Is your pup’s coat duller than usual? Are they scratching up a storm? Sluggish? If so, they may be lacking the right nutrients — specifically omega-3s. The healthy-fatty goodness in omega-3s can be a serious game changer for your dog (and frankly, you too, but that’s another story).
Omega-3s keep your pup’s skin healthy, coat shiny, and joints moving smoothly. Three barks to that!
Curious to know one of the best omega-3 sources for your dog? Salmon.
Salmon supercharges your pup’s meal, giving them all the nutrients they need to look and feel like their best dog self.
Watch with joy as your pup gobbles up Jinx’s Atlantic Salmon — available in both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes. They may never know how good it is for them (but you will!) as they’ll be so focused on its delicious taste.
Even better? At Jinx we only use sustainably caught Atlantic salmon of the highest quality in our formulas, because your pup deserves it.
Intro to Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Now that you know why omega-3s are so helpful for your dog, let’s break down exactly what they are, why they matter, and how to add them to your dog's bowl safely.
Essentially, omega-3s are one of nature’s magnificent health boosters, helping pups and humans feel and look awesome.
You may be wondering, if these omega-3s are so darn great, dogs must produce them on their own, right? Unfortunately not. Pups don’t produce omega-3s on their own, they need them supplemented through their diet.
Plant-based sources like flaxseed provide some benefits but the real MVPs of omega-3s are fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
So What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that play a major role in your pup’s health.
Whether you have a growing puppy, energetic adult, or chillaxin’ senior — fatty acids help keep their mind sharp, joints doing their job, and skin nourished.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids. Their names may be technical, but their benefits are undeniable. Let’s have a look:
-
ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid) — Found in plant-based sources like flaxseed and chia seeds, they support skin and coat health.
-
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) — No wonder we love salmon! EPA is a powerhouse in salmon that helps reduce inflammation and support your dog’s heart health.
-
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) — Another fish-based omega-3, DHA helps with brain function, especially in young and senior pups.
Benefits of Salmon-Derived Omega-3s for Dogs
Why are omega-3s from salmon considered the crème de la crème, the gold standard, the cat’s meow — or rather, the dog's bark?
The benefits of salmon-derived omega-3s for dogs go way beyond basic nutrition — they’re a veritable superhero when it comes to your pup’s skin, coat, joint function, and mobility.
But not all salmon is created equal! Get this: Sustainably caught Atlantic salmon (the key ingredient in our salmon kibble!) has higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than farmed salmon. Not only is it more nutrient-dense, but it’s also a more-sustainable choice for the planet. A giant win-win in our book.
Getting a bit more specific, let’s explore how fatty acids in omega-3s help your pup prosper.
Skin
No one loves dry, itchy skin! Especially dogs as they can’t drive to the pharmacy to get relief. Dry, aggravated skin is uncomfortable and it also causes them mental distress (which we always want to avoid!)
Omega-3s nourish your dog’s skin from the inside out, reducing inflammation and soothing irritation. They act as natural lubricants, keeping your pup’s skin hydrated, as well as less flaky and red.
If your pup has any of the following:
-
Seasonal allergies
-
Dry patches
-
Constant itchiness
Adding salmon omega-3s to their diet may calm their irritation, bringing back suppleness to their skin. Please, and thank you!
Coat
A healthy coat isn’t just about turning heads (oh la la), it’s a reflection of your pup’s health. You know that dull, brittle look you see in some dog’s coats? Coarse fur texture or excessive shedding? Well, that’s nobody’s idea of a good time.
If only all dog parents knew what you know now: Adding salmon to your pup’s diet can contribute to a soft, glossy, healthy-looking coat — like your dog walked straight out of the salon.
Joints
Like us, dogs experience joint stiffness as they get older (say it ain’t so!) Thankfully joint health and omega-3s go paw in paw, with these essential fats helping reduce inflammation, boost cartilage health, and help your pup run circles around their dog pals.
But really, no matter your dog’s age, salmon-derived omega-3s are essential, helping joints with flexibility and movement. Of course this means everything to your dog as they live to have fun (and eat and cuddle).
Some of you may be wondering: Is salmon always safe for my little buddy? The answer is most of the time YES. That said, quality definitely matters.
At Jinx, we only use sustainably caught Atlantic salmon, so your pup gets the best of the best omega-3s for their long-term health in every meal.
Comparing Omega-3 Sources: What’s so great about Salmon?
Let’s sum up what you’ve learned so far: Omega-3’s are essential fatty acids and salmon is packed with them.
But with so many other fish in the sea, how do you know if salmon is the best source for your dog?
Let’s break down salmon vs. other fish, diving into how dogs absorb omega-3s. Spoiler: Not all fish are created equal!
Salmon vs. Other Fish Sources
While there are loads of fish with omega-3 fatty acids, not all are ideal for pups. How does salmon stack up against the competition? We’ll show you.
-
Salmon vs. tuna — While tuna has some omega-3s, it’s higher in mercury, which is not ideal in a daily diet. Salmon, on the other hand, has the omega-3s without the fear of heavy metal buildup
-
Salmon vs. sardines — Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3s and are lower in mercury, but they don’t pack the same nutrient-dense punch as salmon. Another plus point for salmon: It contains higher levels of essential amino acids that help build muscle.
-
Salmon vs. whitefish — This one’s a no-brainer. Put simply: Whitefish has fewer omega-3s than salmon, so our good friend salmon is the clear winner.
-
Salmon vs. Atlantic salmon — As you’ve been paying close attention so far, you may know this already: Atlantic salmon has higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it the top-tier choice for your pup’s brain, skin, coat, and joint health.
