Omega‑3 for Dogs: Skin, Joints & Heart Support

• 1. What are omega-3 fatty acids and why do dogs need them?
  
• 2. Omega-3 benefits for dogs’ skin and coat
  
• 3. Omega-3 and joint health: mobility and comfort
  
• 4. How Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil stands out
  
• 5. Guaranteed Analysis and Dosing
  
• 6. Using Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil with ChefPaw
  
• 7. Monitoring Your Dog's Response
  
• 8. FAQs About Omega-3 for Dogs
  

Many dogs eat diets rich in beef, chicken, and eggs, yet still miss out on the full benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Most traditional dog foods are naturally higher in omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s, which can tip the balance toward excessive inflammation over time. Too many omega-6s and too few omega-3s may leave your dog’s skin, coat, joints, and cardiovascular system under-supported.

ChefPaw’s Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil by Innovet Pet is designed to help correct that imbalance with a powerful blend of the three main omega-3 fatty acids: alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). By combining wild‑caught Alaskan salmon oil with nutrient‑dense hemp seed oil, this formula delivers more comprehensive omega-3 support than fish oil alone while pairing perfectly with homemade dog food made in ChefPaw.

What are omega-3 fatty acids and why do dogs need them?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that dogs cannot make on their own, which means they must get them through food or supplementation. Many commercial diets add some omega-3s, but dogs that rarely eat fish or other marine ingredients often benefit from additional omega-3 supplementation.

Omega-3s help:

• Support healthy cell membranes and overall cell function.
• Provide energy for normal metabolism.
• Reduce the production of pro‑inflammatory compounds derived from omega-6 fatty acids.
• Positively influence genes involved in inflammation and metabolism.
• Help protect the brain from oxidative stress.

Among omega-3s, EPA and DHA from marine sources are especially important for dogs because they are the most bioavailable and most studied for joint, heart, and skin health.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): brain and eye support

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid best known for its role in brain and eye development and function. It makes up the vast majority of the omega-3s found in the brain and retina, where it supports normal vision, cognition, mood, and memory throughout life.

For puppies and senior dogs, adequate DHA is especially important for:

• Supporting learning and trainability.
• Maintaining cognitive function with age.
• Helping regulate normal blood pressure and nervous system health.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): inflammation and joint control

EPA is the primary omega-3 responsible for helping the body produce anti‑inflammatory compounds instead of pro‑inflammatory ones. While some inflammation is normal, chronic or excessive inflammation is linked with joint issues, skin problems, and many long‑term health conditions in dogs.

EPA has been shown to:

• Support joint comfort and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis.
• Help maintain healthy triglycerides and support heart health.
• Work synergistically with DHA for optimal cardiovascular benefits.

Because of this, EPA‑ and DHA‑rich marine oils are often recommended for dogs who need extra support for hips, joints, or overall mobility.

Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): antioxidant support and omega-3 backup

ALA is a plant‑based omega-3 fatty acid found in every cell of the body and serves as a precursor to EPA and DHA. Dogs convert only a small fraction of ALA into EPA and DHA, which is why formulas still need direct marine sources like salmon oil.

However, ALA has its own benefits:

• Acts as a powerful antioxidant that can function in both fat and water environments.
• Helps support other antioxidants in the body, allowing them to keep working longer.
• Supports healthy blood sugar regulation and nerve health in some uses.

Hemp seed oil in ChefPaw’s Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil is naturally rich in ALA, which complements the EPA and DHA from salmon oil.

Omega-3 benefits for dogs’ skin and coat

One of the first changes many pet parents notice with omega-3 supplementation is healthier skin and a softer, shinier coat. Omega-3s help calm inflammatory skin responses and support the skin barrier from the inside out.

Regular omega-3 intake can:

• Help reduce itching, hot spots, and dryness related to allergies and environmental triggers.
• Support a glossy coat by nourishing hair follicles and improving moisture retention in the skin.
• Reduce flakiness and dullness, especially in dogs prone to dry skin.

For dogs with seasonal allergies or frequent skin flare‑ups, adding a high‑quality fish oil with balanced omega-3s can be a valuable part of their daily routine.

