Omega-3 and the Canine Brain: What the Evidence Actually Says
Dognition July 18, 2024
Most adult dogs synthesise enough alpha-linolenic acid for survival but not enough for optimal neural function. That is the gap omega-3 supplementation aims to close. The two molecules that matter are DHA and EPA, and the dose-response evidence is now solid enough to talk about.
What the studies show
- Puppies: DHA supplementation during the first six months is associated with measurable improvements in trainability scores and visual acuity.
- Adults: EPA appears to reduce joint inflammation markers at clinically relevant doses.
- Seniors: Combined DHA/EPA supplementation has been linked to slower decline on simple cognitive tasks in dogs over ten years old.
Practical notes
Fish oil is the most bioavailable source. Look for products that publish their DHA and EPA content per pump, not just "omega-3 milligrams." And as always: talk to your vet before adding anything to a senior dog's regimen, especially if they're on anticoagulants.
