Maybe you’ve noticed that your senior dog isn't as keen to jump on the sofa, takes a little longer to get up after a nap, or seems a bit stiff after walks. Hip and joint issues are a common problem for older dogs, but there are ways to improve your pet’s comfort during their golden years.
Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended by many veterinarians and pet parents. These healthy fats manage inflammation that contributes to joint discomfort. And two common sources of omega-3 are fish oil and salmon oil.
Is fish oil or salmon oil better for dogs? We’ll discuss the differences between salmon oil vs fish oil for dogs, so you can decide which works for your pet’s needs.
Learn more below or just choose the best joint supplement for dogs at Mighty Munch, as our Salmon Fish Oil supplement brings you the best of both worlds so you don’t have to compromise!
Overview of Fish Oil for Dogs
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These specific fatty acids are thought to provide several health advantages for our canine companions. Its benefits include:
- Joint Health: Omega-3s, especially EPA, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
- Skin and Coat Health: Fish oil soothes dry, flaky, and itchy dog skin. It also supports the skin’s natural oil barrier, which gives your dog a healthier, shinier, and softer coat.
- Heart Health: Omega-3s help your dog maintain a healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure.
- Brain Function: Supplementing with fish oil can support your dog’s cognitive function. This is good for developing puppies and for senior dogs.
- Kidney Function: Fish oil can reduce inflammation and support kidney function.
- Immune System Support: Omega-3s can also help modulate and support the immune system.
What is Salmon Oil for Dogs?
Salmon oil has specifically been extracted from salmon, as the name suggests. It has become very popular with pet parents as it provides omega-3 fatty acids that support hip health, joint health, brain function, immune response, and overall canine health.
Not all salmon oil is created equal. Reputable salmon oil brands test their oil for purity and to confirm the levels of EPA, DHA, and other beneficial compounds. At Mighty Munch, we source our salmon oil exclusively from trusted suppliers so you can rest assured you’re getting the purest, most potent supplement.
Perhaps the biggest difference in salmon oil vs fish oil for dogs is that salmon oil also contains astaxanthin. This potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound neutralises DNA-damaging compounds and gives salmon its distinctive pink colour.
Is Salmon Oil the Same as Fish Oil for Dogs?
When considering fish oil vs salmon oil for dogs, you should keep in mind that all salmon oil is fish oil, but not all fish oil is salmon oil.
Fish oil has been sourced from one or more types of oily cold-water fish. This might include salmon, but more often fish oil is derived from sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herring, tuna, or cod liver.
Fish oil typically contains a blend of these fish. That blend might vary from batch to batch depending on what types of fish are available. Salmon oil comes exclusively from salmon. This means its nutritional profile is more consistent than mixed fish oil.
Fish Oil vs Salmon Oil for Dogs: Key Differences to Consider
Is fish oil or salmon oil better for dogs? Both contain valuable omega-3 fatty acids and can help keep your dog’s skin, coat, and joints in tip-top condition. But there are a few important differences between fish oil vs salmon oil for dogs.
EPA & DHA Concentration Varies by Source
The EPA and DHA concentrations of fish oil can rise and fall with each subsequent batch because it is made with a blend of fish. You’ll find these levels more consistent if you are getting farmed salmon from a single supplier.
Wild salmon oil may have more omega-3s than farmed salmon, which has not been fed properly. But whether farmed or wild, each batch must be properly tested to ensure it contains adequate EPA and DHA concentrations.
Mighty Munch blends both fish oil and salmon oil to create our Fish Oil supplement. Our formula is designed to give your dog the most powerful blend of omega-3s available and is a great addition to our Hip & Joint meal topper, the best joint supplement for dogs.
Risk of Oxidation and Contaminants
Oils become rancid when exposed to oxygen. This not only destroys the delicate omega-3 fatty acids but also creates harmful byproducts that can upset your dog’s stomach and cause inflammation.
Both fish oil vs salmon oil for dogs can easily become rancid if exposed to air, light, or heat. But because salmon oil contains the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin, it is a bit less likely to go bad.
