Much like us humans, our dogs can use a little helping hand every once in a while when it comes to their diet and health. And, just like people, fish oil offers a host of benefits for your pet, ranging from healthier coats to more moisturized skin to boosted immune systems and more! There are so many fish oil options available for our dogs, though, making it challenging to find the perfect one, especially if you’re not sure what you should be looking for.

It turns out there are a few qualities that make one fish oil for dogs better than another, and we’ve covered them all below. We also went ahead and reviewed ten of the best fish oils for dogs on the market as a bonus. After this, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make the right choice for your favorite pup!

A Comparison of Our 2024 Favorites

The 10 Best Fish Oils For Dogs

1. Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Supplement – Best Overall

When you want the best overall fish oil for your pup, Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 supplement is the way to go. Made with sustainably sourced wild Alaskan salmon for better quality and loaded with DHA and EPA—omega-3 fatty acids that can actually be absorbed via your pet’s metabolism—this fish oil helps to protect and improve your dog’s health in a myriad of ways. The omega-3 fatty acids within maintain your pet’s immune health, vision, and brain health. Plus, antioxidants and vitamins improve the coat and skin of your pup.

Wild salmon means it has fewer calories, so you won’t be adding on the pounds by using this product. This fish oil also has the seal of the National Animal Supplement Council, so you can be sure it is safe.

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2. Native Pet Omega-3 Fish Oil – Best Value

Considering its high-quality ingredients and palatable flavor, Native Pet Omega-3 Fish Oil is the best fish oil for dogs for the money. This fish oil supplement contains a nutritious blend of real salmon oil, pollock oil, and wheat germ oil to provide a complete source of healthy fatty acids for dogs. It’s made with 100% essential ingredients and doesn’t contain any fillers, so it’s a viable option for dogs who require a limited-ingredient diet or have food allergies.

This product was also taste-tested and approved by dogs, and many dogs seem to enjoy eating their food more when it’s topped with this fish oil. It also doesn’t have a particularly strong fish odor. Overall, this fish oil is both nutritious and tasty. However, the container it comes in does tend to leak easily, so it’s important to store it properly.

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3. Zesty Paws Core Elements Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil – Premium Choice

If it’s a premium fish oil you’re after, Zesty Paws Core Elements is our choice. This fish oil for healthy skin is made from premium Alaskan salmon caught in the wild and is flavored, so your dog will be sure to approve. Plus, unlike some other fish oils, Zesty Paws is 100% salmon oil instead of salmon and pollock. It offers DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids to help make your pup’s coat nice and shiny and improve dry skin. Pet owners noticed increased appetite, fewer allergies and itchiness, and even dandruff going away.

A single teaspoon is all you need to give your pet, and with the easy-to-use pump bottle, adding it to your pet’s meals will be a breeze.

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4. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement for Dogs

When you want your puppy to have a nice, shiny coat, well-moisturized skin, and a sharp brain, you may want to consider Nordic Naturals. Made not from salmon but from sustainable sardines and anchovies found in the South Pacific, this fish oil for dogs provides your pet with the essential omega-3 fatty acids they need. Plus, this oil helps keep joints, vision, and the heart healthy, as well.

This product is distilled for purity and tested by a 3rd party to ensure quality. Because it is a pour bottle and not a pump, you’ll have to measure out what you need for each meal. It lasts for up to 3 months after opening.

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5. PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil Immune, Joint and Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs & Cats

This vet-recommended fish oil for dogs is made from a mix of fish—herring, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies—caught off the coasts of Iceland. Free of corn, soy, wheat, and GMOs, PetHonesty’s oil promotes better joint health, along with healthier skin, a shinier coat, and improved immune health. Plus, it contains only low amounts of mercury. And, as a bonus for both your pet and you, this fish oil has been purified to lessen the fishy taste and smell!

PetHonesty’s fish oil is bottled in a facility that is FDA-certified. A portion of all profits goes to no-kill shelters.

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6. TerraMax Pro Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil Dog Supplement

Vet-recommended TerraMax Pro Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil combines anchovies, mackerel, sardines, and herring caught off the coast of Iceland into a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil that is distilled molecularly to guarantee there are no toxins. The manufacturer claims that each serving will contain at least 525 mg of DHA and 800 mg of EPA designed to ease inflammation, help allergies and itchy skin, and improve the health of your dog’s coat.

TerraMax Pro is 100% free from mercury and contains no detectable amounts of heavy metals, pesticides, dioxin, or PCBs. They use sustainable and safe fishing practices to avoid harming protected species such as dolphins.

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7. Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Softgels Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs

Derived from wild-caught sardines and anchovies from Peru, Nutramax delivers at least 155 mg of EPA and 100 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids in each serving. That’s enough to provide your pup with a boost of health for their kidneys, brain, and eyes, plus support for a healthy, shiny coat and less dry skin. This fish oil also supports joint and immune function, the nervous system, and a regular heart rhythm.

The softgels have a nice minty flavor (peppermint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is fine in moderation for dogs). And—so you don’t have to worry about anything harming your pet—all sardines and anchovies in this product are tested for any contaminants before use.

