Why Fish Matters in Your Dog’s Raw Bowl (and How to Avoid the Fish Oil Trap)

When it comes to supporting whole-body wellness through diet, fish is one of nature’s most powerful superfoods—and a vital addition to your dog’s raw bowl.

Rich in anti-inflammatory omega‑3s, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), fish fuels your dog’s joints, brain, skin, immune system, and beyond. But not all fish products are created equal—and not all omega-3 sources are safe or effective.

🧪 The Problem with Fish Oil

While fish oil may seem like a quick and easy supplement, it comes with some serious drawbacks. Fish oil is highly prone to oxidation, meaning it can become rancid when exposed to light, air, or heat—leading to increased inflammation rather than reduced.

Relying on oil isolates important fatty acids (EPA & DHA) from their whole food matrix, stripping away the naturally occurring vitamins, enzymes, and moisture that make them so effective and bioavailable in the first place.

🌊 Why Whole Fish Wins

Feeding whole, species-appropriate fish gives your dog these powerful omega-3s in a form their body instinctively knows how to use. Plus, it provides:

• Complete nutrient profiles including protein, minerals, and vitamin D

• Natural moisture content for better digestion and hydration

• A more ancestral approach aligned with your dog’s evolutionary needs

Best Fish Options:

• Tinned sardines (wild-caught, packed in water, no added salt)

• Anchovies

• Herring

• Mackerel

• Whole sardines

• Wild-caught salmon (frozen for 3+ weeks to eliminate parasites)

💡 I source all of Kapo’s fish through @rawfeedingmiami because of their sustainable practices and transparency in sourcing.

🧠 Omega-3 Guidelines for Dogs

Every dog is different, but here are some general guidelines for daily EPA + DHA intake:

Dog Weight EPA + DHA (Daily Range)

10 lbs 150–300 mg

20 lbs 300–600 mg

30 lbs 450–900 mg

50 lbs 750–1500 mg

70 lbs 1050–2100 mg

100+ lbs 1500–3000 mg

⚕️ Therapeutic Doses:

For dogs dealing with arthritis, allergies, cancer, or cognitive decline, your holistic vet may recommend 50–100 mg/kg of body weight, depending on the condition.

✅ Easy Ways to Add Omega-3s to the Bowl

Whether you're new to raw feeding or just want to improve variety, here are simple ways to integrate fish into your dog’s diet:

• Daily: Add ~1–3 oz of tinned fish (based on your dog’s size)

• Weekly: Rotate whole raw fish (anchovy, mackerel, herring, salmon, smelt)

• 3x/week: Add marine superfoods like:

  • Phytoplankton (1/16 tsp per dose)

  • Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM) oil

  • Algal oil (plant-based DHA source)

🚫 Avoid: Fish oil capsules—due to oxidation, poor absorption, and lack of synergistic nutrients.

🐶 What I Feed Kapo

Personally, I love rotating between whole raw sardines, herring, anchovies, salmon, and smelt. They’re easy to source, fit in my freezer, and Kapo loves them.

If I’m in a pinch or traveling, tinned sardines are my go-to: budget-friendly, shelf-stable, and packed with EPA + DHA. I also add phytoplankton 3x a week and a dose of GLM oil to round things out.

There’s always a way to support your dog’s omega-3 needs—no matter your schedule, space, or experience level.

🌿 Final Thoughts

When you choose whole fish and marine superfoods, you’re not just topping off a bowl—you’re giving your dog true anti-inflammatory support, the way nature intended.

It’s more than nutrition. It’s ancestral nourishment, backed by biology and supported by science.