Skip to main content

Fish Oil & Omega Fatty Acids for Skin Health in Dogs

Is fish oil really useful when it comes to skin and dandruff issues?

Fish Oil & Omega Fatty Acids for Skin Health in Dogs
Photo Credit: Chip Laughton

Question

I have a 1½-year-old female Lab named Dutchi that has dry skin and dandruff problems. The vets in our town have done things to check for mites and bacteria and fungus, but nothing is coming up positive. The medicines we have tried have not changed her. I am wondering about trying fish-oil supplements for skin health that I have seen advertised. What is your recommendation on these types of supplements for dogs in this situation?

Answer

Nutritional supplements for the skin that include fish oils or other sources of essential fatty acids can be beneficial, but sorting out the options is a big challenge. There are probably more products out there that would not work for your dog than would. We probably have more products available for addition of Omega-3 fatty acids. These generally help decrease joint pain by decreasing inflammation in other parts of the body, when balanced properly. For your situation, Omega-6 fatty acids have the most benefit. They can help stabilize layers in the skin and decrease inflammation there. Getting the proper balance is the challenge.

Many oral products are available to supplement both Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. They have varying degrees of actual potency and purity. Check with your veterinary clinic, as they probably have a product they trust. If they know you would like to try that therapy, they would be happy to guide you on its use. They may also give you the option to try a prescription food that specifically adds higher levels of these fatty acids.

The food approach can be a step up in digestibility and quality of the diet. There are also products that can be applied directly to the skin, with fatty acid supplementation in mind.


To Continue Reading

Go Premium Today.

Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. What's Included

  • Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers

  • Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

  • Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

  • Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

  • Ad-free experience at GunDogMag.com.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or start your online account

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Dog jumping out of phone with Gun Dog website in the background
Make the Jump to Gun Dog Premium

Gun Dog Premium is the go-to choice for sporting dog owners and upland hunting enthusiasts. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits:

The Magazine

Recieve (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers.

Training Videos

Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

Digital Back Issues

Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

Exclusive Online Editorial

Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or Start your online account

Go Premium

and get everything Gun Dog has to offer.

The Magazine

Recieve (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers.

Training Videos

Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

Digital Back Issues

Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

Exclusive Online Editorial

Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or Start your online account