What Is the Dosage of Omega-3 for Dogs?

Dog food sometimes is fortified with omega-3.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have several health benefits for people and pets alike. But how much does your dog need to meet its nutritional needs?

Dosage

According to Dr. Jeanette Thomason, author of the article "Essential Fatty Acids For Your Dog," studies have recommended a starting dose of 0.5 to 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids per 100 kcal of food a day.

Function

Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, coat, joints, heart, eyes and brain function.

Sources

Many pet foods contain added flax seed or flax seed oil for their omega-3. You also can use supplements with fish oil.

Considerations

Dr. Thomason recommends starting with two to four times the dosage on the supplement label when treating a disease. Adjust the dose based on your pet's response. When omega-3 is used as a coat or skin treatment, follow the label dose.

Side Effects

Side effects are few and far between. Occasionally, dogs can develop diarrhea. A rarer but more serious possibility is pancreatitis, a potentially painful inflammation of the pancreas that can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

References

• Pet Education
• The Whole Dog