Omega‑3 for dogs and cats is best considered as part of the whole diet. Marine omega‑3s have been studied for dogs’ joint and skin health. Oily fish, green‑lipped mussel, sardines and salmon all provide healthy marine omega‑3s.
What are omega‑3s, and what do they do for dogs?
Omega‑3 is a family of fats, not one single ingredient. ALA is found in plant foods such as chia seeds, while EPA and DHA are found mainly in marine foods such as oily fish. Dogs can convert only limited amounts of ALA into EPA and DHA, so plant and marine omega‑3 sources aren’t interchangeable.
Omega‑3s have roles in normal body functions, including maintaining healthy skin and coat. Marine omega‑3s have also been studied in veterinary nutrition plans for joint issues. The effects depend on the type and amount of omega‑3, as well as your dog’s overall diet and health.
Can omega‑3 support dogs’ joint health?
Yes, research suggests that diets enriched with marine omega‑3s can support mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. In a controlled clinical trial, dogs fed a fish-oil-enriched diet showed improved weight bearing compared with dogs on the control food. You can read the 2010 trial on fish oil and weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis.
The study looked at a particular diet and amount of omega‑3, so it doesn’t mean every fish treat will provide the same effect. If your dog seems stiff, hesitates on stairs or is slower to get moving, check in with your vet or an animal physiotherapist first. Omega‑3 may be one part of a broader joint-care plan.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining good health in our pets
Is omega‑3 good for dogs’ gut health?
Omega‑3 and gut health are being studied together because these fats play a part in how the body responds to inflammation. There’s some interesting research in dogs, but it’s still early days.
One small study looked at dogs with ongoing diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease who ate a fish-based diet enriched with omega‑3. The dogs improved, but the diet had other ingredients too, and some dogs were taking medication.
So, omega‑3 is worth keeping in your pets diet, but we can’t promise it will fix digestive problems alone.
If your dog has ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting or a change in appetite, have a chat with your vet. A grumbly tummy can have all sorts of causes, and it’s better to find out what’s going on before changing their diet.
What are good omega‑3 food sources for dogs?
As mentioned earlier, oily fish, including sardines and salmon, provide marine omega‑3s. New Zealand green‑lipped mussels also naturally contain omega‑3s.
For simple treats or meal toppers, explore PetWell’s freeze‑dried sardines, salmon fillet and New Zealand green‑lipped mussels.
Green‑lipped mussel for pets: four PetWell options
New Zealand green‑lipped mussel is a marine food that naturally contains omega‑3s. At PetWell, you’ll find it in four formats:
- Green‑lipped mussel powder to sprinkle over meals.
- Freeze‑dried green‑lipped mussels as a treat or meal topper.
- MOBILITY, our hip and joint supplement for dogs and cats.
- RELIEF, our skin, coat and immune support supplement.
Each product has its own ingredients and feeding directions, so follow the label for the format you choose.
Can dogs get enough omega‑3 from their food?
They may already get omega‑3s from a complete and balanced diet. The source and amount can vary, though, so check the food label and consider your dog’s whole diet before adding treats or supplements.
How do I choose an omega‑3 supplement for my dog?
Check the label ingredients that are EPA and DHA rich omega‑3s, that what you’re looking for. The right intake depends on your pet, their diet and the reason you’re considering omega‑3.
Introduce new foods gradually and follow the product’s feeding directions. Concentrated oils and supplements may cause digestive upset or interact with medication.
Can cats have omega‑3?
Cats need omega‑3 fatty acids in their diet, and complete cat foods are formulated to provide essential nutrients. Omega‑3 supplements or treats are suitable for cats.
Are sardines and salmon good sources of omega‑3 for dogs and cats?
Yes. Sardines and salmon are oily fish that provide marine omega‑3s. For an easy treat or meal topper, PetWell has freeze‑dried sardines and salmon fillet, both made for dogs and cats. Follow the feeding directions and count treats as part of your pet’s daily food allowance, little fishy extras still add up.
More resources on the benefits of food for dogs and cats:
Pet Nutrition Guide: What to Feed Your Dog or Cat
Natural Remedies for Common Dog and Cat Health Issues
Balanced Diet for Dogs: A Real Food Guide to Better Health
Research: Fish-meal diet enriched with omega-3 PUFA and treatment of canine chronic enteropathies
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Phycology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care. Originally published May 2023. Substantially updated October 2026.
