Salmon Oil for Dogs: Why Open Water Sourcing Matters (and How to Store It)

Salmon oil is one of the most popular additions to a dog’s food bowl, and it’s a staple in our own range. It’s a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids — particularly EPA and DHA — which dogs can’t make in meaningful amounts themselves, so they come from the diet. But not all salmon oil is created equal: where it comes from and how it’s stored make a real difference to quality and freshness.

What’s Actually in Salmon Oil?

Good salmon oil is simply that — oil pressed from salmon, with nothing added. Its natural nutritional profile includes:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) — the long-chain omega-3s salmon is known for.
• Omega-6 fatty acids — present in smaller amounts; the balance between the two varies with how the fish lived and what it ate.

It’s an easy way to add natural omega-3s to your dog’s bowl as part of a balanced diet — most dogs also love the taste. Always follow the feeding guide on the label for your dog’s size.

Farmed vs Open Water Salmon — What’s the Difference?

Where the salmon is sourced directly shapes the oil:

• Farmed salmon is raised in pens on a formulated feed, so the fatty-acid profile of the oil reflects that manufactured diet.
• Open water (wild) salmon lives on a natural marine diet, which typically results in a higher proportion of omega-3s in the oil — and, when fished responsibly, is the more sustainable choice.

At Hairy Dogs, we only use open water salmon oil — clean, simple, and responsibly sourced.

How to Store Salmon Oil

To keep it fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Keep it cool – Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, we recommend refrigerating the oil.
• Use within the suggested timeframe – Typically within 90 days of opening, but always check the label.
• Shake well before use – Natural oils can separate, so give it a good shake before adding it to your dog’s food.

Has It Gone Off? How to Tell

Like all natural products, salmon oil can spoil. Here’s how to know if it’s past its best:

• Smell – A strong, sour, or rancid odour is a clear sign it’s no longer good.
• Texture or colour change – If the oil has thickened or darkened unusually, it’s best to replace it.
• Your dog avoids it – Dogs have a keen sense of smell. If they suddenly reject it, the oil may have turned.

Final Thoughts

If you’re adding salmon oil to your dog’s bowl, choose a high-quality, open water sourced option and store it properly — freshness is everything with natural oils.

Our own Hairy Dogs Scottish Salmon Oil is open water sourced and loved by dogs and their humans alike.