How Much Fish Oil Can I Give My Dog in Canada 2026? Dosage by Weight and Best Supplements

Fish oil is one of the most common supplement questions we hear at our North York store on Finch Avenue. Pet owners walk in with a dog scratching at dry, flaky skin and ask the same thing: how much omega-3 should I actually give? The short answer depends on your dog's weight — but there's more to it. Before you shop, let's break down safe dosages, the difference between salmon oil and fish oil, and which dog health and wellness supplements make sense for your dog.

Key Takeaway: A common EPA + DHA maintenance dose for dogs is roughly 20–55 mg of combined omega-3s per kilogram of body weight per day. Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian, since therapeutic dosing for skin, joints, or heart conditions can be higher. Browse omega-3 options in our dog products collection.

How much fish oil can I give my dog in Canada?

For a healthy adult dog, a general maintenance dose of fish oil provides about 20–55 mg of combined EPA and DHA per kilogram of body weight daily. A 10 kg (22 lb) dog would need roughly 200–550 mg of EPA+DHA per day. Always read the guaranteed analysis on the label — total "fish oil" is not the same as active omega-3 content — and confirm with your vet.

The number that matters is the EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) content, not the total volume of oil. A teaspoon of one product might contain 300 mg of omega-3s while another contains 900 mg. This is exactly where customers get confused. In our store we see people comparing two bottles by pump size when they should be comparing the mg of EPA+DHA per serving listed in the guaranteed analysis.

According to guidance echoed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), supplements should complement — not replace — a complete and balanced diet that already meets AAFCO nutrient profiles. As of 2026, most premium diets we carry already include some marine omega-3, so additional supplementation is often about topping up for a specific goal like coat quality or joint comfort.

Fish oil dosage for dogs by weight (general guide)

Use this as a starting reference for a healthy adult dog at a maintenance dose of approximately 30 mg EPA+DHA per kg per day. Therapeutic doses prescribed by a vet may be 2–4 times higher.

• 5 kg (11 lb) dog — roughly 100–275 mg EPA+DHA per day
• 10 kg (22 lb) dog — roughly 200–550 mg EPA+DHA per day
• 20 kg (44 lb) dog — roughly 400–1,100 mg EPA+DHA per day
• 30 kg (66 lb) dog — roughly 600–1,650 mg EPA+DHA per day
• 40 kg (88 lb) dog — roughly 800–2,200 mg EPA+DHA per day

Start at the low end and increase gradually over a week or two to let your dog's digestion adjust. Introducing a full high dose overnight is the most common cause of the loose stool we hear about from customers a few days after they buy a supplement.

What are the benefits of omega-3 fish oil for dogs?

Omega-3 fatty acids — specifically EPA and DHA from marine sources — support skin and coat health, help maintain normal joint function, and contribute to overall wellness. They're among the most researched supplements in canine nutrition and are frequently recommended as part of a broader skin and coat care routine.

The most visible benefit for pet owners is coat quality. When a customer comes in with a dog that has a dull, dry, or flaky coat, our nutrition experts at the North York store typically suggest checking the diet's fat content first, then adding a targeted omega-3 supplement if needed. Omega-3s work alongside dietary omega-6 to support the skin barrier — the balance between the two matters more than either alone.

Peer-reviewed research indexed on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has explored omega-3 supplementation for canine joint comfort and inflammatory support. That said, we're a pet supply store, not a veterinary clinic — if your dog has arthritis, allergies, a heart condition, or kidney disease, talk to your vet about the right therapeutic dose before starting any supplement.

Salmon oil vs fish oil for dogs: what's the difference?

Salmon oil is a type of fish oil sourced specifically from salmon, while "fish oil" is a broader term covering blends from sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and other cold-water fish. Both deliver EPA and DHA. The best choice comes down to omega-3 concentration, sourcing quality, and how your dog tolerates the taste.

Salmon oil tends to be milder and highly palatable, which makes it an easy sell for picky dogs. Broad-spectrum fish oil blends from small fish like sardines and anchovies often carry a higher omega-3 concentration and a lower risk of contaminant accumulation, since smaller fish sit lower on the food chain. Pet owners tell us their dogs happily lick either straight off the spoon.

Whichever form you choose, look for a product that lists its EPA and DHA content in the guaranteed analysis, comes in a light-blocking bottle, and ideally notes third-party purity testing. Store opened bottles in the fridge — omega-3 oils go rancid quickly once exposed to air, heat, and light.

Do I still need fish oil if my dog eats a premium diet?

