humans but not for dogs. Our canine companions don’t readily convert omega-3 to the active forms of EPA and DHA.
You can choose to feed your dog omega-3 rich foods or use a food supplemented with omega-3.
Other Benefits of Omega 3 for Dogs
Omega-3 fatty acids have wide-ranging benefits for your dogs. Check out some amazing health benefits of omega-3 for your dog:
● Heart health: Giving your dog an omega-3 supplement may lower their chances of developing heart problems.
● Brain health: Omega 3 can also support your dog’s brain health. Prenatal puppies require omega-3 fatty acids to ensure proper brain and eye development.
● Skin and fur health: Omega-3 fatty acids will give your dog a healthy, glowing, and shiny coat. Dogs can suffer from various skin problems including itching, rashes, or scabs. Omega-3 usually work very well in treating skin conditions and quickly restore the moisture and shine to your dog’s coat and skin.
● Joint health: Omega helps to improve your dog’s mobility and his joints’ range of motion.
● Strengthen their immune system: Omega-3 strengthens your dog’s immune system and improve your dog’s health when dealing with chronic diseases.
Final Thoughts
You can help your beloved dog live his best life! Omega 3 helps keep your dog healthy and protect them from cancer. The reality is that by taking care of your dog, you are actually doing yourself a favor as well. When your furry companion is healthy, it means less vet bills and ample time to enjoy the special bond you share with your four-legged friend.
Remember, the sooner you seek medical attention, the better the outcome will be for your four-legged friend.
Did you find this article useful? Feel free to share your thoughts. We would be happy to hear from you!
Stay tuned for more posts on dog care and much more!
“May Your Home Be Filled With Love And Dog Hair”
Any/all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through one of them, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Mark
Founder of Our Dogs World 101
I have been reading that a great way to give our dogs a great fur is to give them Omega 3. And this agrees with what you have been explaining in your post. And not only their fur gets prettier, but their brain health also benefits. I really liked the Nordic Naturals Omega 3 option. I will try it.
Thank you for this very informative article on Omega-3 fish oil for dogs to help them from getting cancer! I have three Golden Retrievers and they are known to get cancer in their later years. I feel really good after reading your article that I can help hold off on them getting cancer by using this supplement in their diets. Thank you!
Hi Mark, I sporadically give my dogs fish oil, mainly to improve their coats, and also for mobility. But I have never thought that there could a connection between omega 3 and cancer prevention in dogs. So this is very helpful to learn.
I am very familiar with the Nordic Naturals brand, so will be looking out for their omega 3 pet supplement, as I am sure my elderly dog will benefit from a regular supplement.
I’ve been taking Omega 3 for my own health for years but I have never thought about giving it to my dog. It seems a great idea as I would like him to live and be healthy as long as possible. Can I give him the capsule that I buy for myself, I could put a pin in the soft capsule and put it on his food?
The Zesty Chews sound good enough for me to eat! Lol
Hi Lily,
Yes my dogs love the Zesty Chews, especially my old girl Narla!
The only thing you need to be careful about in regards to giving your dog the same Omega-3 Fish oil that you take is that some brands have other flavorings, sweeteners or added ingredients that can make your dog sick (As I found out with Saffron).
If you are confident the fish oil you are taking is in a pure form, as in pure fish oil and nothing else, then it should be safe, however I would check with your vet first.
Hope this helps Lily.
Mark
Good points Mark. It made me go and read the label and it is pure but I think I will be safe and buy ones made for dogs.
Thanks for your great advice as always.
Lily
Hi Lily,
Glad I could help, and please let me know how your dog goes with the Zesty Chews.
Mark
ok
I did not know that dogs could get cancer> you learn something new every day. I do not have a dog but I am planning on getting one so this article will be very beneficial for me in the near future. I will also recommend it to people I know who have dogs.
Hi there,
dogs are man’s greatest friends and must be treated as humans as well. I appreciate your article on how to protect dogs from cancer with Omega 3.
awesome 3 products you have there. I believe I will be able to recommend them to friends as well
Please advise, is this for all types of dogs? will you think some dogs can be allergic to Omega3?
Chat soon
Hi Akumendoh,
While it is highly unlikely that dogs could be allergic to Omega-3 it is always recommended that you seek veterinary advice before giving your dogs any new supplements.
Mark