Fish Oil for Dogs?
We recently got an email that said something like this: “Hi there—I’ve been taking your fish oil for a few months now and I love it. But I was wondering… can I give it to my dog? He’s part of the family, and I want him to get the same benefits, too. Is that safe?” It turns out, we get this question a lot — and it makes total sense! More and more pet parents are curious about fish oil for dogs and whether their furry friends can enjoy the same health benefits.
Honestly? We get this question more often than you’d think—and we love it every time.
Because if you’re searching “fish oil for dogs,” you’re probably not looking for just any dog supplement. You’re looking for something better. Something you’d take yourself. Something your dog deserves.
So—can dogs take human fish oil?
Short answer: yes. Slightly longer answer: yes, but not all kinds of human fish oil are safe—or effective—for dogs.
Here’s what makes dogs different from us (digestively speaking):
While your dog can probably eat something unspeakable off the sidewalk and live to bark about it, that doesn’t mean their digestive system is stronger. It’s just… different.
They have shorter digestive tracts.
They produce different enzymes.
And their bodies aren’t great at handling certain fats, like ethyl esters (EE).
That means some fish oil for dogs (even ones made for humans) can cause upset stomach, loose stools, or simply pass through without doing much good.
Which kind of fish oil is best for dogs?
The kind that’s easy to absorb and gentle on their system.
That’s why rTG fish oil (re-esterified triglyceride) stands out. It’s a purified, bioavailable form that’s closer to what’s found in real fish—but even more concentrated. It absorbs better, works faster, and causes fewer issues.
And yes—it’s what we use in Phatma® 1440rTG High Purity Fish Oil.
What about purity?
Still a big deal. Maybe even more important for dogs.
Because dogs are often smaller than humans, any contaminants—like mercury, PCBs, or oxidized oil—can do more damage, more quickly. So if you’re going to give fish oil to your dog, it needs to be as clean and stable as the oil you’d give your child. Or yourself.
Phatma® 1440rTG High Purity Fish Oil was designed for humans. But it’s been used safely and effectively by many customers who wanted only the best for their pets.
So should you give it to your dog?
If your dog is just a dog, maybe not.
But if your dog is your hiking buddy, your foot-warmer, your stress therapist, your shadow, your best friend…
Then yes. Give them the good stuff. The fish oil you trust for yourself. Even if it’s a little expensive. You know they’re worth it.
How much should you give?
That depends on size. But here’s a general idea:
- Small dogs (under 10kg): around one-third of a capsule per day—save the rest for yourself
- Medium dogs (10–25kg): half a capsule
- Large dogs (25 kg+): one full capsule per day is usually perfect
Start small, watch how they do, and adjust as needed.
So, yes, dogs can take human fish oil—as long as it’s clean, easy to absorb, and made with care. Not all fish oils are created equal. But Phatma® is different.
And if you’re searching for “fish oil for dogs,” this might be the one your dog—and your conscience—can agree on.
However, we’re still wondering why no one ever asks if cats can take fish oil…
