Why Dogs Need Omega-3s (And Why They Can’t Make Them Themselves)

Omega-3s have become one of the most talked-about nutrients in both human and canine nutrition, and for good reason. These essential fatty acids play a vital role in your dog’s overall health, supporting everything from healthy skin and joints to brain function and immune health.

But here’s something many dog owners don’t realise:

Sources of Omega 3's

Dogs cannot efficiently produce the omega-3 fatty acids they need themselves.

This means they must obtain them through their diet.

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help support:

• Healthy skin and coat

• Joint mobility and comfort

• Heart health

• Brain development and function

• Eye health

• Immune system function

• A healthy inflammatory response

These fats are considered “essential” because the body cannot produce enough of them on its own.

Why Can’t Dogs Make Their Own Omega-3s?

Dogs can manufacture many nutrients within their bodies, but they cannot efficiently produce the most beneficial forms of omega-3s: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).

While dogs can convert small amounts of plant-based omega-3s (ALA) into EPA and DHA, the process is extremely inefficient. This is why marine-based sources such as fish, fish oils and green-lipped mussels are considered the gold standard.

In the wild, canine ancestors would have consumed whole prey, fish, brains and organs that naturally supplied these nutrients. Modern diets don’t always provide sufficient amounts, which is why many dogs can benefit from additional omega-3-rich foods.

Where Do Dogs Get Omega-3s?

The best natural sources include:

• Sardines

• Mackerel

• Salmon

• Anchovies

• New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels

• Fish oil

• Krill oil

  
  

You may also hear about flaxseed and chia seeds. While these contain ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), dogs convert only a very small amount into the more useful EPA and DHA forms. For this reason, marine-based sources are generally considered far superior.

What Happens If Dogs Don’t Get Enough?

Low omega-3 intake may contribute to:

• Dry, flaky skin

• Dull coats

• Excessive shedding

• Increased itching

• Stiff joints

• Reduced mobility

• Slower recovery after exercise

• Reduced cognitive function in senior dogs

  
  

These changes often happen gradually and are frequently mistaken as simply part of ageing.

The Importance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Balance

Most modern pet diets contain plenty of omega-6 fats from poultry, grains and vegetable oils.

Omega-6 fats are not bad; in fact, they’re essential too. However, when omega-6 intake significantly outweighs omega-3 intake, it can encourage inflammation within the body.

The goal isn’t to eliminate omega-6s but to restore a healthier balance between the two.

How Much Omega-3 Does My Dog Need?

Fish Oil Supplements

As a general guide, aim for approximately 100mg of combined EPA and DHA per 5kg body weight daily.

Examples:

• 5kg dog = 100mg EPA/DHA daily

• 10kg dog = 200mg EPA/DHA daily

• 20kg dog = 400mg EPA/DHA daily

• 30kg dog = 600mg EPA/DHA daily

  
  

Always check the label, as fish oil products vary greatly in strength.

Sardines

Sardines are one of nature’s best sources of omega-3s.

General guide:

• Under 10kg: 1 sardine, 2–3 times weekly

• 10–20kg: 2 sardines, 2–3 times weekly

• 20–30kg: 3–4 sardines, 2–3 times weekly

• Over 30kg: 4–6 sardines, 2–3 times weekly

  
  

Fresh sardines or canned sardines in spring water are both excellent options.

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels are a fantastic natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, while also containing unique compounds that support joint health and mobility.

Daily guide:

• Under 10kg: 1 mussel daily

• 10–20kg: 2 mussels daily

• 20–30kg: 3–4 mussels daily

• Over 30kg: 5–6 mussels daily

Pawsome Grub's Trio Oil

Many owners notice improvements in coat condition, mobility and overall vitality when included regularly in the diet.

How to Add Omega-3s to Your Dog’s Diet

Adding omega-3s doesn’t need to be complicated. Most dogs happily accept them mixed into their meals.

Fish Oil

If using fish oil capsules:

• Pierce the capsule and squeeze the oil over your dog’s food.

• Alternatively, give the capsule whole if your dog will take it.

• Mix well through wet, raw or fresh food.

If using bottled fish oil:

• Measure the recommended amount for your dog’s size.

• Drizzle over the meal.

• Mix through thoroughly before serving.

  
  

Sardines

Sardines are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to boost omega-3 intake.

• Mash directly into your dog’s meal.

• Mix through raw, cooked or fresh food.

• Feed whole as a tasty topper.

Choose sardines in spring water where possible and avoid heavily seasoned varieties.

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels

Green-lipped mussels can be:

• Fed whole as a treat

• Crushed over food

• Mixed directly into meals

  
  

Many dogs love them straight from the packet.

Our Omega Trio Oil

Our Omega Trio Oil is designed to make omega-3 supplementation simple.

• Pump or pour the recommended amount over your dog’s meal.

• Mix through thoroughly.

• Feed daily for best results.

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Consistency is key. A small amount every day is generally more beneficial than larger amounts given occasionally.

A Quick Tip

When introducing any new food or supplement, start slowly and build up over several days. This allows your dog’s digestive system time to adjust and helps reduce the chance of stomach upset.

Did You Know?

A dog’s skin and coat are often one of the first places you’ll notice the benefits of increased omega-3 intake. Many owners report improvements in coat shine, skin condition and itching within just a few weeks of adding quality omega-3 sources to the diet.

Final Thoughts

Omega-3s aren’t just another supplement or passing trend. They are an essential nutrient that dogs cannot efficiently produce themselves.

By regularly including quality omega-3 sources such as oily fish, fish oils, New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels or our Omega Trio Oil, you’re helping support your dog’s health from the inside out.

Whether you have a growing puppy, an active adult or a senior dog, ensuring adequate omega-3 intake is one of the simplest ways to support long-term wellbeing.

At Pawsome Grub, we’re passionate about educating owners and helping dogs thrive through species-appropriate nutrition.

Sometimes the smallest additions to a diet can make the biggest difference. 🐾

Green Lipped Mussels

Want to boost your dog’s omega-3 intake naturally? Check out our range of New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels and Omega Trio Oil online today.