Is Human Fish Oil Safe for Dogs? Learn the Benefits & Safety of Using Human Fish Oil for Your Dog By Adrienne Kruzer Adrienne Kruzer Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/04/25 Reviewed by Petal Smart Reviewed by Petal Smart Petal Smart is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has been an editor in the veterinary and medical sciences since 2015. She has edited more than 700 assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals, continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Missy Schrott Key Takeaways Fish oil supplements benefit a dog's heart, joints, skin, immune system, and more due to omega-3 fatty acids.Human and dog fish oil supplements are often interchangeable, but you should consult with a veterinarian for proper administration.Fish oil products must be free of harmful flavorings and additives when given to dogs. Is fish oil beneficial for dogs, and can you provide human fish oil to them? With numerous fish oil supplement options available for both humans and pets, it can be confusing to discern the differences. Some fish oils are specifically designed for humans, while others are for dogs; however, they are often used interchangeably. Fish oil can be beneficial to your puppy's heart, joints, skin, and more. However, dog owners need to understand how to make sure the fish oil product they are giving to their dogs is not only safe but beneficial. Can Dogs Eat Pears? What Is Fish Oil? Fish oil is an extract from fish, most commonly salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or herring. Oils from these fish are used to make fish oil for both humans and dogs because they contain beneficial components called omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil for dogs and humans most commonly comes in liquid oil or a soft gel capsule. Fish oil may also be an ingredient in some soft chews, tablets, treats, and even dog food, but the amount in these products is not significant enough to provide a major benefit. Standalone fish oil supplements should be used to provide appropriate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Types of Fish Oil In addition to formulations in a liquid or a soft gel form, some supplements may contain different types of fish oil. Triglyceride, ethyl ester, and free-form fatty acids are the three forms of fish oil that are available for both humans and dogs. Some forms of fish oil are more concentrated than others, which might limit the amount of oil being ingested, while still providing appropriate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. All three forms of fish oil are normally considered safe for both dogs and humans at recommended administration levels. What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? Omega-3 fatty acids are the components of fish oil that make it beneficial to you and your dog. In the body, certain molecules called eicosanoids play an important role in inflammation and perform other beneficial functions. Omega-3 fatty acids help the body make more of these helpful eicosanoids. The most often studied types of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but there are actually 11 common types of omega-3s. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)α-Linolenic acid (ALA)Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA)Hexadecatrienoic acid (HTA)Stearidonic acid (SDA)Eicosatrienoic acid (ETE)Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA)Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)/Clupanodonic acidTetracosapentaenoic acidTetracosahexaenoic acid (Nisinic acid) EPA and DHA are the most commonly noted types of omega-3s in fish oil, but you may also see ALA and ETA on some product labels. The labels will say how many milligrams (mg) of each type of omega-3 are in the fish oil and these amounts are what the administration levels are based on. Benefits of Fish Oil Omega-3s may benefit your dog's heart, joints, skin, immune system, and more. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific amount of EPA, DHA, or other omega-3s depending on your dog's issues. If your dog is itchy, or you are simply looking to support skin and coat health in your dog, ask your veterinarian about the recommended dosage for your pet. Supporting your dog's kidneys, heart, joints, brain, or other body parts may require higher levels of administration of these omega-3s, so it is also best to discuss this with your veterinarian. Administration recommendations for a human versus those for a dog may also be quite different, so you'll want to make sure you are giving appropriate amounts of the beneficial omega-3s to your dog. Fish Oil for Humans vs. Dogs Some fish oil products have flavorings, sweeteners, or other added ingredients that may not be good for your dog. If your fish oil supplement is pure fish oil, it may be safe to also give to your dog, but you should discuss it with your veterinarian first to be sure. Side Effects of Fish Oil At recommended administration levels, fish oil is very safe in dogs. Some diarrhea and vomiting are not uncommon anytime something new is suddenly introduced to a dog's diet, but this typically improves after a few days. Some dogs may experience excessively oily coats, dander, and a fishy odor to the breath and skin, but this will go away in a week or so if the product is stopped. Explore more: Dogs Dog Nutrition & Food What Can Dogs Eat?