Fish can also accumulate harmful environmental contaminants like mercury, lead, PCBs, and dioxins. Salmon are higher up the food chain, so they may have higher levels of contaminants than smaller fish like sardines and mackerel.
Fortunately, modern purification techniques can strip out these contaminants. Mighty Munch only buys its fish oil and salmon from top suppliers who offer a Certificate of Analysis for each batch. We also use an opaque, airtight bottle that prevents rancidity in our Fish Oil supplement.
Palatability and Ease of Use
Can dogs have fish oil tablets? They can, but who wants to go through the hassle of feeding a dog tablets or capsules? Mighty Munch’s Fish Oil is simply pumped over your dog’s usual food. Your dog will happily eat fish oil right out of the bowl.
Dogs don’t care whether it’s salmon oil vs fish oil for dogs. Both are a tasty treat. Whatever you choose, you’ll have no problem getting your dog to finish this healthy supplement.
Most dogs love the taste and smell of Mighty Munch Fish Oil supplement. They’ll eat as much as you give them. But too much fish oil can cause loose stools. Pay close attention to the instructions on the bottle and only give them the recommended amount.
Accessibility and Cost
Fish oil and salmon oil supplements are widely available online and in many stores. But you have to make sure you’re buying an oil that’s specifically formulated for dogs. Human supplements may contain harmful ingredients or an improper balance of omega-3 acids.
You’ll find fish oil supplements at all price points. But avoid the cheapest fish oils. You’ll often find that they are rancid, low in EPA or DHA, or contain mercury or other toxins. Your dog deserves the best, so look for a reliable brand like Mighty Munch Fish Oil.
As we noted in our Mighty Munch vs Petz Park article, we offer subscriptions on all our products. With a Mighty Munch subscription, you’ll always have their needed supplements on hand. It doesn’t get more accessible than that!
So, is Fish Oil or Salmon Oil Better for Dogs?
Is fish oil or salmon oil better for dogs? Both general fish oil and salmon oil supply the beneficial fatty acids EPA and DHA, so each can aid in supporting your dog’s joint health and reducing inflammation.
Salmon oil has a specific, known source while fish oil is generally distilled from a blend that varies with each order. But since each has its advantages, our answer to the question of fish oil vs salmon oil for dogs is “Why not both?”
Get the Best of Both Worlds With Joint Support From Mighty Munch!
Mighty Munch’s Fish Oil for Dogs gives your dog the benefits of both fish oil and salmon oil. But we don’t stop there! We also include flaxseed oil, a seed oil containing alphalineolic acid (ALA). The ALA omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed keep your dog’s coat shiny and their skin healthy.
We also offer a number of dog supplements for better canine joint help. Many dog parents wonder about the benefits of collagen vs glucosamine. We give them the choice of using either or both to take care of their dog’s hip and joint health.
Our Hip and Joint Support meal topper combines three of the most powerful joint care compounds available – glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin. Together, these help loosen your dog’s creaky joints and give them a more comfortable life.
Our Collagen supplement is Australia’s best source of collagen for dogs. Collagen helps build your dog’s cartilage and connective tissues, so that their joints move smoothly. This eases your dog’s joint pain and improves mobility.
You can rest assured you’re giving your pet only the best across our catalog, as everything is carefully crafted in a fully compliant and licensed “Human-Grade” Australian facility. You can try any of our products risk-free knowing your order is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
So, invest in the good stuff your pet deserves today and give them a healthier, happier quality of life!
Final Words on Salmon Oil vs Fish Oil for Dogs
If you’re worrying about how to help a dog with arthritis at home, Mighty Munch Fish Oil is a great place to start. When combined with our Hip and Joint Support meal topper, it can give your tired old limping dog a new lease on life.
Our fish oil supplement is also great for dogs with dull coats or itching issues. EPA and DHA help reduce itching, skin condition, and allergy symptoms, while ALA can give your dog a thicker, shinier coat.
Your puppy is learning something new every day. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been shown to increase canine cognitive function. Give your growing dog the best head start with Mighty Munch Fish Oil supplement.
