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Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.

Skin allergies can have a big impact on your dog’s quality of life. While searching for solutions, you’ve likely seen dozens of products claiming to be a miracle cure. 

So, is fish oil good for dogs with allergies or is it just marketing hype? Good news: this supplement is legit!

Fish oil has scientifically proven benefits in reducing inflammation, hair loss and dry skin associated with allergies in dogs. Read on to find out how to properly dose fish oil and why it might just be the game-changer your allergic pup needs.

KEY POINTS

  • There is scientific evidence that fish oil is good for dogs with allergies.
  • The recommended fish oil dosage for allergies is higher than the dose used to support general health.
  • Fish oil is 100% fat and may cause adverse effects in sensitive dogs so consult your vet before using. 

What Are Essential Fatty Acids?

EFAs are nutrients your dog needs to maintain healthy skin. EFAs include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs tend to get plenty of omega-6 EFAs and not enough omega-3 EFAs in their diet.

Omega-6 EFAs are good for healing, but too much can lead to inflammation. That’s where the omega-3s in fish oil come in. They counterbalance the effects of omega-6, helping to keep inflammation in check.

Fish oil is a supplement made from fatty fish like sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and salmon. Fish oil is packed with omega-3 EFAs. 

White and black dog with severe skin allergies, hair loss and pink skin on its legs.
This allergic dog could use some fish oil!

How Fish Oil Helps Dog Skin Allergies

Dogs with allergies have skin layers that don’t stick together as well as they should. This abnormal structure makes their skin more susceptible to irritants. EFAs from fish oil help normalize the skin structure. 

And we have scientific evidence to support this. A 2011 study showed that essential fatty acid supplements improved the fat content in the skin of allergic dogs.(4) This led to a more organized and healthy skin structure, similar to that of non-allergic dogs. 

Chihuahua with facial hair loss and red skin.
Fish oil can help dogs with itchy skin like this poor little guy.

What’s even better? Adding fish oil to your dog’s diet could mean fewer meds for dogs with itchy skin. A 2004 study by Saevik, et al showed that dogs taking fish oil needed less of the steroid prednisone to manage itching.(3) 

So, not only can fish oil make your dog’s skin healthier, but it can also reduce the need for stronger allergy-control meds. Pretty cool, right?

Fish Oil Dosage for Dogs with Skin Allergies

For dogs with allergies, the suggested fish oil dose is higher than the standard nutritional dose. Researchers recommend about 125 mg of EPA+DHA per metabolic body weight daily.(1) Since that calculation is a bit tricky, we’ve included a dosing table below. 

If your dog has a sensitive tummy, start with half the dose for two weeks and watch for any digestive issues. Always consult your vet before upping the dose.

Body Weight in PoundsEPA+DHA in mg (per day dose)
10390
20650
30890
401100
501300
601500
701675
801850
902020
1002190

Choosing the Right Supplement

When picking a product for your dog, it’s important to know that not all options offer the same benefits. 

Look for fish oil with the “International Fish Oil Standards Program” or IFOS certification to ensure quality and freshness. Avoid oils with a strong fishy smell, and buy only a month’s supply to store in the fridge.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose wisely.

Type of Omega-3 SourceWhat You Need to Know
Standard fish oilHigh in omega-3 fatty acids, widely available and affordable.
Salmon and Krill OilHigh in EPA+DHA but can be more expensive.
Cod Liver OilAvoid due to high levels of vitamins A and D.
Plant-based oils (Flaxseed, Hemp)Less effective; dogs don’t absorb them well.
Algae OilPlant-based and contains EPA+DHA, but safety for dogs is unclear.
Coconut OilDoes NOT contain significant amounts of omega-3 EFAs. Not a replacement for fish oil.
Liquid fish oil pouring into a metal spoon.
Fish oil=nutritional GOLD!

Vet-Recommended Fish Oil

I give my dogs Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet fish oil in liquid form. It is made just for dogs and has no added flavors. It’s quality-tested and the dosage is balanced for both nutrition and inflammation control.

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet, Unflavored - 8 oz - 1518 mg...
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet, Unflavored - 8 oz - 1518 mg...
    View on Amazon.com

    For easy feeding, opt for the liquid form and mix it into your dog’s food. Keep it in the fridge to stay fresh.

    Alternative Ways to Feed Your Dog Fish Oil 

    Fish oil supplements are an easy way to add omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. But here are some other options that might be even easier!

    Whole Food Sources

    Want to up your dog’s fish oil intake naturally? Canned salmon or sardines are cold-water fish you can find in any grocery store. These fish are not only rich in omega-3s but also easy on the wallet.

    canned salmon

    You can gradually introduce a bit of these superfoods to your pup’s diet. Just be cautious with portions to avoid tummy troubles. 

    Half an ounce of fish a few times a month is a good start for a 10-pound dog. 

    Dog Food with Fish Oil Included

    Looking for a hassle-free way to get more omega-3s into your dog’s diet? Consider switching to a commercial food that’s rich in these essential fats. Here are my top picks:

    These options are great for general health and can help with mild inflammation. If your dog has more severe issues, consult your vet for specialized advice.

    How Long Does It Take to See Results?

    It may take up to 60 days to see the full benefits of fish oil for your dog. Consistent daily dosing is key for positive changes.

    Caution: Side Effects from Too Much Fish Oil 

    While moderate fish oil doses are usually safe, overdoing it can lead to issues like weight gain, digestive upset, poor wound healing, and even changes in blood sugar.(2) 

    Always consult your vet for the right dosage.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    A: It is possible but fish oil is not supposed to contain any proteins, so it’s unlikely to trigger a food allergy. If you suspect an adverse reaction to the supplement, stop giving it and consult your veterinarian. 

    A: While it’s tempting to share your own fish oil supplements with your furry friend, it’s best to stick with products formulated specifically for dogs. Human supplements may contain additives that aren’t safe for dogs or may not provide the right dosage.

    A: Eating fish oil can sometimes cause dogs to have a fishy odor to their breath or body. In my experience, this is less likely to occur with high-quality fish oil supplements that have minimal odor. Talk to your vet about other possible causes for changes in you dog’s aroma.

    photo credits CC/BY 2.0: Chris Barnes, Anne Worner

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    1. Bauer, J. E. (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(11), 1441-1451.
    2. Lenox, C. E., & Bauer, J. E. (2013). Potential adverse effects of fatty acids in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 27(2), 217-226.
    3. Saevik, B. K., Bergvall, K., Holm, B. R., SAIJONMAA‐KOULUMIES, L. E., HEDHAMMAR, Å., Larsen, S., & Kristensen, F. (2004). A randomized, controlled study to evaluate the steroid sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary dermatology, 15(3), 137-145.
    4. Popa, I., Pin, D., Remoué, N., Osta, B., Callejon, S., Videmont, E., … & Haftek, M. (2011). Analysis of epidermal lipids in normal and atopic dogs, before and after administration of an oral omega 6 /omega 3 fatty acid feed supplement. A pilot study. Veterinary research communications, 35(8), 501-509.

     

    Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    TB Thompson DVM is a veterinarian, graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. With her extensive experience in general practice, emergency hospitals, animal shelters, and house call services, she founded NPHQ Veterinarian to promote animal welfare.