University > Nutrients > EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Illustration of a Golden drop of oil labeled 'EPA,' representing Eicosapentaenoic Acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid most commonly found in marine sources like fish and algae. In dogs, it supports a balanced inflammatory response and is often used to promote joint, skin, and overall health, particularly in aging dogs or those with chronic conditions.
Last Reviewed Date: 01/13/2026

Contents

Overview

What Is EPA and Why Does It Matter for Dogs?

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid most abundant in cold-water marine fish like sardines, anchovies, and pollock. It plays a key role in managing inflammation and is frequently used to support dogs with joint stiffness, itchy skin, digestive sensitivities, or age-related decline. It’s a common component of fish oil supplements and is frequently included in veterinary protocols for dogs experiencing inflammation-related issues.

Because EPA is classified as an essential fatty acid, dogs can’t make it on their own—it must come from their diet or supplements. That doesn’t mean dogs are automatically deficient, but many modern diets—especially kibble-heavy ones—are low in EPA and high in omega-6 fats. While both types of fats are necessary, too much omega-6 without enough omega-3 can contribute to a system that stays stuck in inflammation mode. EPA helps keep the inflammatory system in balance.

EPA and the Inflammatory Response

The body uses fatty acids to create eicosanoids, molecules that help regulate inflammation, immune activity, and tissue repair. The type of fat available influences what kind of signals are sent.

EPA and Eicosanoids

Eicosanoids are signaling molecules made from fatty acids that help regulate inflammation, immune response, and tissue repair. The type of fatty acid available—such as omega-6 or omega-3—affects the kind of eicosanoids the body produces.

EPA serves as a precursor to eicosanoids that are generally associated with more controlled, less damaging forms of inflammation. In contrast, diets high in omega-6 fats tend to favor the production of eicosanoids that can escalate or prolong inflammatory activity.

Supporting immune balance through fatty acid pathways

When the body is constantly flooded with inflammatory signals, it can become harder for tissues to stay comfortable, for joints to move freely, or for the gut lining to remain supple and supportive. Over time, this can create a cycle where the body reacts more intensely than necessary to everyday stressors like allergens, physical strain, or minor immune triggers. EPA helps interrupt that cycle by contributing to a more balanced signaling environment, giving the body space to heal and adapt rather than staying stuck in overdrive.

Many dogs today experience a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state driven by:

  • Diets high in omega-6 fats
  • Environmental irritants or allergens
  • Psychological stress
  • Lack of exercise or poor metabolic health

EPA is one of the nutritional tools we can use to help bring that response back into equilibrium.

Inflammation isn’t inherently harmful—it’s part of how the body repairs itself. The problem arises when that inflammatory response doesn’t turn off.

Related Nutrients: DHA, and ALA… What’s the Difference?

EPA is part of a trio of omega-3 fatty acids that also includes DHA and ALA. While related, these nutrients play different roles in the body, and their benefits for dogs vary.

EPA and DHA: Direct-Acting Omega-3s

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a long-chain omega-3 best known for supporting brain development, eye health, and nerve function. It works alongside EPA to help reduce inflammation and protect cells throughout the body. Both are found in marine sources and are directly usable by dogs, making them especially important for puppies, seniors, and dogs with chronic conditions.

ALA: The Plant-Based Precursor

ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, is a short-chain omega-3 found in plant oils like flaxseed and chia. It’s often promoted as a plant-based alternative to fish oil, but dogs are very limited in their ability to convert ALA into EPA or DHA. That makes it far less effective for reducing inflammation or supporting cognitive health in dogs.

Comparing EPA to DHA and ALA:

Omega-3 What It Does Where It Comes From How Well Dogs Use It
EPA Regulates inflammation; supports joints, skin, gut, and cardiovascular health Marine oils Highly usable – directly supports key systems
DHA Supports brain development, vision, and cognitive aging Marine oils Highly usable – especially important for puppies and seniors
ALA Technically an omega-3; must convert to EPA or DHA to have effect Plant oils (flax, chia, et al.) Poorly converted – limited functional benefit in dogs

Note: Flaxseed and chia can still contribute fiber, lignans, and antioxidant compounds—but they aren’t meaningful omega-3 sources for dogs.

