Why are liquid fish oil doses for my dog higher than gel caps?

To be honest, I'm not sure why Rx recommend double if the values are very similar. It could be that they are suggesting a higher daily amount for your dog than Nordic naturals. There is a dosage range, which can go from 1,000 mg fish oil containing 300 mg of EPA/DHA combined for 30 pounds of body weight to a dose maximum of 1,000 mg fish oil per 10 pounds of body weight. I hope this makes sense and helps!

One fish oil capsule a day is fine. There is a risk of giving your dog too much fish oil, and there are serious side effects from that including a tendency to bleed more when injured due to the fish oil interfering with platelet function, interfering in wound healing, and an interference in the inflammatory response of the immune system. I would not add any fish based kibble due to these risks.

You are welcome! It is preferable that you give the 1,000mg containing 300mg of EPA and DHA per 30 pounds, but you can give a dose range between 20-55mg combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight. With the Trader Joe's supplement, that's about 29mg per pound of body weight of the combined EPA and DHA so it's within the safe dose range. I'm sorry I wasn't clearer before, and I hope this clears up any confusion :-)

You can give the fish oil pills 3x a week to lessen the amount, but to get the full benefits of it, it should be given daily. Because the amount of those pills is still well within the recommended dose range, it is fine to give them daily.

Since this is considered "off label use", as this is not a product designed specifically for dogs, your veterinarian would be the one to direct your specific dog in terms of using this product since its "off-label." To adhere to my veterinary license, I cannot advise off-label doses for a patient I have not examined and a client that I have not met. However, I will tell you that I would tell my clients that this is generally a safe product to give a 50 pound lab once a day. You may notice some increased gas/flatulence, and a "fishy" odor to his breath. If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea or decreased appetite, get him in to see your vet and discontinue use.

Hello. Fish oil can be very beneficial for many conditions, from brain function, skin health & anti-inflammatory properties. Too much, while not overtly dangerous, can cause soft stools & gas. The ideal dose is based on the EPA level in your product ( the label should indicate EPA & DHA amounts ). In general, the amount given should be about 180 mg EPA per 10 pounds of body weight, so base your dose off of this. Giving more does not provide more benefits. Take care.

I would not recommend this strength for a chihuhua and recommend either a smaller strength capsule such as viacutan or a liquid supplement which you can measure more accurately. Excess of any supplementation is undesirable and he would be effectively receiving 3-4 times the recommended amount