How to Read Omega-3 Labels for Dogs: Choosing the Best Omega Supplement
Why Reading Labels Matters
Omega-3s are like superhero vitamins for your dog! They help keep tails wagging, coats shiny, and joints strong.
Not All Omega-3 Supplements Are The Same
4 Key Things to Look for
1. EPA & DHA Content (Not Just ‘Omega-3’)
Ideal Dosage
Look for at least 250 mg of combined EPA per serving for a 25 lb dog. Check out the dosage chart to find out how much you need for your pup.
Avoid products
Avoid products that only say “omega-3s” without listing the amounts of EPA and DHA. These might not provide the full benefits your dog needs to stay healthy.
2. Source of Omega-3s: Marine-Based is Best
Best Sources:
- Wild-caught fish oil (salmon, sardine, anchovy, mackerel)
- Algae oil (vegan source, great for DHA)
- Krill oil (smaller, lower risk of contaminants)
Avoid:
Flaxseed or other plant-based sources—these contain ALA, which dogs can’t effectively convert into EPA and DHA.
3. No Artificial Additives or Fillers
High-quality omega-3 supplements are made with pure, natural ingredients—free from artificial flavors, synthetic preservatives, or unnecessary fillers.
Best Choice:
- Only natural preservatives like Vitamin E (to prevent oxidation)
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No unnecessary additives like soybean oil, canola oil, or artificial sweeteners
Avoid:
- Digestive sensitivity: Artificial flavors and fillers can upset your dog’s stomach or trigger food sensitivities, especially in dogs with allergies or a history of digestive issues.
- No nutritional value: These additives don’t provide any health benefits, they’re just cheap ways to make a product more palatable or more substantial.
- Long-term health concerns: Some artificial ingredients have been linked to inflammation or other negative health effects over time, making them a poor choice for daily use.
4. Form & Dosage Convenience
Different omega-3 supplements come in various forms—pick the one that works best for your dog!
Easy-to-Use Forms:
- Liquid: Great for mixing into food but should be stored properly to prevent spoilage.
- Soft Chews: Tasty and convenient, but check EPA & DHA levels.
- Capsules: Good for precise dosing but may require hiding in treats.
Avoid:
- Powders that cling or cloud: Fine powders can stick to bowls or get inhaled during feeding, making them messy and harder to dose consistently.
- Hard-to-chew tablets: Large, chalky pills can be difficult for dogs to swallow and may cause them to reject the supplement altogether.
- Liquid oils without pumps or droppers: Without proper dosing tools, oils can be harder to measure and easy to overpour, leading to inconsistent servings.
How Do Omega-3 Dog Chews Compare?
When shopping for an omega-3 supplement for your dog, always check the label carefully. Look for high EPA & DHA, marine-based sources, third-party testing, and no artificial additives.
| Feature | Bark & Spark Itch & Allergy Relief Omega Skin & Coat | Bernie’s OMG!!! Omegas™ | Chew + Heal™ Omega Skin + Coat | Natural Dog Co. Skin & Coat Omega Chews | Nutramax® Labs Welactin™ Omega-3 Supplement For Dogs | Zesty Paws® Salmon Bites™ Skin & Coat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA & DHA Per 3 Gram Chew | 27 mg | 267 mg | 30 mg | 84 mg | 137 mg | 20 mg |
| Source of Omega-3s | – | ✅ Yes | – | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ingredients | Artificial Flavors/Colors | All-Natural | Artificial Flavors/Colors | All-Natural | Artificial Flavors/Colors | All-Natural |
| Cost Per Dose | $1.34 | $0.31 | $1.35 | $3.27 | $0.33 | $0.93 |
| Retail Price | $24.94 | $27.99 | $27.59 | $27.99 | $19.99 | $32.97 |
| Chews Per Container | 180 | 90 | 180 | 90 | 60 | 90 |
| Star Rating (Avg. / 5) | 4.3 (9,480) | 4.1 (94) | 4.4 (4,301) | 4.4 (6,867) | 4.4 (1,066) | 4.4 (11,711) |
| Affiliate Link | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Disclaimer: If you click affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
*Note: All competitor data sourced from publicly available labels as of April 2025. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
*Based on One-Time purchase at Amazon (no subscription prices)
*Calculated to show the mg of DHA+EPA per 3 grams of soft chew, not all soft chews are 3 g
*Maintenance dose is 10mg combined DHA+EPA per lb of body mass, or 250 mg for a 25 lb dog
Compare How Many Chews Are Needed
by Weight for an Effective Dose
| DOG SIZE (LBS) | Daily Maintenance Dose (EPA + DHA)¹ ² (mg) | Bark & Spark Itch & Allergy Relief Omega Skin & Coat | Bernie’s OMG!!! Omegas™ | Chew + Heal™ Omega Skin + Coat | Natural Dog Co. Skin & Coat Omega Chews | Nutramax Labs Welactin™ Omega-3 Supplement For Dogs | Zesty Paws® Salmon Bites™ Skin & Coat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 75 | 3 | ½ | 3 | 1 | ½ | 2 ½ |
| 15 | 150 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| 20 | 200 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| 25 | 250 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| 50 | 500 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 18 |
| 75 | 750 | 29 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 27 |
| 100 | 1000 | 38 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 36 |
| 125 | 1250 | 48 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 5 | 45 |
| 150 | 1500 | 58 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 6 | 54 |
² Lenox CE. Timely Topics in Nutrition: An overview of fatty acids in companion animal medicine. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2015 Jun 1;246(11):1198–1202.
Looking For The Best?
Product Comparison: DHA+EPA Omega-3s (mg) Per 3 gram Soft Chew
Loved By Dogs & Their Parents
Kim
“This is the second product that I’ve tried from Bernie’s Best and have seen so much improvement. I have a goldendoodle who is very picky and has a very sensitive tummy. She takes these with no problem and has not had any tummy issues. Since starting these I noticed a difference in a couple of weeks. Her movement and energy level has improved. We walk daily but she was not playing like she used to and now she is. I also saw an improvement in her skin in coat. She had been dealing with dry itchy skin and that is gone. I would definitely recommend this product for your fur baby and will be trying other products.”
Mercedes Garcia
Michelle
Jane Traylor
Here’s Where To Buy Omg!!! Omega Chews:
Ask Bernie
Visit Bernie’s Knowledge Base for more answers and help.
How do I know if my dog needs an omega-3 supplement?
Omega-3s are great for dogs of all ages, but they’re especially helpful if your pup has dry skin, a dull coat, joint pain, allergies, or inflammation. Adding an all-natural omega-3 supplement is a smart choice!
Can I give my dog human fish oil instead?
It’s best to use a dog-specific omega-3 supplement because human fish oils may have different dosages, additives, or ingredients that aren’t ideal for dogs. Human supplements often come in pill or oil format which are more challenging to serve to your pup.
How much omega-3 should my dog get daily?
Look for at least 250 mg of EPA & DHA per serving for small dogs and adjust based on your dog’s weight. Always check the label and follow the recommended dosage!
What’s the difference between fish oil and salmon oil for dogs?
Salmon oil comes from just one type of fish, while fish oil blends often include multiple types of fish (like sardines, anchovies, and mackerel), providing a more balanced omega-3 profile.
How long does it take to see results from omega-3 supplements?
Most pet parents notice improvements in coat shine, skin health, and energy levels within 4 to 6 weeks. For joint health and inflammation, it may take up to 8 to 12 weeks to see full effects.