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UPDATED RECOMMENDED THERAPEUTIC DOSES OF EPA + DHA (MARINE FATTY ACIDS)

The table below reflects the most current, research-based therapeutic EPA+DHA dose recommendations for various medical conditions in dogs. The medical condition dosing (mg/lb/day and total daily dose for a 50-lb dog) matches established veterinary guidelines, and the equivalency conversions for whole food marine sources are provided in recommended conversion factors for ounces, teaspoons, and egg yolk counts.

Medical Condition

Dose (mg/lb/day)

Approx EPA + DHA (mg) Daily Dose (50-lb Dog)

Atopy (skin allergies)

27

1350

Kidney Disease

30

1500

Cardiovascular Disorders

25

1250

Osteoarthritis

67

3350

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

27

1350

Idiopathic Hyperlipidemia (high triglycerides)

26

1300

Reference: Donna Radcliff DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), CVA Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)

todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/fish-oil-dosing-in-pet-diets-and-supplements

The table shows that osteoarthritis requires the highest therapeutic dose at 67 mg/lb/day (3350 mg for a 50 lb dog), while cardiovascular disorders require the lowest dose at 25 mg/lb/day (1250 mg for a 50 lb dog). Most other conditions fall in the 26-30 mg/lb/day range.

THERAPEUTIC OMEGA-3 EQUIVALENCY TABLE: FISH & MARINE SOURCES (MOST PRACTICAL OPTIONS)

Raw cod livers are the most practical whole food source, requiring less than half an ounce for most conditions, while Saba mackerel and anchovies provide excellent concentrated options at reasonable serving sizes.

Medical Condition

Daily EPA+DHA (mg) for 50-lb dog

Wild Sockeye Salmon (oz)

Raw Cod Livers (oz)

Saba Mackerel (oz)

Pacific Sardines (oz)

Anchovies (oz)

Wild Salmon Roe (oz)

Atopy (skin allergies)

1350

3.6

0.4

2.1

4.8

2.3

2.1

Kidney Disease

1500

4.0

0.5

2.3

5.4

2.6

2.3

Cardiovascular

1250

3.3

0.4

1.9

4.5

2.2

1.9

Osteoarthritis

3350

8.9

1.1

5.1

12.0

5.7

5.2

IBD

1350

3.6

0.4

2.1

4.8

2.3

2.1

Hyperlipidemia

1300

3.5

0.4

2.0

4.7

2.2

2.0

Key Insights

Most Concentrated & Practical Sources:

  • Raw Cod Livers: Only 0.4-1.1 oz needed - extremely concentrated
  • Saba Mackerel: 1.9-5.1 oz needed - excellent whole food option
  • Anchovies: 2.2-5.7 oz needed - highly concentrated and affordable
  • Wild Salmon Roe: 1.9-5.2 oz needed - premium concentrated source

Moderate Serving Sizes:

  • Wild Sockeye Salmon: 3.3-8.9 oz (reasonable portion for most dogs)
  • Pacific Sardines: 4.5-12.0 oz (about 3-8 whole sardines)

Supplements:

  • Source Algae Omega-3 liquid: 2.5-6.6 ml (most concentrated option)
  • MOXXOR Omega-3 caps: 8.3-22.3 capsules per day

Below please find a calculator to determine your dog's reccomended daily dose according to their medical condition and body weight. 

Few Tips:

  • Feed seafood frozen rather than defrosted. 
  • Do not add omega-3s when meal prepping in advance. Add omega-3s to meals at the time of feeding.  
  • Omega-3s supplements are best fed with food rather than in-between meals.