Omega-3 and joint health: mobility and comfort

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are commonly used to support joint health in dogs. By moderating inflammatory pathways, EPA and DHA can help ease stiffness and support more comfortable movement, particularly in aging or highly active dogs.

Dogs that may benefit most include:

• Senior dogs with age‑related joint changes.
• Large breeds prone to hip and joint issues.
• Sport, working, and highly active dogs who put extra stress on their joints.

Studies in dogs show that EPA + DHA supplementation can improve pain scores and quality of life, especially in small and medium‑sized dogs with joint challenges.

How Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil stands out

Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil by Innovet Pet is formulated to provide a balanced omega 3-6-9 profile based on current research and practical dosing for dogs. Wild‑caught Alaskan salmon is prized for its naturally high EPA and DHA content, sustainability, and clean nutritional profile.

Key differentiators:

• Premium wild‑caught Alaskan salmon oilfor concentrated EPA and DHA.
• Cold‑pressed hemp seed oil for plant‑based ALA and beneficial omega-6s.
• Careful handling and vitamin E to help protect delicate fats from oxidation and maintain freshness.
• Transparent sourcing and testing via Innovet Pet, including quality control and certificates of analysis.

This combination offers broader fatty acid support than salmon oil alone while still targeting the most important omega-3s for dogs.

Hemp Seed Oil

The inclusion of USDA-grown hemp takes your standard fish oil to a new level thanks to its bountiful amounts of ALA, along with linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. Two omega-6s are essential for maintaining skin cell development, brain function, skeletal health, reproductive health, and metabolism. Speaking of omega-6s, hemp oil features a 3-to-1 ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s, which experts agree is the preferred ratio for supporting health, in particular skin and coat health. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E prevents oxidation, keeping delicate omega-3s fresh and effective while supporting your dog’s skin, coat, immune system, and overall health. As a natural antioxidant, it fights free radicals that contribute to aging and inflammation.

Since polyunsaturated fats in salmon and hemp oil require Vitamin E for proper absorption, this essential nutrient ensures maximum benefits while maintaining oil stability. A small but powerful addition, Vitamin E helps deliver optimal nutrition in every dose.

Guaranteed Analysis and Dosing

Per serving, ChefPaw’s Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil provides:

• 320 mg EPA
• 370 mg DHA
• 830 mg hemp oil
• Total: 1,060 mg omega-3s

You can simply drizzle the recommended amount over your dog’s food once a day. Because omega-3s are fat‑soluble, giving the oil with a meal helps maximize absorption and digestive comfort.

Always follow the label dosing guidelines based on your dog’s weight, and talk with your veterinarian if your dog has existing medical conditions or takes other supplements or medications.

Using Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil with ChefPaw

ChefPaw is a 2‑in‑1 homemade dog food appliance that makes it easy to prepare gently cooked, fresh meals at home using real, human‑grade ingredients. When you pair ChefPaw recipes with Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil by Innovet Pet and our nutrient booster, you can give your dog complete and balanced meals with tailored omega-3 support.

A few best practices:

• Cook your dog’s meal in ChefPaw using your preferred recipe of meats, veggies, and carbs.
• After cooking, let the food cool slightly.
• Mix in Wild Alaskan Salmon & Hemp Oil and any other heat‑sensitive ingredients by hand after cooking so delicate nutrients stay intact.

The ChefPaw app will guide you step‑by‑step, showing exactly when to add salmon & hemp oil and how much to use for your dog’s weight and recipe. ChefPaw’s nutrient analyzer can further fine‑tune recipes to your dog’s age, size, and activity level for more precise omega-3 dosing than a general chart alone.

Monitoring Your Dog's Response

Most dogs tolerate fish oil and hemp oil very well, but it’s smart to introduce any new supplement gradually. Watch for:

• Mild digestive changes (soft stool, gas, or an upset stomach), which usually improve by slightly lowering the dose and increasing more slowly.
• Fishy breath, which is common and often reduced by giving the oil with food.
• Improvements in coat shine, shedding, itchiness, and overall comfort over several weeks.

To track progress, take before‑and‑after photos of your dog’s coat, note changes in texture and shedding, and observe any differences in mobility, playfulness, and willingness to exercise over time.