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Is salmon oil good for dogs? The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil have a ton of health benefits for our canine companions. And it’s extremely safe for most dogs as long as you use a quality-tested formula. See my top picks for the best salmon oil for dogs, the multiple benefits, and some cautionary tips about using this supplement.
| Best Overall | Most Popular | With Hemp Oil | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Pet Honesty | Zesty Paws | Charlie&Buddy | Grizzly |
| Visit Website | View on Chewy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Benefits Of Salmon Oil For Dogs
When looking for the best salmon oil for your pup, you want to ensure it contains both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. So, what does salmon oil do for dogs? Fish oil for dogs and cats has been studied more than most types of pet supplements. Here are a few of the many health benefits for dogs.
- Skin allergies: moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation and itchiness.
- Decreases shedding & improves coat health.
- It supports immune and brain health and may improve cognitive function.
- Joint problems and injuries: reduces inflammation and pain and improves mobility.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- It may decrease the risk of certain cancers.
- Heart disease: vets often recommend omega-3 fatty acids for dogs with congestive heart failure and to protect against irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).
- Slows the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Another benefit of salmon oil is that it helps balance out omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. While dogs need some omega-6, many commercial dog foods, especially those containing a lot of grains, corn-fed meat, or refined oils, contain too much omega-6. Excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids can cause chronic inflammation. But giving your pup salmon oil can solve this problem.
Is Salmon Oil Safe For Dogs?
Yes, as long as it is high quality and not mixed with low-quality ingredients. Understandably, many pet owners are concerned about harmful levels of mercury and other heavy metals and toxins in fish oil. And this is a definite problem with some low-quality oils because the FDA doesn’t regulate pet supplements.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to choose a salmon oil from a manufacturer who has their products independently tested for purity. Also, look for pet supplements with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal, which is given to brands that meet this organization’s strict quality requirements.
Best Salmon Oil For Dogs
I’ve chosen my top picks based on several factors, including quality and purity, sustainable sourcing, company reputation, pricing, customer feedback, and more.
Best Overall: Pet Honesty Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Review
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Pet Honesty’s salmon oil is an excellent value if you sign up for auto-shipping. This oil is sourced from a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fishery in Alaska. The MSC is an international nonprofit whose mission is to end overfishing and ensure that seafood is caught sustainably.
One teaspoon contains around 423mg of EPA and 465mg of DHA (total omega-3s of 1,227 mg), so it’s more potent than Zesty Paws and will last longer. Made in the USA, this salmon oil is 100% all-natural with no added ingredients and has the NASC Quality Seal of approval. Pet Honesty offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The only downside is that several customers complain that the pump top is leaky.
Recommended Dosage
Add one pump (2ml) for every 25 lbs of your dog or cat’s weight per day.
Price
- $27.99 ($1.75 / Fl Oz) (16 fl oz)
In-Depth Pet Honesty Review
Our full review of Pet Honesty to learn what other dog supplements they offer and how they can benefit your pup’s health.
Most Popular: Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Review
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Zesty Paws is the bestselling salmon oil on Amazon, Chewy, and other sites for its combination of high-quality, safe ingredients and competitive pricing. This oil is extracted from wild-caught Alaskan salmon, and one teaspoon contains 850mg of omega-3 fatty acids (with DHA and EPA). Made in the USA, it carries the NASC Quality Seal and contains only pure salmon oil and mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative that’s a combination of different sources of vitamin E).
It comes in a pump-top bottle that’s easy to squirt on your pup’s food (or your kitty’s food). And Zesty Paws offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Just keep in mind that Zesty Paws recommends you store it in your refrigerator after opening it. Also, be careful; this one looks just like a soap bottle. I learned the hard way that it does not work or smell like soap!
Recommended Dosage
Give one teaspoon (approx. two pumps) for every 20 pounds of body weight once per day. Amounts can be split between AM and PM.;
Price
- Starting at $16.97 ($2.00 / Fl Oz) (8.5 fl oz)
In-Depth Zesty Paws Review
Read our full review of Zesty Paws to see a breakdown of this brand’s most popular supplements.
Best With Hemp Oil: Charlie&Buddy Hemp Omega Oil For Dogs Review
If you want to give your furry friend the health benefits of both omega-3s and hemp seed oil, this product may be the perfect solution. While not nearly as potent as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, hemp seed oil can still help ease chronic pain and inflammation, anxiety, stress, and several other health issues. Charlie&Buddy makes a salmon and hemp oil combination that many dogs love. The formula promotes a healthy coat and skin and may help with mood support. It is safe for both dogs and cats.
