Omega-3s are now well known to dog owners. They are talked about for the skin, the coat, the joints and the brain. We know they play an important role in the body and that they can be worth including in the diet of some dogs. But when you look for an omega-3 supplement, one question comes up quickly: which source should you choose?
Salmon oil, fish oil, krill oil… All provide fatty acids from the omega-3 family, but their composition is not exactly the same. And that difference matters. Once swallowed, a nutrient still has to be digested, absorbed and then used by the body. The form in which it is supplied can therefore be important.
That is precisely what makes krill oil particularly interesting. It naturally provides EPA and DHA, two omega-3s essential to the working of many cells, but also phospholipids and astaxanthin. This particular combination makes krill oil the best source of omega-3 for your dog when you are looking at once for good bioavailability, natural protection against oxidation and a complete composition.
In short: why favour krill oil?
Krill oil differs from traditional fish oils in the form in which its omega-3s are naturally present. A large part of its EPA and DHA is bound to phospholipids, molecules found naturally in the membranes of our cells. This feature supports their absorption and their use by the body.
Krill also naturally contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect lipids against oxidation. The result is an oil combining EPA, DHA, phospholipids and astaxanthin in a single product. It is this combination that explains why krill oil stands out as a particularly complete source of omega-3 for dogs.
What exactly are omega-3s?
The term “omega-3” refers to a family of fatty acids — that is, fats the body needs in order to work properly. But not all omega-3s play exactly the same role.
When it comes to supplementation in dogs, two of them are particularly important: EPA and DHA. These two long-chain fatty acids take part in the working of cell membranes and are studied for their role in various mechanisms in the body.
DHA in particular is very present in certain tissues such as the brain and the retina, while EPA is involved in various pathways related to the inflammatory response. That is why omega-3s are particularly studied in relation to skin health, joint comfort and brain function.
But it is not enough to check whether a product contains omega-3s. You also have to ask how they are presented and to what extent the body can genuinely use them.
Bioavailability: why does the form of omega-3 matter?
The word “bioavailability” may sound very scientific, but the idea is simple enough. Imagine giving your dog a box full of nutrients. The mere fact that he eats the box does not mean he will be able to use everything it contains. His body still has to be able to take up and use those nutrients.
That is exactly what we are trying to understand when we talk about bioavailability: what proportion of a nutrient can be absorbed and then used by the body?
Krill oil has an interesting characteristic here. A large part of its omega-3s is naturally bound to phospholipids. These molecules are already present in the body and make up an important part of the membranes surrounding cells.
This link between omega-3s and phospholipids is one of the major features of krill oil. It allows EPA and DHA to be supplied in a form particularly suited to their absorption and use by the body.*
It is therefore an important difference compared with a classic fish oil: it is not only about the quantity of omega-3 supplied, but also about how it is carried and used by the body.
Astaxanthin: an antioxidant naturally present in krill
Krill has a second feature that deserves our full attention: it naturally contains astaxanthin.
Behind that slightly complicated name lies a carotenoid — a natural pigment. It is what helps give krill its characteristic red-orange colour. But astaxanthin does not only colour the little crustacean.
It also has antioxidant properties. To understand what that means, you should know that certain molecules are particularly sensitive to oxidation when exposed to oxygen. Omega-3s are among these fragile molecules.
An oil rich in omega-3 must therefore be properly protected to keep its qualities. The astaxanthin naturally present in krill contributes precisely to that protection against oxidation.
It is rather as if krill had planned extra protection for the precious omega-3s it contains. This natural pairing of omega-3 and antioxidant is one of the great strengths of krill oil.
Krill oil or fish oil: which should you choose?
Fish oil has long been used as a source of omega-3 and remains a worthwhile source of EPA and DHA. The point is not to say that fish oil is useless. The difference lies rather in the overall composition of the product.
In traditional fish oils, the omega-3s are mainly bound to triglycerides or, depending on the manufacturing process, to other lipid forms. Krill oil, for its part, has a significant proportion of omega-3s bound to phospholipids.
It also naturally supplies astaxanthin, which classic fish oils do not.
