What Omega-3 Dosage for Joint Disorders in Dogs?

Joint disorders are common, particularly in ageing dogs, large breeds and dogs with a genetic predisposition. The need for well-tolerated nutritional support for these painful conditions has prompted research into the effects of Omega-3s. But what dosage has been studied for supporting a dog's mobility and joint comfort? Here is what veterinary clinical studies report.

Why are Omega-3s beneficial for joints?

Joint disorders particularly affect older dogs, large breeds and dogs with a genetic predisposition. To help manage pain and preserve mobility, veterinary research has focused on Omega-3 fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, which are involved in regulating inflammatory processes.

Dogs do not produce sufficient amounts of these two fatty acids themselves. Dietary sources include fatty fish, New Zealand green-lipped mussels or marine microalgae.

The role of EPA

EPA is a fatty acid that plays a key role in regulating inflammation. It can influence the production of inflammatory mediators involved in joint pain and inflammation, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Many of these mediators are produced from another fatty acid, arachidonic acid. EPA competes with arachidonic acid and supports the production of less inflammatory mediators.

It also supports the production of resolvins, compounds involved in the natural resolution of inflammatory processes.

The role of DHA

DHA is incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body, including those of the brain, nervous system and immune system. It helps maintain membrane fluidity, which supports effective communication between cells.

In joint disorders, DHA also contributes to the regulation of inflammation. It may also help regulate the activity of certain enzymes involved in the degradation of joint tissues, including cartilage. It therefore plays a protective role and helps preserve joint integrity over the long term.

What Omega-3 dosage for dogs with arthritis?

Published studies do not establish a single EPA and DHA dose suitable for every dog with arthritis. The quantities studied vary according to the animal's health, diet, the formulation used and the duration of the protocol.

The studies presented below involved dogs with diagnosed joint disorders that were monitored in a veterinary setting for a defined period. They provide an overview of the doses evaluated in clinical contexts, but do not constitute a general recommendation for every dog.

These protocols should be distinguished from maintenance nutritional intake intended for daily support. A moderate dose administered over the long term is not equivalent to a higher clinical dose given for a few weeks, as these approaches serve different purposes.

Study by Fritsch et al. (2010)

In this study, 177 dogs with osteoarthritis received food enriched with EPA and DHA for three months at different doses, up to 4 g/1,000 kcal. The groups receiving the highest doses showed a significant improvement in lameness, pain on palpation, and mobility. The reported benefit increased with the dose studied.

Study by Mehler et al. (2016)

In this study, 74 dogs with osteoarthritis received 69 mg/kg/day of EPA and DHA for 12 weeks. The researchers reported a significant reduction in pain and joint stiffness on the visual analogue scale (VAS), along with improved owner-assessed function.

Systematic review by Magalhães et al. (2021)

This systematic review covered 23 randomised clinical trials in dogs and cats. It reported benefits for pain, locomotion and quality of life in animals with joint disorders, particularly at intakes of 60 to 100 mg/kg/day.

And for other conditions?

Although arthritis is the most widely documented indication, clinical studies have also investigated EPA and DHA in other conditions, including allergic dermatitis, dry keratoconjunctivitis, poor coat quality, cardiovascular disease and lymphoma.

The table below summarizes the dosages studied in the scientific literature:

What Omega-3 dosage for prevention?

Even in the absence of apparent joint symptoms, a moderate Omega-3 intake can help maintain joint flexibility and support the immune system, skin and coat.

In healthy adult dogs, a daily intake of 14 mg of EPA+DHA per kilogram of body weight is recommended.

National Research Council

To illustrate daily intake, the following guideline is based on the dog's size:

These intakes can be provided through an enriched diet or a supplement containing a quality-controlled source of Omega-3s, such as green-lipped mussel oil or algae oil, that is well tolerated over the long term. These sources support normal inflammation-regulation mechanisms and healthy ageing.

Conclusion

Veterinary studies suggest that EPA and DHA may support joint function in dogs. However, the dosage must be interpreted according to the context in which it is used.

Formulated with 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 can form part of a regular nutritional support routine but does not replace veterinary care.

Scientific references

• Magalhães TR, Lourenço AL, Gregório H, Queiroga FL. Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review. In Vivo. 2021 May;35(3):1419–1436. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12394
• Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Dodd CE, Jewell DE, Sixby KA, Leventhal PS, Hahn KA. Dose-Titration Effects of Fish Oil in Osteoarthritic Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2010;24(5):1020–1026. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0572.x
• Mehler SJ, 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 Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2016;109:1–7.
• Adler N, Schoeniger A, Fuhrmann H. Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence inflammatory markers in a cellular model for canine osteoarthritis. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2018;102:e623–e632. doi: 10.1111/jpn.12804
• Hansen RA, Harris MA, Pluhar GE, Motta T, Brevard S, Ogilvie GK, Fettman MJ, Allen KGD. Fish oil decreases matrix metalloproteinases in knee synovia of dogs with inflammatory joint disease. J Nutr Biochem. 2008;19(2):101–108. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2007.01.008
• Bauer JE. The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016;249(11):1267–1272. doi: 10.2460/javma.249.11.1267
• National Research Council (NRC). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2006. pp. 355–373.

This article was written by the R&D team at Laboratoire Sensilia, experts in animal nutrition.