We’ll say it again, quality ingredients matter — to you, your pup, and Jinx — so you’ll be pleased to know that we only use sustainably caught Atlantic salmon in our recipes.
We’re pretty proud of that fact because we want the best for your pup and that means premium fatty acids — no fillers.
How Do Dogs Absorb Omega-3s?
Salmon not only contains a big-ole-healthy dose of omega-3s, it’s one of the most bioavailable sources for dogs.
So what does bioavailable mean? It means your pup will absorb and use the fatty acids in salmon more efficiently compared to other fish. And the more omega-3s your dog gets — you guessed it — the healthier their skin, the shinier their coat, and the more agile your pup’s joints will be.
If the thought of comparing omega-3 sources for your dog — especially salmon vs. other fish — feels a tad overwhelming, it really just comes down to 3 factors:
-
Quality
-
Bioavailability
-
Safety
And to big up our formulas a bit more: We design all our salmon recipes to hit a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, while ensuring every bite is free from unwanted and fillers. And the taste? Barktastic.
While salmon is nutritional power-fuel for your pup, eating in moderation is still key. Be sure to check out portion guidelines for your dogs size, age, and activity-level. We should also let you know that in some cases (which are pretty seldom!) dogs can be allergic to salmon or other fish.
Allergic Reactions to Fish
Like we said above, it’s not super common but some dogs can be allergic to fish. If you want to give salmon a go at mealtime (and we highly suggest you do!) try introducing it to your pup in small doses.
Jinx toppers are great for that. Start with a sprinkle of Premium Salmon and Pumpkin Topper and work your way up to a full salmon meal.
However you choose to add salmon to your dog’s diet, keep your eye out for signs of a possible allergic reaction. New foods can sometimes bring unwelcome visitors, like:
-
Itchy skin (especially around the face, paws, or ears)
-
Digestive issues (vomiting or diarrhea)
-
Ear infections (lots of scratching or head shaking)
-
Red, inflamed skin (the opposite of fun!)
If your pup has any of these symptoms, put the salmon on pause and check in with your vet.
Want to learn more about dog food allergies and reactions? Check out our helpful post: Dog Food Allergies; Everything You Need to Know.
Avoiding Contaminants and Toxins
By now you know that not all salmon is the same. Wild-caught and farmed salmon can contain mercury, parasites, or heavy metals — which get zero barks of approval from us!
No surprise then that Jinx’ only use sustainably caught Atlantic salmon in our recipes. It’s packed full of nutrients, it’s responsibly sourced and free from harmful additives, so your pup gets all the benefits without the risks. And you feel like the best pet parent around (because you are, of course!)
Balancing Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Yes, omega’s are ah-mazing, but moderation (like everything in life!) is also key. Too much omega-6 — found in lower-quality pet foods — can cause inflammation, while too much omega-3 can lead to issues like blood thinning.
That’s why, at Jinx, we’ve intentionally balanced omega-3 and omega-6, so it’s one less thing for you to think about.
The Final Woof: Why Salmon and Omega-3s Matter
When it comes to your dog, omega-3s can really make a noticeable, positive difference to your pup’s health. And the reality is, there’s no better source than sustainably caught Atlantic salmon to tick all their wellness boxes:
Brain booster ✅
Healthier skin ✅
Shinier coat ✅
Nourished joints ✅
Jinx makes it easy to give your dog the nutrition they need and deserve. Ready to switch to salmon? Of course your dog is! So stock up now on Jinx Salmon Recipes.
FAQs
What Are the Best Sources of Omega-3 for Dogs?
Undoubtedly, fish oils from salmon, sardines, and mackerel are the best sources of omega-3 for dogs. They’re high in EPA and DHA which support healthy skin, coats, and joints. Krill oil and algae-based supplements are a solid second choice, especially for pups with fish sensitivities.
Can I Give My Dog Human Omega-3 Supplements?
Not a good idea. Best to use omega-3 supplements made specifically for pups. The human version can have different dosages or added ingredients that just aren’t safe for your dog.
How Much Omega-3 Should My Dog Receive Daily?
The right dosage depends on your dog’s weight, age, and health. Here’s a helpful guideline: 20–55 mg of EPA and DHA per pound of body weight daily. That would mean a 10-pound pup could benefit from 200–550 mg. Given that’s a pretty big range, maybe start with a lower dose or speak to your vet for a tailored recommendation.
Are there any side effects of omega-3 for dogs?
Most dogs tolerate omega-3s well though some can experience mild tummy upset, loose poop, or diarrhea. In some cases, you might notice a slight fishy odor on your dog’s coat or breath. As said, always start with a lower dose and gradually increase.
Is cooked or raw salmon better for my dog?
Cooked salmon is the safe option, so skip sharing your sushi. If there are any bacteria or parasites in raw fish, cooking eliminates them. If you choose to oven-cook salmon for your dog — make sure it’s unseasoned, boneless, and free of added fats. A better option is to skip the cooking altogether and feed your pup Jinx salmon kibble or give them quality salmon-oil supplements, intended for dogs only.
Can Puppies Benefit from Omega-3 Supplements?
They sure can. Omega-3s are great for puppies as they help with brain development, vision, and immune health — not to mention healthy skin, coat, and joints. Just be sure to choose a puppy-safe formula and check with your vet for the right dosage.
What’s the Difference Between Salmon & Atlantic Salmon?
Atlantic salmon has higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels than other types of salmon. Therefore, sustainably caught Atlantic salmon is the way to go for dogs (and humans, really). It offers more EPA and DHA, aka the good stuff! Plus, it’s a more environmentally friendly choice! And we all want the best for Mother Earth.