Why EPA Belongs in a Dog’s Diet

For dogs managing inflammation or simply aging well, EPA provides meaningful support that plant-based omega-3s can’t match. It’s one small addition that can make a big difference across the body.

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Nutrient Family

Nutrient Meta: Macronutrient

Nutrient Class: Fats
Nutrient Type: Unsaturated Fats
Nutrient Sub-Type: Omega-3 Fats

Nutrient: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Nutrient Meta: Macronutrient

Nutrient Class: Fats

Nutrient Type: Unsaturated Fats

Nutrient Sub-Type: Omega-3 Fats

Nutrient: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

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Foods

Info Food sources of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Image & Title At a Glance
Schizochytrium Schizochytrium Schizochytrium is a marine microalgae used in dog nutrition as a sustainable and hypoallergenic source of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. Known for its bioavailability, it supports joint health, brain function, skin and coat health, and cardiovascular well-being. As an eco-friendly alternative to fish oil, Schizochytrium provides essential nutrients without the risk of contaminants, making it ideal for dogs with fish sensitivities.
Anchovies Anchovies Anchovies are small, oily saltwater fish that are highly bioavailable and naturally low in contaminants due to their short lifespan and plankton-based diet. For dogs, they offer a clean, sustainable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Pollock Pollock Pollock is a fish with two main species: Alaskan pollock, also known as walleye pollock, which is found in the North Pacific, and Atlantic pollock from the North Atlantic. Alaskan pollock is more commonly used due to its abundance, high protein content, and sustainable fishing practices that prioritize environmental stewardship.
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Food Components

Info Ingredient sources of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Image & Title At a Glance
Anchovy Oil Anchovy Oil Anchovy oil is a fish oil derived from anchovies, small ocean fish low on the food chain. This positioning makes them a cleaner source of omega-3 fatty acids, as they accumulate fewer toxins compared to larger fish, while still providing high levels of EPA and DHA for joint, cardiovascular, and skin health.
Pollock Oil Pollock Oil Pollock oil is a fish oil primarily sourced from wild Alaskan pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), known for its sustainability and rich omega-3 content, particularly EPA and DHA. It is considered a cleaner alternative to oils from larger fish, such as tuna and mackerel.
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Health Conditions

Info Health conditions related to EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
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Follow the Research

Info Studies providing deeper insight into EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Title Information
An overview of fatty acids in companion animal medicine

At a Glance

This peer-reviewed veterinary review, published in JAVMA (2015), highlights the role of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats. It explains that linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) are essential in the canine diet, DHA is conditionally essential for puppies, and dogs convert less than 10% of ALA into EPA and DHA—making direct dietary sources like fish or algae oils an important part of canine nutrition.

Connecting the Dots
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that dogs produce inefficiently from ALA, with conversion reported at under 10%.

  • The review emphasizes providing EPA directly (e.g., fish or marine algae oils) because its eicosanoid products are less inflammatory than those from AA.
    		•
    Potential Adverse Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dogs and Cats

    At a Glance

    This 2013 review looks at the possible risks of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats, especially EPA and DHA from fish oil. While omega-3s are commonly used to support skin, joint, heart, and kidney health, the authors explain that high amounts can sometimes cause issues like GI upset, changes in clotting, oxidative stress, immune shifts, or slower wound healing. The paper also stresses that plant-based ALA is not the same as EPA and DHA, so the source of omega-3s matters when considering both benefits and risks.

    Connecting the Dots
  • The authors identify EPA as a key long-chain omega-3 incorporated into cell membranes, altering production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes toward less inflammatory forms.
  • Several cited studies demonstrate that EPA supplementation reduces neutrophil leukotriene B4 production, which is a major mediator of inflammation.
  • EPA contributes to the formation of thromboxane A3, a weaker platelet activator than thromboxane A2, which is part of why EPA may influence clotting behavior.
  • The review describes therapeutic dosing ranges for disease management specifically in terms of milligrams of EPA, underscoring its importance in clinical response.
  • EPA is identified as one of the fatty acids most prone to lipid peroxidation, increasing vitamin E requirements when dietary intake is high.
    • The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Omega-3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs

    At a Glance

    A 16-week clinical study in 29 pet dogs found that daily omega-3 supplementation from anchovy and sardine oils significantly increased the Omega-3 Index in all size groups and reduced owner-reported pain in small and medium dogs. Large dogs did not show the same pain improvement, likely because fixed-size capsules delivered a lower mg/kg dose. No adverse effects were reported.

