Omega-3 Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Calculate the correct omega-3 dosage for your dog. Salmon oil contains 15-20% more DHA than fish oil, so you'll need less volume for equivalent benefits.
Recommended Dosage
Important:
Start with half dose for first week. Salmon oil requires 15-20% less volume for equivalent benefits. Always check label for EPA/DHA content.
When it comes to keeping your dog’s coat shiny, joints mobile, and skin healthy, omega-3 fatty acids are a big deal. And when pet parents look for the best source, two names come up again and again: fish oil and salmon oil. But which one actually gives your dog more bang for the buck? It’s not just about marketing labels. There are real differences in how these oils are made, what they contain, and how your dog’s body uses them.
What’s in fish oil and salmon oil?
Fish oil is a broad term. It usually comes from cold-water fish like anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. These are small, fast-growing fish that don’t live long or accumulate heavy metals like mercury. That’s why fish oil is often seen as a safe, affordable option. But because it’s made from multiple fish species, the exact amount of EPA and DHA - the two key omega-3s your dog needs - can vary a lot between brands.
Salmon oil, on the other hand, comes from one source: salmon. Most commercial salmon oil for pets uses wild-caught Pacific salmon, especially from Alaska. Salmon naturally have higher concentrations of DHA than most other fish. In fact, tests by independent labs show that salmon oil typically contains 15-20% more DHA than standard fish oil blends. That matters because DHA is especially important for brain function, eye health, and reducing inflammation in older dogs.
Why DHA and EPA matter for dogs
Your dog can’t make omega-3 fatty acids on its own. It has to get them from food. The two most important ones are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA helps fight inflammation - think arthritic hips, itchy skin from allergies, or even chronic gut issues. DHA is the brain and eye builder. Puppies need it for proper nervous system development. Senior dogs need it to slow cognitive decline.
Most fish oils have a 3:2 ratio of EPA to DHA. That’s fine for general inflammation. But salmon oil often leans closer to a 2:3 ratio - meaning more DHA. That’s why some vets recommend salmon oil for dogs with cognitive issues, vision problems, or severe skin allergies. A 2023 study from the University of Missouri followed 120 senior dogs on either fish oil or salmon oil for six months. The salmon oil group showed a 31% greater improvement in mobility and a 27% reduction in allergy-related scratching compared to the fish oil group.
Which one is more bioavailable?
Bioavailability sounds like a fancy word, but it just means: how well does your dog’s body actually absorb and use it? Fish oil is often processed into ethyl ester form to make it cheaper to concentrate. That’s fine for humans, but dogs don’t digest ethyl esters as well. Their bodies need the triglyceride form to absorb omega-3s efficiently.
Most high-quality salmon oils are kept in their natural triglyceride form. They’re not stripped down and rebuilt like some fish oils. That means more of the good stuff gets into your dog’s bloodstream. One 2024 study from the Journal of Veterinary Nutrition found that dogs fed triglyceride-form salmon oil had 42% higher blood levels of DHA after 30 days than dogs fed ethyl ester-based fish oil.
Cost vs. value
Let’s be honest - salmon oil costs more. A 4-ounce bottle of salmon oil might run $25-$35. A similar-sized bottle of generic fish oil? $12-$18. But here’s the catch: you might not need to give as much salmon oil to get the same results. Because it’s more concentrated and more bioavailable, you can often use half the dose. Check the label. If the salmon oil has 300 mg of DHA per teaspoon and the fish oil has only 180 mg, you’re getting more active ingredients per dollar.
Also, cheaper fish oils sometimes use fillers, are poorly stored (leading to rancidity), or aren’t third-party tested. Rancid oil doesn’t just lose its benefits - it can make your dog’s inflammation worse. Salmon oil brands tend to be more transparent about sourcing and testing. Look for certifications like IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) or MSC (Marine Stewardship Council). They don’t guarantee quality, but they’re a good sign.
