3 Surprising Facts About Omega-3 in Dog Nutrition

Omega-3 is often praised as a must-have nutrient in your dog’s diet — but most pet parents don’t realize that not all Omega-3s are created equal, and not every source delivers the same benefits. At Petritive, we believe in going beyond the label to give your furry friend truly effective nutrition.

Here are three lesser-known facts about Omega-3 that every dog owner should know:

1. Your Dog Can’t Get Enough Omega-3 from Plants

Seeds like flax and chia are rich in ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), a form of Omega-3. But here’s the catch — dogs can’t efficiently convert ALA into the active forms of Omega-3 their body actually needs: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).

In fact, dogs convert less than 10% of ALA into usable Omega-3. That means even large amounts of flax oil won’t deliver the same health benefits as small amounts of fish or animal-based sources.

That’s why at Petritive, we focus on bioavailable sources of Omega-3 — like dehydrated sardines and duck, which naturally contain EPA and DHA to support your dog’s heart, joints, and skin.

2. Not All Fish Oils Are Safe

Fish oil is a popular supplement, but few pet parents realize how unstable it can be. Once exposed to air, heat, or light, fish oil oxidizes quickly, turning into harmful compounds called free radicals. These can actually damage cells and lead to inflammation or long-term health problems.

Even worse, the source of many fish oils is unknown or untraceable, making quality control nearly impossible.

At Petritive, we skip the synthetic oils and focus on whole food nutrition — offering pet-safe, natural options that are air-dried to lock in Omega-3 without the risk of spoilage.

3. Kibble Diets Throw Off Omega Balance

Commercial pet food is often high in Omega-6 fatty acids due to grain-fed meat, vegetable oils, and fillers. While Omega-6 is necessary in small amounts, too much can cause inflammation, skin allergies, and immune stress — especially if it’s not balanced with Omega-3.

Omega-3 helps counteract the effects of excess Omega-6, keeping your dog’s system in balance. Unfortunately, most processed foods don’t include enough of it.

By adding natural Omega-3 sources — like fish-based treats, emu meat, or duck — you’re helping restore balance and supporting your dog’s long-term health from the inside out.

Boost Omega-3 the Natural Way

Omega-3 isn’t just another nutrient — it’s a powerful tool for better health, coat shine, brain function, and joint support. But only when it comes from trusted, whole food sources.

At Petritive, we make it easy to give your dog the Omega-3 boost they deserve, with clean, single-ingredient treats and meals that deliver real results.

Explore our Omega-3-rich range and make nutrition simple, safe, and delicious for your pet.