How to Calculate Omega-3 Dose for Dogs

The Omega-3 dose for dogs depends on their weight and the specific purpose (e.g., health condition or general supplementation). The formula is:
Total Omega-3 Dose = Dog's Weight (kg) × Purpose-Specific Dose (mg/kg)

Use the form above to input your dog's weight and select the purpose, and the calculator will determine the total Omega-3 dose in mg, µg, and g.

What is Omega-3?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are quite common in nature. Their chemical structure is characterised by the presence of a double bond three atoms away from the terminal methyl group.

There are several omega-3 fatty acids that are found in nature. The most common ones include:

• α-Linolenic acid (ALA);
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); and
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

They play an important role in human and animal health. Appropriate dietary amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, seem to be essential for the maintenance of numerous organ and tissue functions. These include healthy skin, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, neural tissues, cardiovascular system, and bones, as well as promoting good cognitive and immune function.

Therapeutic Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs

Administering omega-3 for dogs can be beneficial for the treatment of:

• Inflammatory conditions such as atopy;
• Some renal disorders;
• Cardiovascular disease,
• Hyperlipidemia; and
• Osteoarthritis.

Apart from these omega-3 benefits for dogs, omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, cognitive function, and behaviour; however, more research is needed to confirm these associations and establish recommended doses.

Omega-3 Dosage for Dogs

Now that you know what omega-3 is, in the table below we present the recommended omega-3 dosage for dogs:

❗ Remember that omega-3 doses should be calculated using your dog's weight raised to the power of 0.75 (Dog's weight^0.75)!

Where:

• NRC - National Research Council; and
• IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

Dosages for kidney disease and osteoarthritis may be increased (up to the NRC safe upper limit) depending on the severity and chronicity of the disorder.