Charlie&Buddy uses 100% organic, cold-pressed hemp seed oil. This combo salmon CBD oil contains Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and vitamins B and E. DHA promotes brain health, and EPA boosts heart health and reduces inflammation.
Recommended Dosage
- Under 20 lbs:10 drops per day
- 21-49 lbs: 20 drops daily
- Over 50 lbs: 40 drops daily
Price
- Starting at $17.99 (32 oz)
Best Premium: Grizzly All-Natural Salmon Oil Review
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Most brands don’t make their own salmon oil. Instead, they source from a manufacturer who processes salmon oil for them – not that there is anything wrong with this. That’s where Grizzly Salmon Oil is a little different. Grizzly is both the manufacturer and brand of salmon oil – they own plants in Alaska that make salmon oil.
This ensures that Grizzly has strict control over the quality of the salmon oil. From rejecting inferior salmon to testing for mercury and heavy metals, Grizzly can guarantee that their salmon oil is of the highest quality through every step of the production line. But don’t take their word for it. Grizzly has been audited by the NASC for product safety.
Grizzly contains salmon oil and mixed tocopherols (natural preservatives). Per teaspoon, this one has 1,320 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, 130 mg of omega-6 fatty acids, 500 mg of EPA, and 450 mg of DHA. It has 40 calories per teaspoon. One pump is equal to 1/2 teaspoon.
Recommended Dosage
- Up to 12 lbs: ½ pump per day
- 13-25 lbs: 1 pump per day
- 26-50 lbs: 1½ pumps per day
- 51-75 lbs: 2 pumps per day
- 76-100 lb:s 2½ pumps per day
- For every additional 10 pounds, add ½ pump per day
Price
- Starting at $47.99 ($1.50 / Fl Oz) (32 oz)
Best Unscented: Iceland Pure Salmon Oil Review
Have you ever fed your dog salmon oil before? You may be all too familiar with its strong, fishy aroma. If you have a sensitive nose, it can make your eyes water. Fortunately, not every brand has this fishy odor. Iceland Pure Salmon has a very light aroma. Compared to the others we tested, it’s barely noticeable.
We tested multiple brands of fish oil that claimed to be unscented. In a blind smell test, 8/10 testers agreed that Iceland Pure Salmon Oil was the most odor-free. Where you really notice the difference of unscented salmon oil is on your dog’s breath. After feeding our dogs Iceland Pure Salmon Oil, there was almost no foul-smelling fish breath.
This salmon oil has been run through ultra-fine filters. These filters trap chunks of salmon protein, which are responsible for the fishy aroma. The result is a very light-smelling, less fishy aroma.
Iceland Pure salmon oil has 1,118 mg of Omega 3s and 82 mg of Omega 6 fatty acids. It also has 644 mg of EPA and 476 mg of DHA.
Recommended Dosage
- Under 35 lbs: 2 pumps daily
- 36-60 lbs: 3 pumps daily
- 61-100 lbs: 6 pumps per day
- 100+ lbs: 8 pumps daily
Price
- $49.90 ($1.51 / Fl Oz) (33 oz)
Best Bulk: Life Line Premium Salmon Oil Review
If you own multiple dogs, a small bottle of salmon oil can get used up pretty quickly. In that case, you may want to buy in bulk. When it came to value for money, there really is no going past Life Line Premium Salmon Oil. This bottle contains a whole gallon of salmon oil, which is one of the largest bottles on the market. It also had a higher concentration of Omega 3 than other salmon oil brands that offered a gallon size.
Like with all our favorite salmon oil brands, Life Line Premium salmon oil is made right here in the USA from wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
Now, it is worth mentioning that these bulk bottles are heavy and don’t come with a pump. Unless you are really strong and have steady hands, pouring the bottle without making a mess is tricky. Our tester’s solution was to buy a pump dispenser lid and replace the cap that comes with the bottle. We used a piece of tape to mark how low to pump for a single teaspoon. Alternatively, you can buy a refillable pump bottle (like a shampoo bottle) and fill it with a funnel.
If you want a large bottle of salmon oil with a pump, consider the Glacier Salmon Oil. At 64 oz, it’s half the size of our bulk recommendation. It doesn’t offer the same value for money. But the pump dispenser is worth the trade-off.
Per teaspoon, Life Line Salmon oil provides approximately 1,302 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids, including 630 mg of EPA and 495 mg of DHA.
