Salmon oil has become an increasingly popular supplement for dog owners to give their furry companions. This omega-3 rich oil provides many benefits for your dog’s health and wellbeing But how much salmon oil should you actually give your dog each day? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dosing salmon oil for dogs
Why Salmon Oil is Beneficial for Dogs
Salmon oil contains high levels of two key omega-3 fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dogs’ bodies cannot produce EPA and DHA on their own, so they must get these essential fatty acids from their diet.
Here are some of the main benefits EPA and DHA from salmon oil provide for dogs:
-
Joint health – Omega-3s reduce inflammation and pain in joints They also lubricate joints for better mobility, Salmon oil helps dogs with arthritis,
-
Skin and coat – Omega-3s keep dogs’ skin and fur healthy Salmon oil improves skin and minimizes shedding,
-
Brain function – DHA supports cognitive processes and brain development. Salmon oil prevents cognitive decline in senior dogs.
-
Heart health – EPA and DHA regulate heart rhythms and blood pressure. They support cardiovascular function.
-
Immunity – Omega-3s reduce inflammation and strengthen immune response. Salmon oil boosts disease resistance.
So supplementing your dog with salmon oil can promote overall wellness and prevent various health issues. Salmon oil provides nutritional support for dogs of all life stages.
How Much Salmon Oil Per Day Based on Dog’s Weight
The dosage of salmon oil you give your dog depends on their size and weight. Larger dogs need more EPA and DHA compared to smaller dogs. Here are general guidelines for salmon oil based on your dog’s weight:
-
Small dogs (up to 25 lbs) – 250 mg combined EPA/DHA per day. This equals about 1/4 teaspoon of oil or 1 capsule.
-
Medium dogs (26-50 lbs) – 500 mg EPA/DHA daily. Give 1/2 teaspoon of oil or 1-2 capsules.
-
Large dogs (51-90 lbs) – 750 mg EPA/DHA per day. Administer 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of oil or 1-3 capsules.
-
Giant dogs (over 90 lbs) – 1000 mg EPA/DHA daily. Big dogs need 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons or 2-4 capsules.
These are general dosing recommendations, but you should also follow specific guidelines on your salmon oil product’s packaging. Introduce oil slowly over 2-4 weeks, starting with lower doses to avoid digestive upset.
Monitor your dog for side effects like diarrhea when supplementing with salmon oil. Discontinue use if any adverse reactions develop. Consult your veterinarian before giving salmon oil.
How Often to Give Salmon Oil
For the best results, salmon oil should be given to dogs daily with consistency. While some owners only supplement a few times per week, daily doses provide a regular source of omega-3s.
If giving capsules, you can break up doses morning and night. For liquid oil, mix into one meal per day. Follow instructions on your product for frequency. Don’t exceed recommended amounts to avoid side effects.
Choosing a Quality Salmon Oil Supplement
With countless salmon oil products available, it can be difficult picking the right one for your dog. Here are tips for selecting a high-quality salmon oil:
-
Look for oils sourced from wild Alaskan salmon, which have more omega-3s.
-
Choose sustainably caught salmon to support conservation.
-
Avoid oils diluted with filler ingredients.
-
Check EPA and DHA concentrations are at least 30% combined.
-
Refrigerate after opening to prevent oxidation.
-
Favor minimal, pure packaging like glass over plastic.
-
Make sure oil has no rancid smell, which signals spoilage.
-
Verify purity with third-party testing certifications.
Reputable brands like Zesty Paws and Nordic Naturals offer reliably pure, fresh salmon oils that meet these quality standards. Always consult your vet for product recommendations.
Potential Side Effects of Too Much Salmon Oil
While safe for most dogs, too much salmon oil can cause some mild side effects like:
- Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea
- Fishy breath
- Allergies (rare)
- Weight gain from excess calories
Go slowly when first introducing salmon oil. Discontinue use if any symptoms occur. Get veterinary approval before supplementing dogs with health conditions or medications, as omega-3s can interact with other treatments. Monitor your dog and adjust doses as needed.
