The omega-3 your dog or cat needs (and that kibble does not provide)
Dry kibble is practical, but it has a problem that few manufacturers acknowledge: long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are very sensitive to heat and oxidation. The extrusion process of kibble degrades them significantly. The result is that most dogs and cats fed dry kibble have insufficient omega-3 intake. And it shows in the coat, skin, joints and cognitive function.
Salmon oil is not a luxury. It is the most direct way to cover a deficit that affects most pets fed a commercial diet. We are going to explain why omega-3 matters so much, what EPA and DHA do in your pet's body, and how to dose it correctly.
In this guide
What omega-3 are and why kibble is not enough
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body of dogs and cats cannot manufacture by itself: they have to come from the diet. The two most important omega-3 for animal health are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), both present in oily fish.
Commercial kibble usually contains omega-6 in abundance (from chicken, corn or sunflower oil), but omega-3 is the weak link. The manufacturing process of dry kibble (high-temperature extrusion) degrades polyunsaturated fatty acids. And although some manufacturers spray fish oil on the kibble after extrusion, the amount is usually insufficient and oxidation during storage further reduces its content.
The result is an omega-6/omega-3 imbalance too high in the diet of most pets. Omega-6 is pro-inflammatory (necessary, but in excess it promotes inflammation). Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory. When the balance tilts too much towards omega-6, the skin becomes inflamed, the coat loses its shine, the joints suffer more and the general inflammatory response gets out of control.
The ideal omega-6/omega-3 ratio in dogs is between 5:1 and 10:1. In many standard commercial kibbles, this ratio can be between 15:1 and 30:1. Adding salmon oil to the diet is the most effective way to correct this imbalance without changing the base food.
4 benefits of salmon oil with veterinary backing
Shiny coat and healthy skin
It is the most visible effect and the fastest to notice. Omega-3 EPA and DHA are incorporated into the cell membranes of the skin, improving the skin barrier. This translates into less dryness, less flaking, less itching and a coat with more shine and texture. In dogs with atopic dermatitis, supplementation with omega-3 has been shown to reduce itching and the need for pharmacological treatment in controlled veterinary studies.
Joints and mobility
EPA has a direct anti-inflammatory effect on the joints. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, reducing synovial inflammation. In senior dogs with osteoarthritis, the combination of salmon oil with a joint supplement (glucosamine + chondroitin + MSM) is the most complete nutritional strategy: the omega-3 reduces inflammation and the joint supplement provides the substrates to repair the cartilage.
Cognitive function
DHA is a structural component of neuronal membranes. In puppies, an adequate intake of DHA favours brain development and learning capacity. In senior dogs, it helps maintain cognitive function and may delay the deterioration associated with ageing (canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome).
Cardiovascular health
Omega-3 reduces blood triglycerides and has an antiarrhythmic effect. In dogs with a predisposition to cardiac pathology (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Doberman, Boxer), supplementation with omega-3 is recommended as nutritional support complementary to veterinary treatment.
8 signs that your pet needs more omega-3
Recommended dosage by weight
Add directly to the kibble or wet food. Introduce gradually the first week (start with half the dose) to avoid soft stools.
| Animal weight | Daily dose | EPA + DHA/day | Bottle duration (250 ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cats and dogs < 5 kg | 1 ml | 300 mg omega-3 | ~8 months |
| Dogs 5-15 kg | 2 ml | 600 mg omega-3 | ~4 months |
| Dogs 15-30 kg | 4 ml | 1,200 mg omega-3 | ~2 months |
| Dogs > 30 kg | 6 ml | 1,800 mg omega-3 | ~6 weeks |
How to choose a good salmon oil
Cold-pressed. Heat degrades omega-3. Cold pressing preserves EPA and DHA intact. If the label does not say "cold-pressed", it has probably been processed with heat and has lost part of its nutritional value.
Controlled origin. Norwegian salmon has strict regulation on contaminants (heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins). Salmon oil of unknown origin may contain higher levels of contaminants.
EPA + DHA concentration. "Fish oil" is not the same as "salmon oil with standardised EPA and DHA". Look for products that specify the amount of EPA and DHA per ml, not just the total amount of oil.
Conservation. Omega-3 oxidises with light and heat. A good oil comes in an opaque container and should be kept in a cool, dark place. Once opened, consume within 3 months.
Salmon Oil
Cold-pressed Norwegian salmon oil. 180 mg EPA + 120 mg DHA per ml. For dogs and cats. With dispenser.
Salmon oil pairs especially well with green-lipped mussel (which provides omega-3 in the form of unique fatty acids like ETA, plus natural glucosamine) and with the joint supplement for a complete joint approach.
Salmon Oil - Vittalogy Pets
Cold-pressed Norwegian salmon oil - EPA + DHA
250 ml with dispenser - For dogs and cats - ISO 22000 & GMP
View Salmon OilFrequently asked questions
How long until I see improvement in the coat?
Shiny coat: 4-6 weeks. Skin (dryness, flaking): 2-3 weeks. Joints: 6-8 weeks minimum. Consistency matters more than dose: better the right dose every day than a lot one day and nothing the next.
How much do I give my dog?
By weight: <5 kg = 1 ml; 5-15 kg = 2 ml; 15-30 kg = 4 ml; >30 kg = 6 ml per day. Over the kibble. Start the first week with half the dose to avoid soft stools.
Does it work for cats?
Yes. Cats also need EPA and DHA. Dose: 0.5-1 ml per day. They usually accept the taste without problem. Especially useful in cats with dry skin, dermatitis or dull coat.
Is it compatible with the joint supplement?
Yes, they complement each other. Omega-3 reduces joint inflammation; the joint supplement provides substrates to repair the cartilage (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM). In senior dogs with osteoarthritis, the combination is the most complete strategy.
Can it cause diarrhoea?
If introduced all at once, it can cause soft stools (it is a fatty food). Start with half the dose the first week. Introduced gradually it is very well tolerated. With pancreatitis or severe sensitivity, consult the vet.
Why salmon oil and not another fish oil?
Norwegian salmon has one of the highest concentrations of EPA and DHA, and a very controlled contaminant profile thanks to Norwegian aquaculture regulation. Cold pressing preserves the omega-3 intact.
Sources and scientific references
[1] Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011;239(11):1441-51. - PubMed 22087720
[2] Lenox CE, Bauer JE. Potential adverse effects of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2013;27(2):217-26. - PubMed 23323744
[3] Mueller RS, et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis. J Small Anim Pract. 2004;45(6):293-7. - PubMed 15206474
[4] Roush JK, et al. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010;236(1):59-66. - PubMed 20043801
[5] Zicker SC, et al. Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with DHA. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;241(5):583-94. - PubMed 22916850
[6] Freeman LM. Beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease. J Small Anim Pract. 2010;51(9):462-70. - PubMed 20840315
[7] NRC. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. 2006. - nap.nationalacademies.org
[8] FEDIAF. Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF 2021. - fediaf.org
[9] Fritsch D, et al. Dose-titration effects of fish oil in osteoarthritic dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2010;24(5):1020-6. - PubMed 20707845
[10] Saevik BK, et al. A randomized, controlled study to evaluate the steroid sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation in atopic dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2004;15(3):137-45. - PubMed 15214949