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8. Nutri-Vet Fish Oil Softgels Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs

These fish oil softgels were formulated by vets to provide not only a boost of health but a yummy treat for your pup. Derived from a mix of fish—sprat, salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring—they not only contain omega-3 fatty acids needed to keep your dog’s coat shiny and promote healthy joint and immune system function, but they also contain vitamins A, D, and E. Plus, they won’t make your pet’s breath all stinky!

Each softgel has 120 mg of DHA and 180 mg of EPA and can be given to your pet easily and without mess.

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9. EicosaDerm Omega 3 Liquid Dog & Cat Nutritional Supplement

Made in the United States from small, cold-water fish, EicosaDerma Omega 3 Liquid helps reduce inflammation and boost immune health in your dog. The EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with added Vitamin E, will also help your pet’s coat stay glossy and improve dry, itchy skin. Plus, every milliliter only contains approximately 17 calories, making it a perfect addition for those pups who are watching their weight.

All product is tested to ensure that it is free from pesticides. Each pump from this bottle equals about 2ml; the fish oil contains a handy dosing chart according to weight, so you’ll be sure you are giving your pet the correct amount.

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10. Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula Dog Supplement

Alaska Naturals is made from premium Alaskan salmon caught in the wild and contains a balance of omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your pet. Since it isn’t distilled in high heat and is processed as little as possible, more of the good for your dog elements are retained. Plus, at only 40 calories per teaspoon, it won’t add an overabundance of calories to your pup’s overall diet!

Every batch of Alaska Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula Dog Supplement is tested by a 3rd party for quality.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Fish Oil for Dogs

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids may sound like a bad thing (fat isn’t good, right?), but they’re actually a good thing! You’ll find omega fatty acids in polyunsaturated fats (one of the good kinds of fats). These fatty acids are important because they make hormones that help to regulate both inflammation and blood flow. You’d think we’d all have these hanging around in our bodies, but they aren’t found naturally. That’s why it’s crucial for us (and our pets) to consume things that contain them, such as flaxseed and fish oil.

That isn’t all that omega-3 fatty acids are good for, though! They’re also good to have in our bodies to help balance out omega-6 fatty acids found mostly in grains and processed foods. A lot of dog foods have way too many omega-6 fatty acids in them, which means so does your dog (and they do need some omega-6, just not an overabundance).

If you’re considering giving your dog fish oil, we suggest speaking to a vet first.

Why Is Giving Your Dog Fish Oil a Good Idea?

Giving your dog fish oil can offer them a host of health benefits!

Fish oil, like all supplements, may have a few side effects. These won’t necessarily occur in all dogs, but you should keep an eye out for them.

How Do I Store Fish Oil?

Storing fish oil is a simple affair. You’ll need to protect it from extreme heat, light, and air, as it can become rancid if exposed to oxidation. To accomplish this, you’ll need to store fish oil in the refrigerator.

What to Look At in a Fish Oil for Dogs

You want to be sure you’re getting your dog the best, particularly when it comes to something they’ll be ingesting. That’s why you should look at the following when buying fish oil for your dog.

Ingredients

You’ll find that different fish oils for dogs are made from different ingredients. Some will be 100% salmon, while others may be salmon and pollock, and still, others will have a wide mix of fish from which the oil is derived. While fish oil from any fish should be fine (unless your dog has an allergy), you’ll find that the ones that are 100% salmon will typically contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin.

You’ll also find that some fish oils contain added vitamins (especially Vitamin E) and antioxidants to add more benefits. Occasionally, fish oil may even have flavoring added to make it more appealing to your pet.

You’ll need to decide how pure a product you want for your dog and whether added vitamins or antioxidants are required. Knowing the ingredients is also important to understand how a fish oil may interact with your pet’s medications.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels

Like we said above, not all fish oils are created equal. Some will have extremely high levels of EPA and DHA, while others will have much lower amounts. The more bang you’re getting for your buck, the better.

Form

Fish oil for dogs can come in different forms, mainly as a liquid or as a soft gel (but occasionally as a chew). You know your pet, so you’ll know which form will be simplest to get them to consume. Pills are usually less smelly, but some dogs won’t take pills (no matter how much peanut butter or other deliciousness you put on them).

Testing

The FDA regulates food and supplements for pets much less than it does for people. That’s why choosing a product that has been 3rd party tested to ensure quality and purity is important. Likewise, you can check and see if the fish oil you’re considering has The NASC Quality Seal, as any brand carrying it will have had to meet very stringent standards.

Price

Supplements can be pricey, whether they’re for dogs or people! Check prices along with ingredients and quality closely—you may find more than one product that contains the same ingredients, etc., for wildly different prices.

Reviews

Reviews from other pet owners who have used a product before are a fabulous place to get the honest truth about quality and benefits. Just keep in mind that all dogs react to foods and supplements differently, so even a product with the best reviews may not work out for your pet.

Conclusion

When you want the best overall fish oil for your dog, our pick is Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 because of its seal from the National Animal Supplement Council and added vitamins and antioxidants. For the best fish oil for the money, we recommend Native Pet Omega-3 Fish Oil since it has a low price point but still contains 51% salmon oil. Finally, if you’re looking for a premium choice, our pick is Zesty Paws, as it is 100% salmon oil and flavor, so your dog will love it!

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Featured Image Credit: metodej, Shutterstock