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Salmon oil is one of the simplest things you can add to your dog's or cat's bowl, and one of the most popular. It is also one of the easiest to get the amount wrong on, because the right dose depends on your pet's size and on whether you are using the oil or the capsules.
Here is what salmon oil is, why owners use it, exactly how much to give, and which bottle size makes sense for your pet.
What is salmon oil?
Our Salmon Oil is a 100% pure, natural fish oil from salmon caught in Norwegian fjords. The salmon is caught and pressed into oil within four hours, which keeps oxidation to a minimum and the omega-3 fatty acids at their best.
It is rich in three omega-3 fatty acids:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
Your pet's body can't make enough of these on its own, so they have to come from food.
Why owners use it
Omega-3 fatty acids support the coat, the skin, the joints, the immune system and the metabolism. In practice, most owners reach for salmon oil for one of these reasons:
- a dull coat or dry, flaky skin
- a raw-fed diet that needs a reliable source of omega-3
- an older dog or cat whose joints could use some support
- a puppy or kitten, where omega-3 supports brain and eye development
It is suitable for dogs, cats and horses of all ages, and most pets find the taste very palatable.
What is in it
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 17.14% |
| of which EPA | 2.34% |
| of which DHA | 4.74% |
| of which ALA | 6.73% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 16.1% |
| Crude fat | 99.5% |
| Natural vitamin E | 1,000 IU/kg |
How much salmon oil to give
Mix it into your pet's normal food once a day.
| Dogs | 1 teaspoon per 10 kg of body weight, daily |
| Cats | 1/4 teaspoon daily |
So a 20 kg dog has 2 teaspoons a day, and a 30 kg dog has 3. Shake the bottle well before use. A slight cloudiness at the bottom of the bottle is normal for a natural product.
Which bottle size should I buy?
A teaspoon is roughly 5 ml, so you can work out how long a bottle lasts from your pet's weight. As a rough guide:
| Your pet | Daily amount | A 250 ml bottle lasts about | A 1 litre bottle lasts about |
| Cat | 1/4 tsp | 200 days | – |
| 10 kg dog | 1 tsp | 50 days | 200 days |
| 20 kg dog | 2 tsp | 25 days | 100 days |
| 30 kg dog | 3 tsp | 17 days | 67 days |
All sizes are suitable for dogs and cats, but because a cat needs so little, we recommend the 250 ml bottle for cats so it is used up while it is fresh. Bigger dogs get far better value from the 500 ml or 1 litre bottles.
Store it somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight. Once opened, we recommend keeping it in the fridge and using it within 3 to 6 months.
Oil or capsules?
If your pet won't eat anything with oil on it, or you would rather not measure, the capsules do the same job in a more convenient form.
| Salmon Oil | Salmon Oil Capsules | |
| Format | Liquid, mixed into food | 500 mg capsules, given whole, in a treat or punctured onto food |
| Dogs | 1 tsp per 10 kg daily | Up to 20 kg: 1 capsule daily. Over 20 kg: 2 capsules daily |
| Cats | 1/4 tsp daily | 1 capsule daily |
| Sizes | 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 l | 200 capsules |
The liquid is the better value for larger dogs and for raw feeders. The capsules are the tidier option for small dogs, cats and fussy eaters.
What if my pet can't have fish?
Some pets are allergic to fish, and some owners prefer a plant-based source. Algae oil is the vegan alternative: it comes from marine algae, which is where fish get their omega-3 in the first place. We have written a separate guide on algae oil vs salmon oil if that is the question you are trying to answer.
Still not sure where to start?
For most dogs and cats, the liquid salmon oil is the simplest place to begin: one bottle, one teaspoon per 10 kg, stirred into dinner. If that turns into a daily battle, switch to the capsules.
And if you are not sure, our team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists can help you choose.
Shop salmon oil
Salmon Oil for Dogs, Cats and Horses – 100 ml £6.99, 250 ml £9.99, 500 ml £13.99, 1 l £17.99. 100% pure salmon oil from Norwegian fjords.
Salmon Oil 200 Capsules – £17.99. 500 mg capsules with natural omega-3 EPA and DHA.
Algae Oil 50 ml – £14.99. The vegan omega-3 alternative for pets who can't have fish.