Recommended Dosage
- Up to 25 lbs: ½ teaspoon daily
- 25-50 lbs: 1 teaspoon daily
- 50+ lbs: 1½ teaspoon daily
Price
- $165.44 ($1.29 / Fluid Ounce) (128 oz)
Best Chew: Pet Honesty Skin Health Salmon Review
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Packed full of Alaskan salmon oil, these bite-sized chews have a higher Omega 3 content than any other salmon oil chew we reviewed – And they are made here in the USA.
While these heart-shaped treats are called salmon oil chews, I would use the term “chew” loosely. Our bulldog and Husky tester swallowed them whole – A better name would be gobble.
Not that this is a problem. Salmon oil chews are used as a supplement, not a long-lasting chew. If you want a long-lasting chew, consider bully sticks, Himalayan cheese, or a good chew toy instead. Each bottle of Omega Salmon contains 90 heart-shaped treats. For best results, it’s recommended that you feed your dog these salmon oil treats daily.
Each chew has 95 mg of DHA, 35 mg of EPA, 285 mg of omega-3, and 170 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.
Recommended Dosage
- 1 chew daily per 25 lbs of weight
Price
Our Personal Experience With Salmon Oil For Dogs
Fish oil, particularly salmon oil, is a popular supplement for dog parents who want to improve their pet’s overall health—and for good reason.
Salmon is packed full of healthful nutrients. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support a dog’s heart, joints, eyes, skin, coat, and more. Salmon is a source of various vitamins and minerals: vitamin A, which is essential for the immune system, skin, and vision; vitamin D for immune and bone support; B vitamins, which work synergistically to provide energy and support the nervous system; and zinc to boost immune function and support protein and DNA synthesis.
Salmon oil’s standout nutrient is a carotenoid called astaxanthin. This red-orange pigment is found in various marine organisms and is responsible for salmon’s pink color. Astaxanthin acts as an antioxidant to protect from cellular damage and aging. It also boosts immune function and supports the skin, muscles, joints, brain, and heart.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, here’s the thing: Quality is everything when it comes to fish oils like salmon. Poor-quality salmon oil can actually do more damage than not supplementing at all.
When shopping for fish oil, focus on freshness, purity, and sourcing. Fresh fish oil reduces the risk of the oil going rancid. Aside from the fishy taste and smell, ingesting rancid oils may create oxidative stress, thus damaging healthy cells and creating inflammation.
The second factor is purity. Quality companies exceed standards for the allowance of heavy metals and toxic chemicals in their product. Pollutants like dioxins and PCBs can cause a number of health issues, including liver problems and skin conditions. Check to ensure the brand uses third-party testing to ensure purity.
Finally, you want to consider where the product is sourced. Generally, wild-caught fish tend to deliver a better nutrient profile than farm-raised fish. Just make sure the fish are sustainably sourced to minimize harmful environmental impacts.
– Tara Maurer, Dog Mom & Supplement Expert For Canine Journal
How Much Salmon Oil Should I Give My Dog?
How much salmon oil for dogs per day depends on several factors, including your pup’s weight, the brand of oil (i.e., the levels of omegas, EPA, and DHA), the presence of health conditions, and more. It also depends on your pup’s diet because some dog foods already have omega-3 fatty acids in them. So, check the list of ingredients in your dog food. If it contains salmon or fish or is fortified with omega-3s, you should consult your veterinarian to determine how much salmon oil to give your pup as a supplement. Too much fish oil can cause side effects.
Even if your pup’s food doesn’t contain omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a good idea to get the okay from your vet before giving your dog any type of supplement. You should be fine as long as you follow your product’s dosage recommendations unless your vet has other guidance.
Sample Salmon Oil Dosage Chart For Dogs With Arthritis
Are you dosing your senior dog due to arthritis? Then, you may want to use the following instructions as outlined by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University.
Please note that the dose is based on the combined EPA + DHA amount in your fish oil. Refer to the label on the bottle for the exact amount of EPA and DHA in your salmon oil.
| Weight | Dose (mg) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 574 |
| 10 | 965 |
| 15 | 1308 |
| 20 | 1623 |
| 25 | 1919 |
| 30 | 2200 |
| 35 | 2469 |
| 40 | 2730 |
| 45 | 2982 |
| 50 | 3227 |
| 55 | 3466 |
| 60 | 3700 |
| 65 | 3950 |
| 70 | 4153 |
| 75 | 4374 |
| 80 | 4591 |
| 85 | 4804 |
| 90 | 5014 |
| 95 | 5222 |
| 100 | 5427 |
| 105 | 5629 |
| 110 | 5829 |
| 115 | 6027 |
| 120 | 6222 |
| 125 | 6415 |
| 130 | 6607 |
| 135 | 6985 |
| 140 | 574 |
| 145 | 7171 |
| 150 | 7356 |
What Are The Risk Factors & Side Effects Of Salmon Oil For Dogs?