The Takeaway
When supplemented daily within recommended dosing ranges, salmon oil provides tremendous benefits for your dog’s health. Omega-3s support joint function, skin and coat, cognitive ability, cardiovascular health, and more. Follow dosage guidelines based on your dog’s weight and give a high-quality salmon oil product. Partner with your vet to determine if salmon oil is suitable for your canine companion. With proper salmon oil administration, it can be an extremely valuable addition to any dog’s diet and wellness regimen.
Are there any side effects of salmon oil for my dog?
Most dogs will see the many positives of salmon oil, however with any supplement, there’s always a risk of side effects or allergies. If you notice your dog experiencing any of the following symptoms after taking salmon oil, it’s a good idea to book a visit to your vet and get them checked over, just to be safe.
- Weight gain
Salmon oil is very energy-dense and so it’s great for growing puppies or underweight dogs. If your pooch seems to be piling on the pounds (and there’s no change to his exercise or diet but the salmon oil), then you may need to cut back.
Salmon oil acts as a lubricant so if pups are fed too much, it can cause diarrhoea. If your pooch has toilet trouble after you’ve introduced salmon oil to their diet, try a few days of just their regular food to see if it makes a difference.
- Pancreatitis
If your dog shows the classic signs of pancreatitis – a hunched bag, sustained vomiting over hours or days, diarrhoea, lethargy and/or pain in the abdomen, take them to the vet for treatment and dont continue to feed them salmon oil. Fish oils are too high fat to give to those prone to pancreatitis and has been known to trigger it if the symptoms are already starting to show.
How should I store salmon oil – does it go off?
All fish oils have an expiration date; after this its quality will gradually decrease, and in the worst case it could make your dog unwell. If you’ve had an unopened bottle of salmon oil for a while, check the expiration date before feeding it to your dog. A fresh bottle should be good for two years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight – but use it up within 90 days once you’ve broken the seal, and throw it away if it smells rancid.
Don’t give your Pets Fish Oil UNLESS you are doing these 5 Things
FAQ
How much salmon oil should a dog have a day?
For maximum benefits, feed your dog salmon oil every day. For small dogs a teaspoon a day is enough; for medium dogs, 1-2 teaspoons; for large dogs, 2-3 teaspoons; and for giant dogs, 3-4 teaspoons a day.
Can you give dogs too much salmon oil?
Eating too much salmon oil can cause pancreatitis in dogs, and dogs that already have pancreatitis should refrain from salmon oil supplementation.Nov 18, 2022
How long does it take for salmon oil to kick in for dogs?
How long does it take for salmon oil to work? Most pet parents start seeing the results within 2-4 weeks of consistent use.
Is 1000 mg of fish oil too much for a dog?
How much salmon oil should I give my Pet?
If you prefer, there is an online salmon oil dosage calculator that can do the job for you! Weight (lbs) / 6.6 = Total dose (ml) For the case of Brilliant Salmon Oil, we recommend a dose of 1ml per 6.6lbs (3kg) of your pet’s body weight.
Can I give my Dog Salmon oil?
When giving your dog salmon oil, follow the instructions on the packaging. The dosage will be based on your pup’s weight. Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with Hepper, also recommends asking your vet for advice on how much to give. “Always ask your veterinarian before giving salmon oil to your dog,” Dr. Bonk said.
How much fish oil should a dog eat?
In general, the recommended fish oil dosage for dogs or cats is 1 ml for every 3 kg of your pet’s weight. Proper dosing is extremely important since too much salmon or fish oil might lead to some serious side effects. Also, the right doses have the full potential for fish oil’s health benefits. Let’s dig deeper! Also check out:
Can a dog eat too much salmon oil?
“Too much salmon oil given at once can cause stomach upset in dogs, which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, compromised immune system and delayed wound healing,” Dr. Crow said. There are some things you should consider when choosing a salmon oil supplement to make sure you’re getting the right one for your pup and that it’s high quality.
Is Alaskan salmon oil safe for dogs?
Plus, the oil’s made from wild salmon that comes from the Alaskan Bering Sea instead of farm-raised fish. These capsules are made with 100 percent wild Alaskan salmon oil, and they have no fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors or colors, so they’re super healthy and safe to give your pup.
Is fish oil safe for dogs?
We cannot provide specific recommendations for your animal without evaluating them, because while fish oil is generally benign and safe, certain side effects beyond weight gain and vomiting/diarrhea are possible.