Written by Dr. Sarah Wilson, BScH, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
Salmon oil has become one of the most talked about supplements in dog nutrition, and for good reason. From shinier coats to joint support, many dog parents hear about its possible benefits and start wondering if it is something their dog really needs. So, what exactly is salmon oil for dogs, and why does it show up so often in high quality dog food?
Let’s break down what salmon oil does, why it matters, and how it fits into a complete and balanced diet.
What is salmon oil?
Salmon oil comes from the fats of the salmon fish and is a concentrated natural source of omega 3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These healthy fats (EPA & DHA) play an important role in supporting multiple systems in a dog’s body and are in fact essential for healthy visual and brain growth in a growing dog. Omega 3 fatty acids are part of the anti-inflammatory pathway and thus are very beneficial and supportive of overall health, but there are many omega 3 fatty acids and some are found even in plant sources, however only marine sources (fish oils, krill oils, marine algal oils) have the beneficial EPA & DHA omega 3 fatty acids. In fact ALA (the plant omega 3 fatty acid) is not well converted to the beneficial EPA & DHA, so using marine sources of omega 3’s like salmon oil is really important to get dogs the most out of their food!
Dogs cannot produce these beneficial fatty acids on their own in sufficient amounts, which means they need to come from their diet. Our guide on omega 3 for dogs explains why these fatty acids are considered essential and how they support long term health beyond just skin and coat benefits.
Why salmon oil is beneficial for dogs
Salmon oil supports a wide range of health benefits, including
- Skin and coat health
- Joint mobility and comfort
- Visual health
- Brain and cognitive function
- Immune system support
- Heart health
For dogs with dry skin, dull coats, mobility or inflammatory conditions, omega 3 fatty acids EPA & DHA can make a noticeable difference over time.
This is why salmon oil is often recommended by veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists as part of a balanced diet rather than as a random add on.
These benefits are not unique to salmon oil alone, but salmon oil is a very concentrated and bioavailable source of EPA & DHA. Our article on the benefits of fish oil for dogs takes a closer look at how fish based oils support inflammation balance, joint health, and overall wellbeing when used correctly.
Salmon oil vs seed oils
Not all oils serve the same purpose. While salmon oil provides the beneficial omega 3 fatty acids EPA & DHA, many seed oils are higher in omega 6 fatty acids.
Omega 6s are not bad, they provide essential nutrients as well and are critical to overall health. Dogs need both specific omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (EPA & DHA – omega 3s; linoleic acid LA – omega 6) as well as overall omega 6 to omega 3 in the right ratio to support healthy immune function.
Our article on seed oils in dog food explains how different oils serve different nutritional roles and why thoughtful formulation matters when choosing ingredients including fats for dog food.
Salmon oil helps bring balance to that equation by providing the omega 3s dogs need.
Why formulation matters more than supplementation
Many dog parents consider adding salmon oil on top of their dog’s food. While supplements can help in some cases, adding oil without guidance can lead to problems: excess fat intake, imbalanced diet, or other possible harmful effects from sourced oils. In fact, adding too much of the beneficial EPA & DHA fatty acids can actually cause health problems – especially if appropriate amounts of Vitamin E aren’t included at specific increased levels too. Fish oils can also have high concentrations of lots of things including heavy metals and vitamins A & D. Heavy metals like lead, and mercury can build up in fish oils and sourcing should be evaluated (but may not happen with some supplements). Additionally, some fish oil supplements can have really high levels of fat-soluble vitamins A & D, which while essential, do have to be kept under a maximum amount as Vitamins A & D can’t be given to excess as that can be potentially toxic and even fatal. Lastly, supplements of fish oils can be susceptible to rancidity, and careful formulation in a pet food can provide appropriate inclusions to help mitigate rancidity problems.
That is why formulation is so important.
When salmon oil is included directly in a recipe, it is carefully measured and balanced with other fats, vitamins, and minerals to support absorption and overall health. Risks of possible heavy metal toxicity and possible rancidity are also considered within overall formulation and safety parameters are in place to ensure – both the health benefits and prevent potential risks.
The role of our Vet Nutritionist
One of the reasons all of The Pets Table recipes include salmon oil is because every recipe is formulated with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®.
Our Vet Nutritionist ensures that
- Omega 3 levels are appropriate for dogs, including the beneficial EPA & DHA
- Fats are balanced appropriately with proteins and carbohydrates
- Vitamins and minerals are at optimal inclusions to support overall health
- Recipes meet established nutritional standards
This expert oversight removes the guesswork for dog parents and ensures that salmon oil works as part of a complete diet rather than as an isolated ingredient.
If you are curious how nutrients work together, our article on vitamins and minerals for dogs explains why balance and bioavailability are just as important as individual ingredients.
Why salmon oil shows up in all of our recipes
Instead of treating salmon oil as a trendy add on, we include it intentionally at specific inclusions across all recipes to support consistent, everyday health.
By adding salmon oil directly into our meals, we ensure dogs receive a reliable source of omega 3s EPA & DHA, in the correct amount, in every single bite, but we also ensure all the other details are also in check (appropriate omega 6 to omega 3 ratio, appropriate vitamin E inclusion, testing for harmful inclusions such as excessive Vitamin A & D or heavy metals). This provides your dog the benefits of nutrition and oversight.
This approach supports long term health and removes the need for additional supplementation for most dogs.
Signs your dog may benefit from salmon oil
Many dogs already benefit from salmon oil when it is included in a complete diet. Some common signs that omega 3 support is helping include
- Improved coat shine
- Less flaky skin
- Better mobility
- Overall comfort and vitality
Results take time and consistency, which is why daily inclusion through balanced meals is often more effective than occasional supplements. In addition, there is some evidence to support nutrient absorption being enhanced through mixed meal ingestion rather than supplemental add-on
– simply put, nutrients coming from a balanced cooked and prepared meal may have enhanced absorption over eating a meal that gets additional supplementation of some added nutrients.
Other possible benefits include possible phytonutrients in salmon oil such as astaxanthin (a carotenoid), or optimal formulation and processing of ingredients together, that allows for many added benefits to your pup’s health. Our focus at The Pets Table is to ensure your dog gets the best from its food so that from breakfast to dinner its tasty (for them) and healthy (for your peace of mind… and them too).
The bottom line on salmon oil for dogs
Salmon oil for dogs is not just a trend. It is a valuable source of essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA) that support skin, joints, brain function, and overall wellbeing.
The biggest difference comes from how it is used. When salmon oil is thoughtfully included in a recipe with a Vet Nutritionist, it becomes part of a complete nutritional system rather than a standalone fix.
That is why every one of our recipes includes salmon oil at specific inclusions, carefully formulated to support your dog’s health in every bite.
Want to feed omega 3s the right way?
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