    Connecting the Dots
  • EPA was one of the two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids supplemented in the study, provided at 250 mg per capsule within a daily dosage averaging 68 mg EPA + DHA per kg of body weight.
  • Dogs received between approximately 53 and 76 mg of total omega-3s per kg depending on size, administered for 16 weeks.
  • EPA helped reduce inflammation by competing with arachidonic acid, producing fewer pro-inflammatory mediators and contributing to lower pain scores.
  • The increase in red-blood-cell EPA reflected a 136% rise in the Omega-3 Index, demonstrating effective tissue incorporation and metabolic uptake.
    		•
    Therapeutic Effect of EPA and DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-Neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases

    At a Glance

    This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic effects of EPA and DHA in treating various diseases in dogs and cats. Twenty-three randomized studies were analyzed, with benefits seen in both neoplastic (cancer-related) and non-neoplastic conditions such as allergic dermatitis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and haircoat disorders. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of EPA and DHA, through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, are highlighted as key mechanisms for their therapeutic effects.

    Connecting the Dots
  • The study highlights EPA's anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in treating osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

  • This study recommends combined EPA and DHA doses per body weight for several dog conditions, including osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease.
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    Blog Articles

    Info Articles related to EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
    Featured Image Link Blog Title Blog_URL_Link
    Photo_-A-Border-Collie-draws-a-heart-on-a-chalkboard.jpg How Omega-3s Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy https://www.bernies.com/blogs/bernies-blog/how-omega-3s-keep-your-dogs-heart-healthy/
    Running-Dog-Image.png Busting Common Myths About Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs https://www.bernies.com/blogs/bernies-blog/busting-common-myths-about-omega-3-supplements-for-dogs/
    photo-dog-scratching-itch-735x438-1.png Omega-3s for Dogs with Allergies: Relief from Itching and Inflammation https://www.bernies.com/blogs/bernies-blog/omega-3s-for-dogs-with-allergies-relief-from-itching-and-inflammation/
    Twiggy-on-couch-licking-nose.jpg How to Incorporate Omega-3 into Your Dog’s Diet https://www.bernies.com/blogs/bernies-blog/how-to-incorporate-omega-3-into-your-dogs-diet/
    Bernies-Feature-Eye-Health.png The Connection Between Omega-3 and Your Dog’s Eye Health https://www.bernies.com/blogs/bernies-blog/the-connection-between-omega-3-and-your-dogs-eye-health/
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    Dig Deeper

    Info Q/A's related to EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
    Title URL At a Glance
    How much EPA and DHA do dogs need? https://www.bernies.com/university/dig-deeper/how-much-epa-and-dha-do-dogs-need/ Read about How much EPA and DHA Do Dogs Need?
    What are eicosanoids and what do they do? https://www.bernies.com/university/dig-deeper/what-are-eicosanoids-and-what-do-they-do/ Eicosanoids are short-lived signaling molecules made from fats, especially omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. They help regulate inflammation, immune response, blood flow, pain, and healing. Unlike hormones that act throughout the body, eicosanoids are produced on demand and act locally, right where they’re made. The type of fat they come from affects their role—omega-6 fats usually lead to more inflammatory eicosanoids, while omega-3 fats like EPA tend to produce anti-inflammatory ones. This balance plays a key role in how the body responds to stress, injury, or infection.
    What’s the difference between EPA, DHA, and ALA? https://www.bernies.com/university/dig-deeper/whats-the-difference-between-the-three-main-omega-3s-epa-dha-and-ala/ EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) come from fish or algae and are directly absorbed by dogs to support inflammation, cognition, and cellular health. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), from seeds like flax or chia, is a plant-based omega-3 that dogs can convert into EPA or DHA, but not very efficiently. The main difference is that EPA and DHA are already in the form dogs need, while ALA plays a more limited role unless paired with other sources.
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