The comparison is therefore not only about the quantity of EPA and DHA. Krill oil brings several characteristics together in a single source: omega-3s, phospholipids and a natural antioxidant. It is this combination that sets it apart and makes it the best source of omega-3 for your dog.
Why are omega-3s of interest for the skin and coat?
The skin is the dog's largest organ and plays an essential protective role. It forms a barrier between his body and the outside world. The coat, for its part, also takes part in that protection and often reflects the animal's general state.
Omega-3s take part in the normal working of skin cells. They are studied in particular for their role in inflammatory mechanisms and can be of interest in a nutritional approach intended to support skin health.
That is one reason why omega-3s are often included in the diet of dogs whose skin and coat quality one wishes to support. A suitable intake can help maintain healthy skin and a good-quality coat. For dogs with more specific needs regarding skin, coat or paw pads, this approach can also be completed with a targeted course such as “Coat and Pads” from ELEMENT VET.
This does not mean, however, that a krill oil can on its own resolve a skin problem. A dog who scratches a lot, who has redness, lesions or hair loss may be suffering from an allergy, an infection, parasites or another problem requiring veterinary care.
The joints can also benefit from omega-3s
With the years, some dogs become less active or show signs of stiffness. Climbing stairs becomes harder, walks are sometimes shorter, and getting up after a rest can take more effort.
Omega-3s, and EPA in particular, are studied for their role in the mechanisms involved in the body's inflammatory response.** They can therefore have a place in a nutritional approach intended to support joint comfort.
The effects of EPA and DHA on joint comfort have also been the subject of scientific studies in dogs.** They are therefore of particular interest in supporting senior dogs, but also sporting or very active dogs whose joints are regularly under demand.
This question concerns older dogsin particular, but not only them. Weight, physical activity, build and the dog's history can also influence his needs.
Here again, it is important to distinguish nutritional support from treatment. Omega-3s can support a whole-picture approach, but they do not replace a veterinary diagnosis when a dog shows persistent pain or discomfort. Combined with the Reinforced Articulation course from ELEMENT VET for seniors, dogs keep their mobility and joint comfort.
DHA, an omega-3 important for the brain and vision
DHA has a particular feature: it is naturally present in significant quantity in the brain and in the retina.
That means it takes part in the structure of the cell membranes of these tissues. Its role explains why it is particularly studied at the various stages of a dog's life, from growth to ageing.
In the puppy, a complete and balanced diet provides the nutrients needed for development. In the adult and senior dog, needs change and particular attention can be paid to the quality of the diet.
DHA should obviously not be presented as a miracle solution for preserving brain function. It is simply an important nutrient that the body needs and that can have its place in a suitable diet.
Omega-3s also take part in cardiovascular health
EPA and DHA are also studied for their interest in cardiovascular function.*** That is another reason why marine omega-3s can find their place in a whole-picture nutritional approach aimed at supporting the dog throughout his life.
Krill oil thus supplies, within a single source, omega-3s of interest to several major functions of the body: the joints, the skin and coat, the brain and cardiovascular function.
A good omega-3 oil must also be of good quality
Choosing a source of omega-3 is not only about looking for the word “krill” on a label. Product quality depends on many things: the origin of the raw material, its freshness, the processes used to obtain the oil, its concentration in EPA and DHA, and also its packaging and storage.
That last step is particularly important for omega-3s, because they are fragile fatty acids that can oxidise on contact with air.
A quality oil must therefore benefit from suitable manufacturing and storage conditions in order to preserve its properties until it is used.
That is also why it is worth knowing the origin of the raw material and the guarantees given by the manufacturer.
Can krill be a more responsible source?
Choosing a krill oil also raises an important question: how is this resource harvested?
Antarctic krill plays an essential role in the marine ecosystem. It is a food source for many species. Its fishing must therefore be regulated in order to preserve populations and the balance of that environment.
At ELEMENT VET, sustainability is one of the criteria taken into account in choosing this raw material. The krill oil used benefits fromEco-Harvesting technology, designed to allow a more selective harvest that respects the resource.
ELEMENT VET krill oil is also MSC certified. This certification provides guarantees regarding the sustainable management of the fishery and the traceability of the resource.
Caring for your dog can therefore also mean choosing a raw material whose origin and harvesting conditions receive particular attention.
