Is fish oil bad for dogs?

Fish oil isn't bad for dogs. In sensible amounts it's one of the better sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which many owners use to support skin, coat and joints. The trouble usually isn't the oil itself, it's how it's used. Too much can loosen stools or upset a sensitive tummy, and because it's pure fat it adds calories, which matters if your dog's watching their waistline.

The bigger thing people miss is that fish oil goes off. Once a bottle's open, those fragile omega-3s start to oxidise, and rancid oil does your dog no favours. Keep it in the fridge, follow the dose on the label, and don't pour on a "more is better" splash. Cod liver oil is a different beast again, since it's high in vitamins A and D, so that one's easy to overdo.

If you'd rather not manage a bottle of oil at all, whole-food sources are worth a look. Green-lipped mussel, a New Zealand shellfish we include in Happy Hour, carries omega-3s in their natural form along with other compounds, so you get some of the same building blocks without the fishy oil slick on the bench. Either way, if your dog's on medication or has a health condition, have a quick word with your vet before adding any supplement.