1. Zesty Paws Salmon Oil for Dogs
Has over 15 years of combined experience in the pet grooming and nutrition industry. Her focus
is on the latest research in treatment and remedies in relationship to dogs with arthritis.*
Has over 15 years of combined experience in the pet grooming and nutrition industry. Her focus is on the latest research in treatment and remedies in relationship to dogs with arthritis.*
We've all heard and read that omega-3 rich oils can improve your dog's heart and overall joint health.1 However, the market is now flocked with different sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) - there are now cod liver oils, krill oils, fish oils, and salmon oils just to name a few. So which oil is healthiest for a dog?
We've all heard and read that omega-3 rich oils can improve your dog's heart and overall joint health.1 However, the market is now flocked with different sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) - there are now cod liver oils, krill oils, fish oils, and salmon oils just to name a few. So which oil is healthiest for a dog?
The consensus among experts today is that salmon oil is indeed much healthier for our dogs than standard fish oil.2 Salmon oil when compared to fish oil, has more EPA and DHA contents (reduces inflammation), facilitates omega-3 absorption, and contains less saturated fats.3
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, a tablespoon of salmon oil has 4.25 grams of combined EPA and DHA compared to menhaden oil (2.95 grams), sardine oil (2.8 grams), and cod liver oil (2.4 grams).4 The EPA and DHA aids proper development of eye and brain of puppies. In older dogs, DHA improves cognitive function as well as boosting heart functions and reduces inflammation.1
Like humans, dogs can't produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own. They need to either get the nutrients through their diet or a supplement/vitamin. Salmon oil is a popular healthy option most dog owners should consider incorporating in their dog’s diet.
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, a tablespoon of salmon oil has 4.25 grams of combined EPA and DHA compared to menhaden oil (2.95 grams), sardine oil (2.8 grams), and cod liver oil (2.4 grams).4 The EPA and DHA aids proper development of eye and brain of puppies. In older dogs, DHA improves cognitive function as well as boosting heart functions and reduces inflammation.1
Like humans, dogs can't produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own. They need to either get the nutrients through their diet or a supplement/vitamin. Salmon oil is a popular healthy option most dog owners should consider incorporating in their dog’s diet.
In general, farm raised salmon has considerably more fat. Unfortunately, it’s saturated fat, the kind of fat you don't want. Farm salmon given the higher fat content will naturally produce a bit more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, it’s not a tradeoff worth your dog ingesting higher amounts of saturated fat, which could result in more weight gain and thus cause more stress on weak joints.5
Wild salmon as you could imagine has a more active lifestyle, which translates into leaner fish with 46% less calories and 25% less saturated fat. In addition to having far less saturated fat, wild salmon offers higher levels of minerals, including potassium, zinc and iron.6
In general, farm raised salmon has considerably more fat. Unfortunately, it’s saturated fat, the kind of fat you don't want. Farm salmon given the higher fat content will naturally produce a bit more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, it’s not a tradeoff worth your dog ingesting higher amounts of saturated fat, which could result in more weight gain and thus cause more stress on weak joints.5
Wild salmon as you could imagine has a more active lifestyle, which translates into leaner fish with 46% less calories and 25% less saturated fat.In addition to having far less saturated fat, wild salmon offers higher levels of minerals, including potassium, zinc and iron.6
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They improve your dog's coat and skin, reduce inflammation and risk of arthritis, prevent skin allergies, and improve cognitive function.1
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: This fatty acid reduces risk of heart disease, lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and reduces cancer risks.1 
Vitamin D3: This vitamin allows your dog’s body to balance minerals like phosphorous and calcium for healthy bone growth. Without it, your dog would not be able to develop properly or maintain healthy muscles and bones.8
Essential B Vitamins (B12, B6, B5 & B3): This vitamin B group plays a vital role in your dog's health. The group includes biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and thiamine. These regulate energy, enzyme functions, and red blood cell regulation.9 
Zinc: It plays an important role in many substances production in the canine body. It is also essential for robust immune system and thyroid function.11 
Astaxanthin: It is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory activity. It also acts as a shield for the immune system and contributes to increasing fertility.12 This exhaustive list was created after extensive market research and analysis, measuring the overall value of the products that includes key ingredients, product safety/history, efficacy, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction. We scored the projected effectiveness through the number of key ingredients that are included in the product, among other factors. This methodology is designed to present easy-to-digest, concise information in order to save you time.
Following months of extensive research, the below is our compiled list of most recommended fish oil supplements for dogs. Our internal research took into account over 30 popular fish oil brands and their ingredients. The top 3 products were chosen based on the overall projected effectiveness and their comprised key ingredients.
OVERALL RATING
INGREDIENT LIST
KEY INGREDIENTS INCLUDED
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
PRICE / VALUE
RETURN POLICY
Zesty Paws Salmon Oil is one of the purest, completely natural salmon oils on the market. It is rich in omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and EPA and DHA. Zesty Paws claims to be grain free and uses no artificial ingredients.13 Zesty Paws has overwhelming positive reviews in their site and other review sites.14
*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.
OVERALL RATING
INGREDIENT LIST
Zesty Paws Salmon Oil is one of the purest, completely natural salmon oils on the market. It is rich in omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and EPA and DHA. Zesty Paws claims to be grain free and uses no artificial ingredients.13 Zesty Paws has overwhelming positive reviews in their site and other review sites.14
*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.
OVERALL RATING
INGREDIENT LIST
KEY INGREDIENTS INCLUDED
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
PRICE / VALUE
RETURN POLICY
Vital Pet Life Salmon oil only uses wild-caught Alaskan salmon for high quality omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Their product is designed to strengthen cell membranes in the skin and reduce inflammation. Their services include free shipping and money back guarantee.15
*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.
OVERALL RATING
INGREDIENT LIST
Vital Pet Life Salmon oil only uses wild-caught Alaskan salmon for high quality omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Their product is designed to strengthen cell membranes in the skin and reduce inflammation. Their services include free shipping and money back guarantee.15
*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.
OVERALL RATING
INGREDIENT LIST
KEY INGREDIENTS INCLUDED
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
PRICE / VALUE
RETURN POLICY
Grizzly Wild Alaskan Salmon oil claims to be the most complete source of natural Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains extracted human-grade wild Alaskan salmon oil to provide EPA and DHA to your dogs. Grizzly Salmon oil’s omega-3 oils are a co-product for high-quality seafood production for humans.16
*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.
OVERALL RATING
INGREDIENT LIST
Grizzly Wild Alaskan Salmon oil claims to be the most complete source of natural Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains extracted human-grade wild Alaskan salmon oil to provide EPA and DHA to your dogs. Grizzly Salmon oil’s omega-3 oils are a co-product for high-quality seafood production for humans.16
*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.
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