Omega supplements are one of the best ways to support your dog’s health. Usually, they’re sourced from oily fish like salmon and green-lipped mussels, making them a no-go for pups with plant-based diets, but there are lesser-known vegan options that work just as well.
If you’ve got a plant-based pup, keep reading for our best vegan Omega-3 supplements for dogs, and everything you need to know about the fatty acid.
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Top Pick
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Best Single Ingredient
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Best Budget Pick
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Fera’s plant-based Omega 3, 6, 9s Oil is sustainably derived from the original source of omega-3 fatty acids- algae. Naturally rich in Omega-3s, Fera Pet's algae oil is the only plant-based oil that has the highest concentrations of both EPA & DHA. |
This plant-based formula features algae oil as its single ingredient. It delivers 2,690 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving, supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall wellness. The fish-free formula eliminates unpleasant fishy burps while providing an effective alternative to traditional fish oil supplements. |
This plant-based liquid supplement is derived from microalgae, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It provides powerful nutritional support for your furry friend. Each serving delivers EPA and DHA to help maintain healthy skin, a lustrous coat, normal joint function, and cardiovascular health. |
Fera’s plant-based Omega 3, 6, 9s Oil is sustainably derived from the original source of omega-3 fatty acids- algae. Naturally rich in Omega-3s, Fera Pet's algae oil is the only plant-based oil that has the highest concentrations of both EPA & DHA.
This plant-based formula features algae oil as its single ingredient. It delivers 2,690 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving, supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall wellness. The fish-free formula eliminates unpleasant fishy burps while providing an effective alternative to traditional fish oil supplements.
This plant-based liquid supplement is derived from microalgae, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It provides powerful nutritional support for your furry friend. Each serving delivers EPA and DHA to help maintain healthy skin, a lustrous coat, normal joint function, and cardiovascular health.
What Is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid, or in other words, a healthy fat. It’s found in oily fish, marine algae, and certain plant seeds, and there are three main types: DHA, EPA, and ALA, with DHA and EPA being the best for dogs.
It’s essential for good health and well-being, but it’s not produced by the body, which means it has to come from external sources, like food and supplements.
Why Is It So Good For Dogs?
Omega-3 supports good heart and cognitive health, as well as healthier skin, coat, and joints in dogs. As mentioned above, DHA and EPA are the most effective; a mix of both is always best, but each provides different benefits.
DHA is particularly powerful for lubricating the joints in large breeds and seniors, and reducing inflammation in dogs with arthritis, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions. It’s also known to improve heart health, boost mood, and nourish the skin and hair follicles.
EPA, on the other hand, supports the healthy development and maintenance of the brain and eyes. It’s especially good for growing puppies and can help to prevent visual and cognitive decline in seniors.
What Are Vegan Omega-3 Supplements For Dogs?
Typically, Omega-3 fatty acids are sourced from marine life, such as oily fish and green-lipped mussels, but they’re also abundant in marine algae, a plant-like organism that lives in salt water.
Are Vegan Omega-3s as Good as Fish Oil for Dogs?
Yes, if they come from algae. Vegan Omega-3 supplements that are sourced from algae are just as good as those sourced from fish, as they provide the same active fatty acids. They’re also better for the environment!
However, they have to be algae-based. Omega-3s from plant seed oils like flaxseed, whilst not without benefit, cannot reliably deliver the same results. It’s fine if they’re included, but effective formulas need to be primarily algae-based.
Why Choose a Vegan Omega-3 for Your Dog?
For some, plant-based feeding comes down to lifestyle preferences or sustainability concerns, and for others, it’s a necessity. Despite being natural carnivores, animal proteins, like fish, are actually the most common food allergy in dogs.
For those pups, animal-based supplements are just as much of a no-go as animal-based foods, resulting in reactions, poor health, and low energy.
Plus, with vegan supplements, there are no gross fishy burps!
How to Add Algae Oil to Your Dog’s Diet
Thankfully, algae oil has a light, neutral taste, so it’s pretty easy to slip into your dog’s diet unnoticed. Just mix it into their daily meals, and bon appetit!
