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Discover the ideal Omega-3 (EPA & DHA) dosage to improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and preserve your dog's joints every day.
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Omega-3Joint disorders are common, particularly in aging dogs, large breeds, and those genetically predisposed. Faced with these painful degenerations, the search for natural and well-tolerated solutions has led to evaluating the effects of Omega-3s. But what dosage is actually effective for improving a dog's mobility and joint comfort? Here's what veterinary clinical studies say.
Joint disorders particularly affect older dogs, large breeds, or those with a genetic predisposition. To limit pain and preserve mobility, veterinary research has focused on Omega-3 fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
These two fatty acids, which dogs cannot produce on their own, are found in fatty fish, New Zealand green-lipped mussels or marine microalgae.
EPA is a fatty acid that plays a key role in regulating inflammation. In practice, it acts as a natural brake: it limits the production of substances responsible for pain and inflammation in the joints, known as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
These substances are generally produced from another fatty acid (arachidonic acid), which is highly inflammatory. By taking its place, EPA enables the production of molecules that are much less aggressive to tissues.
It also promotes the production of "resolvins", compounds that help the body naturally switch off inflammatory processes.
DHA acts deeply on the body's cells, particularly those of the brain, the nervous system, and the immune system. It helps keep cell membranes flexible, which allows cells to communicate effectively with one another.
In cases of joint disorders, DHA helps reduce inflammation, but in a more lasting way than EPA. It also helps block the activity of certain enzymes that damage joint tissues, such as cartilage. It thus plays a protective role and preserves joint integrity over the long term.
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Scientific publications do not allow for the definition of a single EPA and DHA dose suitable for all dogs with arthritis. The quantities studied vary according to the animal's health status, diet, the formulation used, and the duration of the protocol.
The studies presented below concern dogs with diagnosed joint disorders, monitored in a veterinary setting over a defined period. They provide an overview of the doses evaluated in a clinical context, but do not constitute a general recommendation applicable to all dogs.
These protocols should be distinguished from a maintenance nutritional intake, intended for daily support. A moderate dose administered over the long term is not equivalent to a higher clinical dose given over a few weeks, as these approaches serve different purposes.
177 dogs with osteoarthritis received food enriched with EPA+DHA for 3 months, at different doses (up to 4 g/1000 kcal). The groups receiving the highest doses showed a significant improvement in lameness, pain on palpation, and mobility. The benefit was dose-dependent.
74 dogs with osteoarthritis received 69 mg/kg/day of EPA+DHA for 12 weeks. Result: a significant reduction in pain and joint stiffness on the visual analogue scale (VAS), and improved functional evaluation by owners.
A synthesis of 23 randomized clinical trials in dogs and cats. Conclusion: EPA and DHA have proven efficacy on pain, locomotion, and quality of life in joint disorders, particularly from 60 to 100 mg/kg/day.
While arthritis remains the most widely documented indication, several clinical trials have also demonstrated the benefits of EPA and DHA in other conditions: skin health (allergic dermatitis), eye health (dry keratoconjunctivitis), coat improvement, cardiovascular disease, and even certain cancers (lymphoma).
The table below summarizes the dosages studied in the scientific literature:
| Condition | Dosage studied | Minimum duration | Observed clinical effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis / Joint disorders | 60-100 mg/kg/day | 6 to 12 weeks | Reduction of pain and stiffness, improved mobility |
| Allergic dermatitis | 50-90 mg/kg/day | 8 to 10 weeks | Decrease in pruritus, erythema, secondary lesions |
| Dry keratoconjunctivitis | EPA:DHA ratio 1.5:1 | 6 months | Improvement of ocular clinical signs |
| Dull coat / Degraded coat | EPA: 16 mg/kg DHA: 10 mg/kg | 3 months | Improvement of the seborrheic index |
| Valvular disease / Chronic heart failure | EPA: 27 mg/kg DHA: 18 mg/kg | 4 to 8 weeks | Improvement of cardiac echocardiographic variables |
Even without apparent joint symptoms, moderate Omega-3 supplementation can help maintain joint flexibility, support the immune system, and preserve skin and coat quality.
In healthy adult dogs, a daily intake of 14 mg of EPA+DHA per kilogram of body weight is recommended.
To facilitate daily dosing, here is a guideline based on the size of the dog:
| Weight range | Average weight | Recommended daily dosage (EPA+DHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 10 kg | 7 kg | 98 mg/day |
| 10 to 20 kg | 15 kg | 210 mg/day |
| 20 to 30 kg | 30 kg | 420 mg/day |
| More than 40 kg | 45 kg | 630 mg/day |
These intakes can be ensured by an enriched diet or by a supplement containing a quality source of Omega-3 (such asgreen-lipped mussel oil or algae oil), well tolerated over the long term. They help maintain inflammation regulation mechanisms and support healthy aging.
Veterinary studies suggest that EPA and DHA are of interest in the nutritional support of a dog's joint function. Their dosage must, however, be interpreted according to the context of use.
Formulated from New Zealand green-lipped mussel oil and marine algae oil, PERNIXOL® provides a concentrated source of EPA and DHA in an easy-to-administer liquid form. It fits into a regular nutritional support routine, without replacing veterinary care.
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Cet article a été rédigé par l'équipe R&D du Laboratoire Sensilia, expert en nutrition animale.