Why choose ELEMENT VET krill oil?
At ELEMENT VET, the choice of krill rests on this unique composition. The oil naturally supplies EPA and DHA bound to phospholipids, while benefiting from the natural presence of astaxanthin.
This combination allows us to offer your dog a particularly complete source of omega-3, with fatty acids supplied in a form that supports their bioavailability and naturally accompanied by an antioxidant.
The aim is not simply to give “omega-3s” to your dog. It is to choose a quality source, properly formulated and suited to his needs, so that it can easily be built into his daily life.
Discover ELEMENT VET omega-3 krill oil
How do you know whether your dog needs omega-3?
Not every dog necessarily needs supplementation. A complete and balanced food already provides the nutrients needed day to day. The question of a supplement can arise in certain particular situations, or when you wish to support an identified need.
The dog's age, his diet, his activity, his general condition and any health problems are all factors to take into account. A puppy, a sporting adult dog and a senior dog obviously do not have the same needs.
Before starting supplementation, it is therefore best to ask your vet's advice, particularly if your dog is already on medication or has a health problem.
Frequently asked questions about krill oil for dogs
What is the best source of omega-3 for a dog?
Krill oil is considered the best source of omega-3 for dogs when you are looking for a combination of EPA, DHA, phospholipids and astaxanthin. Its particular composition supplies omega-3s in a form that is especially interesting for their absorption and use by the body.
What is the difference between krill oil and salmon oil?
Salmon oil also supplies omega-3s, notably EPA and DHA. The difference lies mainly in the form in which these fatty acids are present. Krill oil stands out through a significant association with phospholipids and through the natural presence of astaxanthin.
Why is astaxanthin of interest?
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant naturally present in krill. It helps protect lipids against oxidation. Its natural presence alongside the omega-3s is one of the particular features of krill oil.
Are omega-3s good for a dog's coat?
Omega-3s take part in the normal working of the skin and can help maintain healthy skin and coat as part of a balanced diet. On the other hand, persistent itching or skin problems call for the cause to be investigated with a vet.
Can omega-3s help the joints?
EPA in particular is studied for its role in mechanisms linked to inflammation. Omega-3s can therefore have a place in a nutritional approach intended to support joint comfort. They do not, however, replace veterinary care when a joint disease has been diagnosed.
Can you give krill oil to a senior dog?
Krill oil can have its place in the diet of an older dog, notably because it supplies EPA and DHA. However, a senior dog's needs depend on his state of health, his diet and his way of life. It is therefore best to ask your vet's advice before any supplementation.
Krill oil: a new generation of omega-3 for your dog
When choosing an omega-3 supplement, it is easy to focus only on the figure shown on the label. Yet the quality of an omega-3 does not depend only on the quantity consumed. The form in which it is supplied, its protection against oxidation, its manufacturing quality and its origin matter just as much.
That is precisely what sets krill oil apart. It naturally combines EPA and DHA, phospholipids and astaxanthin. This combination allows it to offer a particularly complete source of omega-3, with good bioavailability and natural antioxidant protection.
For your dog, these omega-3s can support different aspects of his health, notably the skin and coat, joint comfort and brain function. They belong within a whole-picture approach that rests above all on a balanced diet, suitable activity and regular check-ups.
It is this unique combination that makes krill oil the best source of omega-3 for your dog.
This information is general and does not replace personalised veterinary advice. In case of a health problem, or before starting supplementation, ask your vet's advice.
Scientific references
* Köhler A., Sarkkinen E., Tapola N., Niskanen T., Bruheim I. Bioavailability of fatty acids from krill oil, krill meal and fish oil in healthy subjects — a randomized, single-dose, cross-over trial. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2015;14:19. DOI: 10.1186/s12944-015-0015-4.
** Mehler S.J. et al. A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the clinical signs and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in dogs with osteoarthritis. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2016;109:1-7. DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2016.03.015.
** Roush J.K. et al. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2010;236(1):59-66. DOI: 10.2460/javma.236.1.59.
*** Berge K., Musa-Veloso K., Harwood M., Hoem N., Burri L. Krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels. Nutrition Research. 2014;34(2):126-133. DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.12.003.