Exactly how much your dog needs depends on their weight and whether you’re using it to maintain good health or support something like arthritis. There should be a chart on the back of the bottle, but it’s generally recommended to give dogs around 20-55 mg per kg of their weight per day for maintenance, or 75-100+ for therapeutic support.
Ask your vet for tailored advice!
Top tip: We recommend splitting the dosage evenly between meals and introducing it gradually, especially if your pup has a sensitive stomach. It’s also important to stick to their recommended dosage and adjust their diet if it’s high, as algae oil is naturally high in calories.
Are There Chews or Powders?
Yes, there are chews and powders on the market; however, algae oil is by far the best, most bioavailable way to give your dog vegan Omega-3. This means their body will absorb it fully and get the maximum benefit.
Do Fish-Free, Plant-Based, and Vegan Mean the Same Thing?
No! Whilst they do sound kinda similar, they’re all slightly different. Fish-free means there’s no fish (duh), but it could still contain other animal-derived ingredients, such as krill or eggs.
Vegan means it’s free from all animal ingredients, but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s completely plant-based, as it could contain some synthetic ingredients. Plant-based means that it’s primarily derived from plants, but doesn’t automatically mean 100% plant-based, unless it states otherwise.
If you want something that’s completely vegan and natural, you need to look for products that are 100% vegan and plant-based. To make things easier, we’ve only chosen products that are just that for our top picks.
Other things you might want to consider include:
- Single-ingredient formulas for sensitive stomachs
- Lower-calorie formulas for weight control
- Responsibly/sustainably sourced ingredients
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Packaging for portion control
- Size and value for money
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get into the list!
Top Pick: Fera Pets Algae Oil
Our top pick is the Fera Pets Algae Oil. It’s the only plant-based oil for pets on the market that has the highest concentrations of both EPA and DHA.
Key features:
- Vet-created for dogs and cats
- Full-spectrum Omega profile
- With organic seed oils and vitamin E
- Maximum health benefits
What we like: With sustainably-sourced algae oil, organic flaxseed oil, vitamin E, and organic virgin hemp seed oil, it provides the full spectrum of Omegas for maximum benefit, including better joint, skin, and coat health, better neurological and cardiovascular health, and stronger immunity with less inflammation.
It’s created by vets for dogs and cats, so it’s perfect for multi-pet homes, and there are no unnecessary ingredients – only the five mentioned above. It’s also lab-tested, NASC- and GMP-approved, and made in the USA for better quality control.
What to consider: It’s on the pricier side, which is to be expected for the quality and potency of the ingredients, but you can save 20% if you subscribe to auto-ship.
Fera’s plant-based Omega 3, 6, 9s Oil is sustainably derived from the original source of omega-3 fatty acids- algae. Naturally rich in Omega-3s, Fera Pet's algae oil is the only plant-based oil that has the highest concentrations of both EPA & DHA.
Best Single-Ingredient: Chew + Heal
The Chew + Heal oil is our top single-ingredient pick.
Key features:
- 100% algae oil
- Sustainably sourced
- 2,690mg of Omega-3 per serving
- Made in the USA
What we like: As mentioned above, it contains only one ingredient: high-quality, sustainably sourced algae oil, with 2,690 milligrams of Omega-3 fatty acids per serving.
The use of only one ingredient makes it easier to digest for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs, and it’s made in the USA with an easy-press pump for simple serving.
What to consider: There’s not much to consider here; the only critique could be the smaller bottle sizes, which may not last long with a larger breed or multiple dogs.
This plant-based formula features algae oil as its single ingredient. It delivers 2,690 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving, supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall wellness. The fish-free formula eliminates unpleasant fishy burps while providing an effective alternative to traditional fish oil supplements.
Best Budget Pick: Grizzly Algal Plus Omega
Our best budget-friendly pick is the Grizzly Algal Plus Omega oil.
Key features:
- Includes DHA, EPA, and ALA
- Flaxseed and microalgae oils
- NASC-quality seal of approval
- Recyclable packaging
What we like: It’s awesome value for money and doesn’t compromise on quality, with a NASC-quality seal of approval and only three ingredients: flaxseed oil, sustainably-sourced microalgae oil, and natural tocopherols.
