The hard evidence behind fish oil for dogs - Pet Joint Protection

The hard evidence behind fish oil for dogs

Fish oil for dogs has grabbed the headlines in recent years as evidence of the benefits of omega-3 has gathered. As in humans, there are studies that suggest omega-3 for dogs can have a positive impact on joint health and other diseases. While further research is, as always, needed, there is enough to suggest fish oil is worth your attention when planning how to manage your dog’s arthritis.

In 2010 the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published a series of papers that added to weight of evidence supporting use of fish oils in dogs. Each took a slightly different approach to fish oil for dogs but reached similar conclusions – there is evidence to suggest it helps treat arthritis.

CC image courtesy of jcoterhals on Flickr

The first paper gave food containing 3.5% fish oil omega-3 fatty acids to 22 dogs with osteoarthritis, and normal food to another 16 arthritic dogs. After 90 days the dogs who received food supplemented with fish oil fatty acids performed better on peak vertical force tests, which are used to assess joint health. Investigators also reported the fish oil group showed improvements in lameness and weight baring. The paper concludes that fish oil helps dogs with osteoarthritis, at least in the short term.

Shortly after the supplemented food paper, the journal published research into using fish oil omega-3 fatty acids in conjunction with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) carprofen (sold by Pfizer as Rimadyl). The findings were welcome news for pet owners who want to limit their dogs’ consumption of NSAIDs. After three weeks being treated with carprofen 131 dogs were split into two groups. The first received dog food supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, the second received normal food.

Over 12 weeks investigators were able to reduce the dosage of carprofen significantly faster in the group receiving food with fish oil. The finding led the investigators to conclude that “feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may allow for a reduction in carprofen dosage.”

Several months after those papers the journal published a third piece of research into the use of fish oil for dogs. The research again looked at omega-3 for dogs in food, and again found signs it helped. On this occasion data came from pet owners who completed surveys about the health of their dog after 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Dogs who received fish oil supplemented food showed improved ability to stand up, play and walk.

While these three papers – and other’s such as this research from 2011 – paint fish oil for dogs in a positive light, it must be noted they all received support from dog food maker Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Corporate support is often found in science but is sometimes accused of causing bias. Nonetheless, the research paper’s still suggest fish oil for dogs is worth considering as an arthritis treatment.