DIET & NUTRITION
5 min
How To Choose the Best Omega 3 Supplement for Dogs: A Nutritionist’s Guide
Looking to buy Omega 3 supplements for your dog? Canine nutritionist Arpita Thakur shares 10 expert insights to help you make the right choice for your dog.
Table of contents
From maintaining healthy skin and shiny coats to fighting inflammation and boosting joint strength, Omega-3 supplements for dogs hold several, well-researched benefits. But with so many products out there, how to choose Omega 3 supplements for dogs that actually show results?
Let’s break it down and look at ten crucial factors so you can confidently choose the best Omega 3 for dogs, without getting lost in the technical jargon!
Let’s break it down and look at ten crucial factors so you can confidently choose the best Omega 3 for dogs, without getting lost in the technical jargon!
Firstly, What Does Omega-3 Do for Dogs?
Omega 3 are healthy fats that your dog’s body cannot produce on their own, so they need to be supplemented through either their diet or supplements. The most beneficial forms of Omega 3 for dogs are EPA and DHA, which are primarily found in fish and seafood (particularly in fatty fishes like anchovies or sardines). While plant-based sources such as hemp seeds or flaxseed contains ALA (another form of omega-3), dogs do not efficiently convert it into EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 fats are nature’s anti-inflammatory warriors. They can help soothe skin irritation, address chronic skin and immune conditions, improve joint strength, and boost cognitive and cardiovascular functions in dogs.
Since sardines and anchovies aren’t always accessible or can be fed in the appropriate amounts to offer the potential benefits, Omega 3 supplements for dogs become a crucial addition to their diet. However, not all Omega 3 supplements are created equal and selecting the right one is crucial for proper efficacy.
Choosing the right Omega 3 supplements for dogs involves considering the source, quality, delivery and packaging methods, and dosage. To select the best omega 3 supplements for dogs, consider the following 10 factors.
Omega-3 fats are nature’s anti-inflammatory warriors. They can help soothe skin irritation, address chronic skin and immune conditions, improve joint strength, and boost cognitive and cardiovascular functions in dogs.
Since sardines and anchovies aren’t always accessible or can be fed in the appropriate amounts to offer the potential benefits, Omega 3 supplements for dogs become a crucial addition to their diet. However, not all Omega 3 supplements are created equal and selecting the right one is crucial for proper efficacy.
Choosing the right Omega 3 supplements for dogs involves considering the source, quality, delivery and packaging methods, and dosage. To select the best omega 3 supplements for dogs, consider the following 10 factors.
How To Choose Omega 3 Supplement for Dogs?
1) Pick the Right Source of Omega-3 for Dogs.
The primary source of Omega 3 fats in a supplement significantly impacts its quality and safety. Choose Omega 3 supplements derived from small, wild-caught fishes such as anchovies, sardines, etc. These species are lower on the food chain and tend to accumulate fewer toxins such as heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) compared to larger fishes such as salmon or tuna.
2) Be mindful of the Peroxide Values of the Fish Oil.
The peroxide values of a fish oil measure the extent of primary oxidation. Higher peroxide values indicate that the fish oil has started to degrade and go rancid, causing harmful oxidative stress in your dog’s body. Aim for Omega 3 supplements for dogs with a PV less than 5 mEq O₂/kg to ensure freshness and prevent adverse effects. If the PV is not clearly mentioned on the product label or website, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company for more information.
3) Check the Total Oxidation Value (TOTOX) of the Omega 3 Supplement.
TOTOX value provides a comprehensive assessment of both primary and secondary oxidation products in the fish oil. A TOTOX value below 26 mEq O₂/kg is indicative of a high-quality, stable oil. Regular intake of oxidized oils can lead to cellular damage and inflammation, underscoring the importance of selecting supplements with low TOTOX values.
4) Ensure that the Fish Oil has Minimal Contaminants.
Contaminants such as heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead) and PCBs pose significant health risks to dogs. High-quality products often source oil from smaller fish, like sardines and anchovies, which are less likely to accumulate toxins. They also undergo distillation process to remove these harmful substances. To ensure safety, check that the product meets international standards for purity.
The permissible limits for heavy metals in fish oil supplements vary by country and regulatory body. Below are the generally accepted maximum levels for these contaminants in natural fish oil:
2) Be mindful of the Peroxide Values of the Fish Oil.
The peroxide values of a fish oil measure the extent of primary oxidation. Higher peroxide values indicate that the fish oil has started to degrade and go rancid, causing harmful oxidative stress in your dog’s body. Aim for Omega 3 supplements for dogs with a PV less than 5 mEq O₂/kg to ensure freshness and prevent adverse effects. If the PV is not clearly mentioned on the product label or website, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company for more information.
3) Check the Total Oxidation Value (TOTOX) of the Omega 3 Supplement.
TOTOX value provides a comprehensive assessment of both primary and secondary oxidation products in the fish oil. A TOTOX value below 26 mEq O₂/kg is indicative of a high-quality, stable oil. Regular intake of oxidized oils can lead to cellular damage and inflammation, underscoring the importance of selecting supplements with low TOTOX values.
4) Ensure that the Fish Oil has Minimal Contaminants.
Contaminants such as heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead) and PCBs pose significant health risks to dogs. High-quality products often source oil from smaller fish, like sardines and anchovies, which are less likely to accumulate toxins. They also undergo distillation process to remove these harmful substances. To ensure safety, check that the product meets international standards for purity.