It provides a balanced blend of DHA, EPA, and ALA, and comes in fully recyclable packaging, including an easy-to-use pump.
What to consider: Despite being fish-free, it has quite a fishy smell, which your dog will probably love… but you might not!
This plant-based liquid supplement is derived from microalgae, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It provides powerful nutritional support for your furry friend. Each serving delivers EPA and DHA to help maintain healthy skin, a lustrous coat, normal joint function, and cardiovascular health.
Best Low-Calorie: Pet Releaf Fish-Free Omega-3
Pet Releaf Fish-Free Omega-3 is our top low-calorie pick for weight control, with a specialized delivery system that ensures higher absorption rates, meaning less oil is needed per serving.
Key features:
- 100% plant-based
- Microalgae and flaxseed
- Higher absorption for smaller servings
- Protective aluminium bottle
What we like: It’s completely plant-based with only two ingredients: non-GMO, sustainably sourced European microalgae and flaxseed. It’s perfect for sensitive stomachs and limited ingredient diets and comes in a protective aluminium bottle for a longer shelf life.
The bottle is also completely recyclable, with a dispensing pump for easy serving, and it’s made in the USA by a family-owned company.
What to consider: It doesn’t contain EPA, only DHA and ALA, so we recommend it more for adult dogs than puppies.
Designed to support everyday wellness, Pet Releaf Fish Free Omega-3 Skin & Coat Health Liquid Supplement for Dogs & Cats offers a plant-based alternative to traditional fish oil. This daily formula combines microalgae-derived DHA with flax-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to help nourish your pet's brain, heart, skin, and coat.
Best For Skin and Coat: Austin and Kat Marine Algae Oil
If you’re looking for something to support your pup’s skin and coat, Austin and Kat’s Marine Algae Oil is a great choice.
Key features:
- Inclusion of Omega-6 and 9
- Nourishes the skin and coat
- Easy-dose squeeze cap
- Made in small batches
What we like: With sustainably sourced astaxanthin and oils from non-GMO algae and hempseed, it’s not only an Omega-3 supplement. It also gives your dog a boost of nourishing Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, which give your dog’s coat and skin an added boost, as well as extra immune support – ideal for allergies, excess shedding, and skin conditions.
It’s made in small batches to extremely high standards in brand-owned facilities, with a unique, easy-dose squeeze cap for mess-free measuring at mealtimes.
What to consider: The inclusion of astaxanthin gives it a slightly stronger taste than other algae oils, which pickier dogs may not like.
A 100% vegan omega health supplement for dogs and cats, delivering marine omega-3s without any fish. Includes microalgae-derived astaxanthin for antioxidant support and a premium point of difference versus standard plant oils.
FAQs About Vegan Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs
What age can I start my dog on vegan Omega-3 supplements?
You can start your dog on Omega-3 supplements at any age. In fact, the younger, the better. You don’t need to wait until your dog has a problem; using a supplement can help to maintain good health for longer – just make sure you get the dosage right.
Do you need to keep algae oil in the fridge?
Yes, once you open the bottle, you should keep it sealed and in the fridge. Omega-3 fatty acids are fragile and degrade easily when exposed to heat, air, and sunlight, making them less potent and likely to expire faster.
How long does algae oil last?
Most algae oils are okay for up to 90 days, or three months, after opening. Check the label to make sure!
Does algae oil have any side effects for dogs?
Algae oil is generally safe, but like any fat source, it can cause tummy upsets if given in too large a dose or introduced too quickly. It’s also naturally calorific, so remember to adjust your dog’s diet if you’re giving them a large dose. Usually, minusing a treat or two a day will do!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re considering vegan Omega-3 supplements for your dog due to personal choice or out of necessity, there’s no reason to compromise on quality. Your dog deserves the best when it comes to their health, and with these products, that’s exactly what they’ll get.
Do you have any top tips or recipe inspo for plant-based pups? Share them in the comments below – we’d love to read them!
