Yes. Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids (namely EPA and DHA), which have anti-inflammatory properties. (Decreasing inflammation in the body allows for greater immune system efficiency overall.) Fish oil can boost health in several other areas: the cardiovascular system, brain, joints, skin, and fur. When you consider that many processed dog foods lack the essential Omega 3 fatty acids dogs need, fish oil seems like a great supplement. But there can be too much of a good thing! The anti-inflammatory response in the body is important to healing, so you don’t want to depress that response too much. Moreover, too much fish oil can interfere with other important blood functions.
Serving Ideas
You can add fish oil to your dog’s usual bowl of food. The suggested dosage is 20-55 mg of combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight. You can use the fish oil you take for yourself, but not in gel cap form, which is hard to swallow. Instead, cut the end off of the capsule and release the fish oil into your dog’s bowl. You can do this several times a week.
For More Information
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables. You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Human Vitamins?”
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