The permissible limits for heavy metals in fish oil supplements vary by country and regulatory body. Below are the generally accepted maximum levels for these contaminants in natural fish oil:
- Lead: Trace amounts up to 0.5 parts per million (ppm)
- Arsenic: ≤ 1 ppm
- Cadmium: ≤ 0.5 ppm
- Mercury: ≤ 0.5 ppm
5) Check whether the Omega 3 Supplement is Third Party Tested.
Independent verification by reputable organizations ensures the supplement's purity, potency, and safety. Look for brands that provide third-party test results to confirm that their EPA & DHA concentrations, oxidation values, and contaminant levels align with the manufacturer’s claims.
6) Choose The Right Form of Omega 3 Supplements for Dogs.
Omega 3 supplements for dogs come in various forms including liquids, capsules/soft gels, and chewable tablets. Choose a form that suits your dog’s preferences and your convenience. Here’s a table to help you choose:
6) Choose The Right Form of Omega 3 Supplements for Dogs.
Omega 3 supplements for dogs come in various forms including liquids, capsules/soft gels, and chewable tablets. Choose a form that suits your dog’s preferences and your convenience. Here’s a table to help you choose:
Additionally, high-quality liquid fish oil is often more stable when stored properly, reducing the risk of oxidation. Ensure that the chosen form maintains the oil's stability and prevents oxidation.
7) Look out for Optimal EPA & DHA Concentrations.
When purchasing Omega 3 supplements for dogs, the key ingredients to look out for are EPA & DHA as well as their optimal balance. For maximum health benefits, select supplements that provide at least 18% EPA and 12% DHA. These concentrations have been shown to effectively support:
8) Choose Omega 3 Supplements with the Right Packaging.
The best fish oil for dogs usually comes packaged in dark-tinted, airtight bottles that protect it against light and air exposure, which can accelerate oxidation. Proper packaging can help maintain oil stability and potency.
9) Ensure Stability of the Fish Oil with Vitamin E.
Omega 3 fish oil is inherently unstable and prone to oxidation, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially create harmful byproducts. To tackle this, the best fish oil for dogs usually contains natural Vitamin E (d-alpha or mixed tocopherol) which acts an antioxidant and helps in stabilising the oil. Choosing a product that includes Vitamin E ensures better shelf life and protects your dog from the risks associated with oxidized fats.
10) Avoid Unnecessary Additives and Flavours.
Choose omega-3 supplements that are free from artificial preservatives, and flavourings. These can cause adverse reactions in dogs with sensitivities or allergies. Look for labels that state “no artificial additives” or “all-natural.”
7) Look out for Optimal EPA & DHA Concentrations.
When purchasing Omega 3 supplements for dogs, the key ingredients to look out for are EPA & DHA as well as their optimal balance. For maximum health benefits, select supplements that provide at least 18% EPA and 12% DHA. These concentrations have been shown to effectively support:
- Joint health & inflammation reduction
- Cognitive function & brain development
- Cardiovascular support
- Skin & coat health
8) Choose Omega 3 Supplements with the Right Packaging.
The best fish oil for dogs usually comes packaged in dark-tinted, airtight bottles that protect it against light and air exposure, which can accelerate oxidation. Proper packaging can help maintain oil stability and potency.
9) Ensure Stability of the Fish Oil with Vitamin E.
Omega 3 fish oil is inherently unstable and prone to oxidation, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially create harmful byproducts. To tackle this, the best fish oil for dogs usually contains natural Vitamin E (d-alpha or mixed tocopherol) which acts an antioxidant and helps in stabilising the oil. Choosing a product that includes Vitamin E ensures better shelf life and protects your dog from the risks associated with oxidized fats.
10) Avoid Unnecessary Additives and Flavours.
Choose omega-3 supplements that are free from artificial preservatives, and flavourings. These can cause adverse reactions in dogs with sensitivities or allergies. Look for labels that state “no artificial additives” or “all-natural.”
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right omega 3 supplements for dogs doesn’t have to be complicated. Don’t get distracted by marketing gimmicks, instead focus on quality, safety, and transparency so you can find a supplement that supports your dog’s health and shows results, without putting them at risk.
The best Omega 3 supplements for dogs are:
Give your dog the benefits of omega-3 fats, better mobility, a shinier coat, and overall well-being, with a supplement you can trust.
Happy pet parenting!
- Sourced from small, wild caught fatty fishes
- Rich in EPA & DHA concentrations
- Free from harmful additives and contaminants
- Third party tested for Concentrations, Peroxide Values, Total Oxidation Values, Contaminants, etc.
Give your dog the benefits of omega-3 fats, better mobility, a shinier coat, and overall well-being, with a supplement you can trust.
Happy pet parenting!
Are you looking for a good Omega-3 supplement for your dog? 🐶
We at thePack.in have worked with the best experts in the pet care space to launch the HONST 30% Omega 3 Sardine Fish oil for Dogs. Made from just two ingredients - sardine fish and vitamin E, the Honst fish oil is an all-natural Omega 3 supplement with the highest concentration of Omega 3 (EPA & DHA) in the market. 🐟
Click here to know more.
We at thePack.in have worked with the best experts in the pet care space to launch the HONST 30% Omega 3 Sardine Fish oil for Dogs. Made from just two ingredients - sardine fish and vitamin E, the Honst fish oil is an all-natural Omega 3 supplement with the highest concentration of Omega 3 (EPA & DHA) in the market. 🐟
Click here to know more.
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