Omega 3 Fatty Acids – The One Supplement Your Dog Needs

Discover why Omega 3 fatty acids are an important supplement for dogs, from puppyhood through their senior years, and how they may support overall health.

July 31, 2026

Nutrition as Part of Overall Dog Care

Anyone who works with me knows how passionate I am about nutrition as part of the overall care we give our dogs throughout their lives. What we choose to put into their bodies will most likely have a profound effect on longevity and healthspan, affecting their behaviour as well as how they feel.

Apart from a balanced, fresh food diet, the one supplement I give through all stages of life from puppyhood into the senior stage is a daily cold water fish-based Omega 3. The research on its effects is undeniable, and this single supplement is highly recommended by general veterinarians as well as sports rehabilitation veterinarians and others in that field. This post offers the “Coles Notes” version of a topic with a huge amount of available information and research. It is the one supplement for me that is non-negotiable regarding my dogs.

Why Is This Supplement So Important?

The most important reason to give an Omega 3 supplement is its anti-inflammatory effect on the body, especially in a world where the modern dog diet is high in Omega 6s, which causes inflammation. Kibble in particular is manufactured at very high temperatures, which is detrimental to sensitive Omega 3 fatty acids. Adding Omega 3s will help balance that inflammation. Unchecked inflammation damages healthy tissues and causes chronic health problems that affect the skin, the digestive tract and joints. Basically, inflammation causes age-related disease.

The Health Benefits of Omega 3 for Dogs

Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, a daily Omega 3 contributes to cognitive, heart, eye, immune, joint, and kidney health in our dogs. It really is a wonder supplement! While the research on this topic is vast (I have included a few links at the end of this post for people who want a deeper dive), here are some of the positive effects of adding a daily Omega 3 supplement to your dog’s diet:

Brain Health

Like humans, the dog’s brain is rich in DHA, (a type of omega 3 fatty acid) and supplementing with Omega 3s supports brain health and function.

Heart Health

Omega 3s protect the heart by lowering blood pressure, decreasing inflammation and improving function of the heart.

Eye Health

Giving your dog daily Omega 3s supports eye health by maintaining retina funtion and reducing ocular inflammation.

Immune System Support

Research has shown the dog’s immune response system is boosted with the supplmentation of Omega 3s.

Joint Health and Arthritis

With 1 in 5 dogs developing osteoarthritis in their lifetime, Omega 3s supplementation reduces the inflammation that contributes to joint pain and arthritis.

Kidney Health

Omega 3s have shown significant positive effects on the health of dogs suffereing from chronic kidney disease.

Cancer Research

Onega 3s have been shown to slow or inhibit certain types of cancers in dogs.

Choosing an Omega 3 Supplement for Your Dog

When choosing a good source of Omega 3s for your dog, look for sustainably sourced fatty ocean fish like sardines or anchovies. Because these fish are short-lived, they don’t harbour pollutants the same way larger fish like salmon do. This supplement should always be stored in the fridge and can be given in either capsule or oil form.

Omega 3 Dosage and Veterinary Advice

As with all supplements, seek the advice of your vet regarding dosage and the variety of products available. I use Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet for my dogs as it consists of sustainably sourced, wild-caught sardines and anchovies. The dose is based on weight and is added to their daily breakfast.