Before considering using Omega-3s please talk to your veterinarian to ensure that they recommend this type of supplement for your dog. Please also talk to them about their preferred brand or formulation of Omega-3s (enriched in diet vs. oil vs. capsule vs. whole fish). CARE cannot provide specific dosing recommendations for your dog. The information provided below is general not a replacement for speaking with your veterinarian.
What are Omega 3s?
Omega 3 fatty acids have been found to provide a wide range of beneficial effects in humans and animals. They are a powerful, natural method of decreasing the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. However, studies in dogs and cats have found that when used for arthritis management, our pets may need higher doses than what most over-the-counter products recommend.
To further complicate matters, there are three types of Omega 3s. They include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Dogs specifically need EPA and DHA to decrease inflammation due to arthritis.
The most potent source of EPA and DHA is fish oil. You can provide EPA and DHA by giving fish oil supplements, whole fish (anchovies, sardines), or feeding a prescription food contains high levels of fish oil.
Did you know: Dogs cannot metabolize ALA (flaxseed, linseed or canola oil) sufficiently to help treat arthritis.
How much Omega 3s does my dog need daily?
The recommended dose of fish oil is 75-100 mg/ kg total EPA/DHA. CARE typically recommends about 100 mg/kg.
Your dog’s maximum daily dose is 310(kg)¾
Please note that there is an upper limit on how much Omega 3 is good. Overdosing with Omega 3s can lead to: vomiting and diarrhea, altered platelet function (and therefore the potential for reduced blood clotting), delayed wound healing, weight gain, altered immune function, and more. It is important that your veterinarian knows that your pet is taking Omega 3 supplements and that you do not give more than the recommended amount.
To figure out your dog’s body weight in kilograms (kg), divide their weight in pounds by 2.2. For example, 50 lbs = 22.7 kg. A 50-lb dog would need about 2,000 mg (2 grams) of fish oil per day. The maximum dose for a 50-lb dog would be 3,200 mg/ day.
Don’t like having to make calculations? Here are charts to determine your dog’s recommended daily dose.
Omega 3 Dosing (for dogs under 50 lbs)
| Body weight (lbs) | Body weight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.3 | 230 mg | 574 mg |
| 10 | 4.5 | 450 mg | 965 mg |
| 15 | 6.8 | 680 mg | 1308 mg |
| 20 | 9.1 | 910 mg | 1623 mg |
| 25 | 11.4 | 1140 mg | 1919 mg |
| 30 | 13.6 | 1360 mg | 2200 mg |
| 35 | 15.9 | 1590 mg | 2469 mg |
| 40 | 18.2 | 1820 mg | 2730 mg |
| 45 | 20.5 | 2050 mg | 2982 mg |
| 50 | 22.7 | 2270 mg | 3227 |
Omega 3 Dosing (51-100 lbs)
| Bodyweight (lbs) | Bodyweight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 lbs | 22.7 | 2270 mg | 3227 mg |
| 55 | 25 | 2500 mg | 3466 mg |
| 60 | 27.3 | 2730 mg | 3700 mg |
| 65 | 29.5 | 2950 mg | 3924 mg |
| 70 | 31.8 | 3180 mg | 4153 mg |
| 75 | 34.1 | 3410 mg | 4374 mg |
| 80 | 36.4 | 3640 mg | 4590 mg |
| 85 | 38.6 | 3860 mg | 4804 mg |
| 90 | 41 | 4100 mg | 5014 mg |
| 95 | 43.2 | 4320 mg | 5222 mg |
| 100 | 45.5 | 4550 mg | 5427 mg |
Omega 3 Dosing (101-150 lbs)
| Bodyweight (lbs) | Bodyweight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 45.5 | 4550 mg | 5427 mg |
| 105 | 47.7 | 4770 mg | 5629 mg |
| 110 | 50 | 5000 mg | 5829 mg |
| 115 | 52.3 | 5230 mg | 6027 mg |
| 120 | 54.5 | 5450 mg | 6222 mg |
| 125 | 56.8 | 5680 mg | 6415 mg |
| 130 | 59.1 | 5910 mg | 6607 mg |
| 135 | 61.3 | 6130 mg | 6797 mg |
| 140 | 63.6 | 6360 mg | 6985 mg |
| 145 | 65.9 | 6590 mg | 7171 mg |
| 150 | 68.2 | 6820 mg | 7356 mg |
Natural sources of Omega 3s
EPA and DHA can be found naturally in salmon, sardines, and anchovies, and your dog will probably find this to be a tasty treat!
In a 6 oz serving, this is how much Omega 3s your dog would get from each source:
- Anchovies, 3400 mg of EPA/DHA
- Sardines, 2800 mg of EPA/DHA (about 100 mg per small sardine)
- Salmon, between 2200- 3800 mg of EPA/DHA
- NOTE: CARE does not recommend using salmon or salmon oil as a daily source of Omega 3s in dogs as it is not the most environmentally sustainable source.
Where else can I find Omega 3s?
There are many Omega 3 supplements available today. Most products will list the amount of EPA, DHA, and total Omega 3s. The total number will be larger than the sum of EPA and DHA due to “other” Omega 3s.
The ideal dose should be the total of EPA + DHA, not necessarily the total Omega 3 content. However, it is OK to determine what dose to give your dog using the total Omega 3 content listed on the supplement package.
What are other things to consider?
When taken at the right dose, Omega 3s have relatively few side effects. If a dog takes Omega 3s with aspirin, they might experience blood thinning. NOTE: Aspirin is NOT recommended for dogs.
The most common side effect is diarrhea, particularly at higher doses. CARE recommends gradually increasing your dog’s daily dose of Omega 3s until they reach the recommended dose for their weight.
Fish oils (like other supplements) are not regulated by the FDA or any other oversight. There are countless companies selling Omega-3 supplements for humans and pets. It is important to find a reputable brand that evaluates their products for purity, freshness and safety through third-party testing. Companies should be able to provide a certificate of analysis of the product upon request- if they can’t, this is not a high quality or reputable product.
Fish oils are highly prone to oxidation, so it’s important you store them away from light. The formula should also contain adequate levels of Vitamin E or other antioxidants as preservatives; if preservatives are not added, the product must be kept refrigerated.
Flaxseed (and other Omega 3 fatty acids) are not readily converted to the active forms EPA & DHA in pets and CARE does not recommend using flaxseed as a source of Omega 3s.