Maybe not. Many premium diets already contain meaningful levels of marine omega-3, so a separate supplement is often about topping up for a specific goal rather than filling a gap. Check your food's guaranteed analysis for omega-3 content before adding anything.

Some of the diets we carry are built around fresh fish and marine oils from the start. Brands like Orijen and Acana often feature fish-forward recipes, and raw and freeze-dried lines from makers like Big Country Raw, Primal, and Stella & Chewy's can include whole-prey omega-3 sources. If your dog eats a fish-based formula and has a glossy coat and no skin issues, you may not need extra fish oil at all.

When we help a customer with a dog on a fish-based dry dog food, we'll often suggest trialling the diet on its own for four to six weeks before layering in a supplement. If the coat is still dry after that, a targeted omega-3 top-up makes sense. This step-by-step approach saves money and avoids overdosing. The American Kennel Club (AKC) similarly notes that diet should come first, with supplements addressing specific needs.

Can you give a dog too much fish oil? Side effects and safety

Yes — too much fish oil can cause problems. High doses may lead to loose stool, digestive upset, weight gain from extra calories, a fishy body odour, and in very large amounts, effects on blood clotting or vitamin E depletion. Stick to weight-appropriate doses and increase slowly.

Fish oil is a fat, so it adds calories. A supplement providing roughly 40 kcal per teaspoon can quietly contribute to weight gain in a small dog if you're not accounting for it. For a 5 kg dog on a tight calorie budget, that matters. Overweight dogs are a frequent concern among customers in the Yonge-Finch area, so we always factor supplement calories into the daily total.

Watch for these signs you may be overdoing it:

• Loose or greasy stool — the most common early sign; reduce the dose
• Weight gain — remember fish oil adds fat calories to the daily total
• Strong fishy odour — from skin and breath, often means excess
• Reduced appetite or nausea — pause and consult your vet

The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine regulates the safety of pet supplements sold in North America. If your dog is on blood-thinning medication, is scheduled for surgery, or has a chronic health condition, always clear fish oil supplementation with your veterinarian first, since omega-3s can affect clotting.

Which fish oil and omega-3 supplements does Ashario Pets carry?

Ashario Pets stocks a range of omega-3 and skin-and-coat supplements at our North York store, including blends from Canadian and international brands built for dog wellness. Our shelves feature options suited to everyday maintenance as well as targeted skin, coat, and joint support.

Among the supplement makers we carry are Wellytails, a Canadian brand with joint and skin blends; MOJO Pet Supplements; Canine Matrix; and Healthy Paws. For food-based omega-3, our fish-forward diets from Orijen, Acana, and Open Farm deliver marine fatty acids straight from the recipe. You can compare these in person or browse our dog health and wellness collection online.

Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. We carry 79+ brands of dog and cat food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories. If you're unsure which omega-3 product suits your dog's weight and coat, our team is happy to walk you through the guaranteed analysis on each bottle — that's the kind of question we answer every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fish oil can I give my dog per day in Canada?

A healthy adult dog can generally take about 20–55 mg of combined EPA and DHA per kilogram of body weight daily as a maintenance dose. A 20 kg dog would need roughly 400–1,100 mg of EPA+DHA per day. Read the guaranteed analysis for active omega-3 content, start low, and confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian.

Is salmon oil or fish oil better for dogs?

Both work well since both provide EPA and DHA. Salmon oil is milder and very palatable, making it great for picky dogs and coat shine. Broad-spectrum fish oil from small fish like sardines and anchovies often carries a higher omega-3 concentration and lower contaminant risk. Choose based on your dog's taste preference and your dosing goal. Browse both types in our dog health and wellness collection.

How long does it take to see results from fish oil in dogs?

Most pet owners notice coat improvements within four to eight weeks of consistent, weight-appropriate dosing. Skin and coat cells turn over slowly, so patience matters. If you see no change after two months, revisit the dose and overall diet with your vet, since underlying skin issues sometimes need more than a supplement.

Can fish oil help my dog's itchy skin?

Omega-3 fatty acids support the skin barrier and are commonly used as part of a skin and coat care plan, but they aren't a cure for allergies or infections. If your dog is scratching constantly, has hot spots, or is losing hair, see your veterinarian to rule out allergies, parasites, or other conditions. Fish oil can support a vet-directed plan but shouldn't replace one.

Where can I buy omega-3 supplements for dogs in North York?

You can buy omega-3 and skin-and-coat supplements at Ashario Pets, 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. We carry Wellytails, MOJO Pet Supplements, Healthy Paws, and fish-forward diets from Orijen, Acana, and Open Farm. Shop in store, arrange free North York pickup, or order GTA delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes.