Can salmon oil help with itching in my dog?

It can support the skin barrier when a lack of essential fats plays a role. However, itching has many causes. Try a formula with salmon oil for at least a few weeks and watch coat and scratching. If itching persists, a vet should be involved.

Do I need to add extra salmon oil on top of the kibble?

Usually not. Premium formulas already contain a balanced amount of omega-3 and -6. Extra oil can disrupt fat content and strain digestion. Trust the dose in complete food unless your vet advises otherwise.

Ingredients

Salmon Oil (Omega-3 & 6)

Essential fatty acids that support skin, coat and inflammatory balance. As an adjunct for itching, the effect is limited and dose-dependent.

What is it?

Salmon oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and omega-6 fatty acids. In premium dog and cat food it is added to supply essential fats the body cannot make itself.

Why does it matter?

Skin and coat need essential fatty acids for a healthy barrier and shine. With itching, dry skin or a dull coat, a formula with salmon oil can help get nutrition on track, as part of a total approach, not a miracle cure.

How does it work?

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) supports a healthy inflammatory balance and cell membrane function. Omega-6 supplies linoleic acid for skin barrier and coat structure. Studies in joint and skin complaints point to a favourable omega-6 to omega-3 window; whether a kibble falls inside it differs per recipe and has not been studied separately.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier and coat shine from within
Supports the skin barrier in itching and dry skin, as an adjunct rather than a treatment
Delivers EPA and DHA in complete kibble, no separate supplement needed

Misconceptions

More oil is not automatically better. Too much fat can strain digestion. The evidence in itching is limited: a systematic review of 49 trials found insufficient evidence that fatty acids reduce the itching itself. What is shown is that an EFA supplement could reduce the need for anti-inflammatory drugs. So salmon oil in food does not fix every itch; environmental allergens, fleas or protein sensitivity can also play a role. Always discuss ongoing issues with your vet.

FAQs

Sources

Bauer JE (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011;239(11):1441-51. doi:10.2460/javma.239.11.1441 (PMID: 22087720)
Olivry T, Marsella R, Hillier A (2001). The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (XXIII): are essential fatty acids effective?. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2001;81(3-4):347-62. doi:10.1016/s0165-2427(01)00316-6 (PMID: 11553397)
Olivry T et al. (2010). Interventions for atopic dermatitis in dogs: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Vet Dermatol. 2010;21(1):4-22. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.2009.00784.x (PMID: 20187910)
Vendramini THA et al. (2025). Exploring the efficacy and optimal dosages of omega-3 supplementation for companion animals. Nutr Res Rev. 2025;38(2):859-874. doi:10.1017/S0954422425100115 (PMID: 40495687)