Fish oil is relatively safe, but some conditions could present risks, including dogs with bleeding disorders, diabetes, a history of pancreatitis, and diarrhea. For these dogs, it’s important to discuss fish oil supplementation with your vet.
In healthy dogs, fish oil is considered very safe. Potential side effects, which typically occur with doses that are too high, include vomiting, diarrhea, slow wound healing, an oily coat, and fishy breath. Also, if your dog is on a grain-based diet, taking salmon oil daily over a long period may cause a vitamin E deficiency. Check with your vet to see if you should be giving your pup a vitamin E supplement as well.
Why Is Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon Oil Best For Dogs?
You may have noticed that nearly all our top picks are made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon. As far as salmon oil goes, it can’t be beaten.
Wild caught refers to any salmon caught in the ocean, where it was free to roam and eat a natural diet of other fish. On the flip side, farm-raised salmon are kept in giant nets and are fed pellets.
It might seem like a small difference, but that natural diet causes wild-caught salmon to have up to a 30% higher Omega 3 concentration than farmed salmon. Alaskan Salmon are caught in American waters. The fisheries and manufacturers need to abide by US laws regarding food safety.
Another benefit is that the Alaska Department of Environmental Control monitors the fish in its waters. Alaskan salmon have very low mercury and arsenic levels, among the world’s lowest levels. For these reasons, wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil is superior and should be the number one choice for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some additional questions we see frequently from our readers about salmon oil. Don’t see yours here? Ask us in our comments.
Salmon Oil vs Fish Oil For Dogs: What’s The Difference?
Both oils are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, but salmon oil usually has higher levels and is better absorbed by the body. Products labeled “fish oil” or “omega-3” contain oil extracted from multiple wild-caught fish (e.g., herring, pollock, etc.), and it may or may not contain salmon. Typically, salmon-free fish oil has less of a fishy odor and taste than salmon oil. See our reviews of the best fish oil for dogs if you’d prefer an odorless option.
What Does Salmon Oil Do For Dogs With Joint Pain?
Salmon oil is a powerhouse supplement for aching pups because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which reduce the inflammation associated with joint pain from such conditions as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Dogs can’t make their own omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s an important part of their diet.
Is Salmon Oil Good For Dogs’ Itchy Skin?
Many pup owners find a lot of success with a daily salmon oil supplement to relieve their dog’s itchy skin. DHA and EPA found in salmon oil help reduce skin inflammation and itchiness. These omega-3s also moisturize the skin, which helps protect it from allergens such as dust, pollen, etc.
Is Salmon Oil For Humans Safe For Dogs?
Pure salmon oil (without any other ingredients) that’s made for human consumption could be safe for your pup. But you should consult your vet to ensure the product you’re considering is okay. Your vet can also determine the safe dosage.
Where Should You Store Your Salmon Oil?
Salmon oil does not usually have to be refrigerated. When bottled, most brands mix salmon oil with vitamin E. The vitamin E acts as a natural preservative. You’ll see the vitamin E mix written as mixed tocopherols in the ingredients list of your liquid salmon oil. A few salmon oil brands use rosemary extract as a preservative instead. Based on the brands we reviewed, rosemary extract is more commonly used in Nordic salmon oils.
However, warmer temperatures shorten the shelf life of salmon oil. If the temperature rises above 86˚F, you should store your salmon oil in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life. If your salmon oil starts to smell like rotten fish, it’s likely gone bad, and it’s time to get a new bottle. Be sure to follow the recommendations on the bottle for the specific product you pick.
Best Dog Allergy And Joint Supplements
If you’re considering salmon oil to relieve your dog’s itchy skin or ease joint pain from arthritis, you may want to check out some other top supplements formulated specifically for these conditions. See our top picks for the best dog allergy supplements and the best joint supplements for dogs. You may find a better solution for your pup’s issues or a complement to salmon oil.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Over the last 10 years, Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different health supplements for dogs. She’s an expert at analyzing supplements based on current scientific studies for the most beneficial ingredients for our pups. She has a dog named Tiny and is part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