When to choose salmon oil
- Your dog has chronic skin allergies or hot spots
- Your senior dog is slowing down or seems stiff
- Your puppy is under 6 months old and you want to support brain development
- Your dog has been diagnosed with mild cognitive dysfunction (like confusion or nighttime pacing)
- You’ve tried fish oil before and didn’t see noticeable changes
When fish oil still makes sense
- You’re on a tight budget and need a daily supplement
- Your dog is young and healthy with no major health concerns
- You want to support general immune function, not target a specific issue
- You’re giving it to multiple dogs and need to stretch the bottle
Some pet parents alternate between the two. They use salmon oil for 3 months during allergy season or for senior dogs, then switch to fish oil for maintenance. That’s not a bad strategy - as long as you keep track of the total omega-3 dose your dog gets.
How much should you give?
There’s no one-size-fits-all dose. But most vets recommend 20-50 mg of combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight. So a 50-pound dog would need 1,000-2,500 mg total per day. Always start low. Give half the dose for the first week to see how your dog reacts. Some dogs get loose stools at first - that’s usually temporary. If diarrhea lasts more than 3 days, cut back or stop.
Also, check the label carefully. Some brands list total fish oil, not EPA+DHA. You want the number for EPA+DHA. If it’s not listed, don’t buy it.
What about plant-based oils like flaxseed?
Flaxseed oil has omega-3s too - but it’s ALA, not EPA or DHA. Dogs can’t convert ALA into EPA or DHA well at all. Less than 5% turns into usable forms. That means flaxseed oil won’t help with joint pain or skin allergies. Skip it unless you’re using it as a fiber supplement, not an omega-3 source.
Final verdict
Salmon oil wins if you want the most potent, bioavailable omega-3s for targeted health benefits - especially for older dogs, allergic dogs, or puppies. It’s more expensive, but you often need less of it, and you’re getting more of what your dog actually needs.
Fish oil is still a solid choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, general-purpose supplement for a healthy dog. Just make sure it’s high-quality, in triglyceride form, and has clear EPA/DHA numbers on the label.
There’s no magic here. Both work - but salmon oil delivers more of the right stuff. If your dog has health issues, go with salmon oil. If you’re just maintaining wellness, fish oil gets the job done. Either way, don’t skip the third-party testing. Your dog’s health isn’t a gamble.
Can I give my dog both fish oil and salmon oil together?
Yes, but it’s usually unnecessary. Both oils contain EPA and DHA. Giving them together increases the risk of overdosing, which can cause diarrhea, blood thinning, or vitamin E deficiency. If you want to switch between them, do it gradually over a week. Don’t mix them in the same meal.
Does salmon oil smell worse than fish oil?
It can. Salmon oil has a stronger, fishier smell because it’s more concentrated and less processed. Some dogs love the taste, others gag. If your dog refuses it, try freezing the oil in ice cube trays or mixing it into wet food. Look for flavor-enhanced versions - some add chicken or liver to make it more palatable.
How long until I see results?
For skin and coat, you’ll usually see changes in 4-6 weeks - shinier fur, less flaking. For joint mobility, it can take 8-12 weeks. Dogs with chronic inflammation (like arthritis) may need 3 months before you notice them climbing stairs easier or sleeping more comfortably. Patience is key. Omega-3s build up slowly in the body.
Is wild salmon oil better than farmed?
Wild-caught salmon oil is generally better. Farmed salmon are often fed grain-based diets that lower their omega-3 content and increase unhealthy fats. Wild salmon eat natural prey, so their oil is richer in EPA and DHA and has fewer contaminants. Always check the label - reputable brands clearly state "wild-caught." Avoid anything that says "farmed Atlantic salmon" without additional clarification.
Can I use human fish oil supplements for my dog?
You can, but it’s risky. Human supplements often contain additives like artificial flavors, xylitol (toxic to dogs), or higher doses meant for 150-pound people. A 10-pound dog could overdose on a single capsule. Stick to pet-specific formulas. They’re dosed correctly and free from dangerous ingredients.
