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Claim evidence

Reduces clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs

Grade AStrong canine evidenceSave claim
Ingredient: Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) · omega

Plain-language summary

Multiple randomised controlled trials show improved weight bearing, owner-assessed lameness and ability to rise at ~50–100 mg EPA+DHA / kg / day.

About the ingredient

Cited studies (7)

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 Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)

    DOI: 10.1017/S0954422425100115
  • Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review.
    Magalhães TR, Lourenço AL, Gregório H, Queiroga FL · In vivo (Athens, Greece) · 2021
    Save studyA
    Study summary
    Limited quality
    Design score 5/11
    Design
    Journal Article; Systematic Review
    Species
    dog
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Not reported
    Funding
    Not reported
    Strengths
    • Systematic review of multiple studies
    • Conducted in dogs
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • No control group recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)

    DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12394
  • Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs
    Roush JK, Cross AR, Renberg WC, et al. · Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2010
    Save studyB
    Study summary
    Moderate quality
    Design score 6/11
    Design
    RCT
    Species
    DOG
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Randomized control group · DOUBLE
    Funding
    Not reported
    Dose studied: Omega-3 enriched diet, 90 days
    Strengths
    • Randomized trial design
    • Conducted in dogs
    • DOUBLE
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • No control group recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Relevance to this claim: Clinical improvement in canine osteoarthritis with omega-3 enriched diets.

    DOI: 10.2460/javma.236.1.59
  • Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs
    JAVMA · 2010
    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 ability to rise and play, reduced lameness

  • A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis
    Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. · Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2010
    Save studyB
    Study summary
    Moderate quality
    Design score 6/11
    Design
    RCT
    Species
    DOG
    Sample size
    Not reported
    Duration
    Not reported
    Controls / blinding
    Randomized control group · DOUBLE
    Funding
    Not reported
    Dose studied: Fish oil supplemented diet, 12 weeks
    Strengths
    • Randomized trial design
    • Conducted in dogs
    • DOUBLE
    Limitations
    • Sample size not recorded
    • No control group recorded
    • Study duration not recorded

    Relevance to this claim: Dose-relevant canine EPA/DHA supplementation data.

    DOI: 10.2460/javma.236.5.535
  • Effects of dietary fish oil on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis
    JAVMA · 2010
    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: Increased peak vertical force by force plate

  • Prevention of fatal cardiac arrhythmias by polyunsaturated fatty acids.
    Kang JX, Leaf A · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2000
    Save studyD
    Study summary
    Very limited quality
    Design score 2/11
    Design
    Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; 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 Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)

    DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/71.1.202S

Products in our catalog with Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) (10)

Other graded claims for Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)

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