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Claim evidence

Neurologic and retinal development in puppies

Grade AStrong canine evidenceSave claim
Ingredient: DHA · omega

Plain-language summary

Diets enriched with DHA improve trainability and visual acuity in puppies.

About the ingredient

What it is

A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid.

Why it's used

Supports cognitive and neural function.

Also known as: Docosahexaenoic acid

Cited studies (4)

Canine studies
  • Exploring the efficacy and optimal dosages of omega-3 supplementation for companion animals.
    Vendramini THA, Marchi PH, Olivindo RFG, Pedrinelli V, Amaral AR, Miranda MS, Príncipe LA, Cesar CGL, Zafalon RVA, Perini MP, Lima LOC, Balieiro JCC, Brunetto MA · Nutrition research reviews · 2025
    Save studyD
    Study summary
    Very limited quality
    Design score 2/11
    Design
    Journal Article; Review
    Species
    dog
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Not reported
    Funding
    Not reported
    Strengths
    • Conducted in dogs
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • No control group recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for DHA

    DOI: 10.1017/S0954422425100115
  • Sphingolipids and DHA Improve Cognitive Deficits in Aged Beagle Dogs.
    Araujo JA, Segarra S, Mendes J, Paradis A, Brooks M, Thevarkunnel S, Milgram NW · Frontiers in veterinary science · 2022
    Save studyC
    Study summary
    Very limited quality
    Design score 2/11
    Design
    Journal Article
    Species
    dog
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Not reported
    Funding
    Not reported
    Strengths
    • Conducted in dogs
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • No control group recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for DHA

    DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.646451
  • Docosahexaenoic acid–enriched formula and puppy trainability
    Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition · 2012
    Save studyA
    Study summary
    Moderate quality
    Design score 6/11
    Design
    RCT
    Species
    dog
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Controlled comparison group (per recorded study design)
    Funding
    Not reported
    Strengths
    • Randomized trial design
    • Conducted in dogs
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Outcome: Improved trainability and reversal learning

  • Control of adrenal androgen production.
    Odell WD, Parker LN · Endocrine research · 1984
    Save studyD
    Study summary
    Very limited quality
    Design score 2/11
    Design
    Journal Article; Review
    Species
    dog
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Not reported
    Funding
    Not reported
    Strengths
    • Conducted in dogs
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • No control group recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for DHA

    DOI: 10.1080/07435808409036520

Products in our catalog with DHA (3)

Educational information only. Not veterinary advice. Grades reflect published dog research and reviewer consensus, not marketing.