How much Omega 3s does my dog need daily?
The recommended dose of fish oil is 75-100 mg/ kg total EPA/DHA. CARE typically recommends about 100 mg/kg.
Your dog’s maximum daily dose is 310(kg)¾
Please note that there is an upper limit on how much Omega 3 is good. Overdosing with Omega 3s can lead to: vomiting and diarrhea, altered platelet function (and therefore the potential for reduced blood clotting), delayed wound healing, weight gain, altered immune function, and more. It is important that your veterinarian knows that your pet is taking Omega 3 supplements and that you do not give more than the recommended amount.
To figure out your dog’s body weight in kilograms (kg), divide their weight in pounds by 2.2. For example, 50 lbs = 22.7 kg. A 50-lb dog would need about 2,000 mg (2 grams) of fish oil per day. The maximum dose for a 50-lb dog would be 3,200 mg/ day.
Don’t like having to make calculations? Here are charts to determine your dog’s recommended daily dose.
There are many different types (type of fish, etc.), formulations (pump dispensers, capsules, etc.), and qualities of fish oil available. Some independent companies offer quality control for human products, but many products are not tested. Quality products will display amounts of EPA and DHA on the label. A convenient way of providing fish oil is to purchase a high-quality joint diet. Other ingredients included with certain fish oil formulations may be harmful for pets. Some non-veterinary formulated supplements may not be appropriate for your pet, and can even be harmful!
We advise seeking out a product that evaluates for purity and freshness via third-party testing. Companies that perform this testing will be able to provide a certificate of analysis of the product upon request. 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. If your animal has health issues other than osteoarthritis, or if you have any other questions or concerns, contact your primary care veterinarian.
Omega 3 Dosing (for dogs under 50 lbs)
| Body weight (lbs) | Body weight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.3 | 230 mg | 574 mg |
| 10 | 4.5 | 450 mg | 965 mg |
| 15 | 6.8 | 680 mg | 1308 mg |
| 20 | 9.1 | 910 mg | 1623 mg |
| 25 | 11.4 | 1140 mg | 1919 mg |
| 30 | 13.6 | 1360 mg | 2200 mg |
| 35 | 15.9 | 1590 mg | 2469 mg |
| 40 | 18.2 | 1820 mg | 2730 mg |
| 45 | 20.5 | 2050 mg | 2982 mg |
| 50 | 22.7 | 2270 mg | 3227 |
| Bodyweight (lbs) | Bodyweight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 lbs | 22.7 | 2270 mg | 3227 mg |
| 55 | 25 | 2500 mg | 3466 mg |
| 60 | 27.3 | 2730 mg | 3700 mg |
| 65 | 29.5 | 2950 mg | 3924 mg |
| 70 | 31.8 | 3180 mg | 4153 mg |
| 75 | 34.1 | 3410 mg | 4374 mg |
| 80 | 36.4 | 3640 mg | 4590 mg |
| 85 | 38.6 | 3860 mg | 4804 mg |
| 90 | 41 | 4100 mg | 5014 mg |
| 95 | 43.2 | 4320 mg | 5222 mg |
| 100 | 45.5 | 4550 mg | 5427 mg |
| Bodyweight (lbs) | Bodyweight (Kg) | Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg) | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 45.5 | 4550 mg | 5427 mg |
| 105 | 47.7 | 4770 mg | 5629 mg |
| 110 | 50 | 5000 mg | 5829 mg |
| 115 | 52.3 | 5230 mg | 6027 mg |
| 120 | 54.5 | 5450 mg | 6222 mg |
| 125 | 56.8 | 5680 mg | 6415 mg |
| 130 | 59.1 | 5910 mg | 6607 mg |
| 135 | 61.3 | 6130 mg | 6797 mg |
| 140 | 63.6 | 6360 mg | 6985 mg |
| 145 | 65.9 | 6590 mg | 7171 mg |
| 150 | 68.2 | 6820 mg | 7356 mg |
EPA and DHA can be found naturally in salmon, sardines, and anchovies, and your dog will probably find this to be a tasty treat!
In a 6 oz serving, this is how much Omega 3s your dog would get from each source:
- NOTE: CARE does not recommend using salmon or salmon oil as a daily source of Omega 3s in dogs as it is not the most environmentally sustainable source.
Benefits of Fish Oil for your dogs? | Veterinary Approved
Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the health of your dog. Fish oil can help to prevent many diseases, such as arthritis and cancer, but can also promote heart health, healthy skin, and much more for your dog. In this article we will teach you everything you need to know about omega 3 for dogs and help you understand how much fish oil you should give to your dog.
