Fatty acids for dogs: what they do and how to use them

Fatty acids are more than calories — they’re active nutrients that help your dog’s skin, coat, joints, brain, and heart. The two you’ll hear about most are omega‑3s and omega‑6s. Omega‑3s (EPA and DHA) reduce inflammation, support joint comfort, and help brain health. Omega‑6s like linoleic acid help skin and coat but can fuel inflammation if they’re too high compared with omega‑3s.

If your dog has dry, flaky skin, a dull coat, frequent ear infections, slow recovery after exercise, or stiff joints, adding omega‑3s often helps. Many owners see softer fur and less scratching within 4–8 weeks. For dogs with arthritis, regular EPA and DHA can lower pain and improve mobility over time when used alongside other treatments.

Where to get them and what works best

Best sources of EPA and DHA are oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) and quality fish oil supplements. Plant sources such as flaxseed or chia provide ALA, which dogs convert poorly to EPA/DHA, so they’re less reliable for reducing inflammation. Algal oil is a vegan option that supplies DHA directly and works well if your dog has a fish allergy.

Look at supplement labels for EPA and DHA amounts in milligrams — that’s what matters. Also pick brands with third‑party testing for purity and low heavy metals. Store oils in the fridge and discard any that smell very fishy or rancid.

Simple dosing and safety tips

Start slow. A common guideline is about 20–55 mg combined EPA+DHA per kg of body weight per day, but check product directions and ask your vet. As a practical rule, small dogs often need about a teaspoon of fish oil daily; large dogs may need a tablespoon. Too much can cause loose stools, a fishy smell, or increase bleeding risk in dogs on blood thinners.

Don’t add high doses if your dog has pancreatitis, clotting disorders, or is on certain medications without talking to your vet. Pregnant or nursing dogs may benefit from DHA for puppy development, but dose under veterinary guidance.

Balance matters. Many commercial diets are heavy in omega‑6 from chicken or vegetable oils. That’s okay if you boost omega‑3s too. A practical approach: feed fatty fish once or twice a week or add a tested fish oil supplement, and reduce treats high in vegetable oils.

Track results. Note coat shine, scratching, mobility, and energy. Improvements usually show in weeks for skin and months for joint issues. If you don’t see change after a couple months, revisit the dose, source, or check for other causes with your vet.

Fatty acids aren’t a cure-all, but they’re a low-effort, evidence-backed tool to improve quality of life. Pick a tested product, start with a conservative dose, and watch your dog get healthier, one small change at a time.