Top 5 Benefits of Krill Oil for Dogs
TL;DR: Krill oil is loaded with antioxidant-rich astaxanthin, phospholipids, and omega-3 fatty acids that can support our dogs' sharp brains, mobile joints, shiny coats, and strong hearts for years to come.
We all like to think of our dogs as valuable members of our family, so it makes sense that we’d want to feed them the most nutritious food possible. And one of the healthiest foods we can give them is krill—but we’re guessing your dogs aren’t fishing for these tiny sea creatures in the Antarctic too often.
The next best option is krill oil—an easy-to-use supplement in a chewable form that provides your pups with all the benefits of these shrimp-like animals without any of the fuss. In this article, learn more about krill oil and how it can benefit your dog from the inside out.
The Basics of Krill Oil
Krill oil is a supplement with rapidly growing popularity as an alternative to fish oil.
With its name originating from the Norwegian word for “small fish,” krill oil is actually not made from fish—krill are tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans commonly consumed by whales, penguins, seabirds, fish, and other ocean-dwelling creatures.
Krill oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as the antioxidant astaxanthin and molecules called phospholipids—let’s take a closer look at the benefits of these compounds.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a pigment compound known as a carotenoid, giving animals like krill, salmon, and shrimp their pink or red coloring.
Due to its unique structure, astaxanthin has extremely high antioxidant activity. Unlike other carotenoids, astaxanthin remains both inside and outside of the cell membrane, allowing it to inhibit fat oxidation and scavenge for inflammatory free radicals from all sides. A buildup of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative stress, which damages cells and contributes to aging and bodily decline (1).
Astaxanthin also protects mitochondrial function. With age, the energy-producing mitochondria in our cells—as well our dogs’ cells—decline in quality and function. When insufficient antioxidants are present or mitochondrial function declines—which is seen as our dogs grow older—harmful ROS accumulates, and chronic disease may develop (1).
For these reasons, astaxanthin is thought to support vision, cognition, joint health, and physical abilities (1).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The omega-3 fats EPA and DHA have wide-reaching beneficial effects for dogs of all ages. In puppyhood, omega-3s help brain development and strengthen immunity, while older dogs can benefit from healthier inflammatory responses, more mobile joints, and stronger cardiovascular function.
Omega-3 fatty acids also benefit our dogs by managing normal emotional balance and alertness while reducing hyperactivity—a huge win for those of us with dogs who jump off the walls at all hours (2).
Phospholipids
Most of the omega-3 fats in krill oil are in phospholipid form—especially a vital molecule called phosphatidylcholine. Phospholipids are fat-based compounds that comprise cell membranes, consisting of both a water-loving (hydrophilic) “head” and a water-hating (hydrophobic) “tail.” This unique structure allows for better absorption and is a leading reason why krill oil is more bioavailable to our dogs than fish oil, which has omega-3s bound in triglyceride form (3, 4).
One study examined the differences in absorption between omega-3s in phospholipid and triglyceride forms. In a group of Alaskan huskies, the dogs that received the krill oil (phospholipid form) had significantly greater increases in EPA levels and overall omega-3 index compared to dogs receiving the fish oil in triglyceride form (5).
The Top 5 Benefits of Krill Oil For Dogs
Most of the benefits of krill oil for dogs come from those three superstar compounds, which work synergistically to support brain, heart, joint, and skin health.
To supply your pets with the benefits of phospholipid-based omega-3 fats and astaxanthin, Staay’s Cognition chews are an easy way to supplement your pups with krill oil in a tasty, chewable treat.
Cognitive Function
Krill oil’s high phospholipid and omega-3 content are linked to cognitive and mood support because these molecules can incorporate into neuronal cell membranes.
While we don’t have research looking specifically at krill oil’s effects on canine cognition, studies with humans show some promising benefits. In research with elderly males, those who supplemented with krill oil for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in working memory compared to those taking fish oil (6).
As working memory represents the core basis of cognitive activity, this indicates that krill oil is a strong supporter of brain function with age (6).
2. Healthier Inflammatory Response
The omega-3 fats and antioxidant-rich astaxanthin in krill oil also promote a healthier inflammatory response. As inflammation is at the root of many age-related diseases—in both humans and our pups—lessening this response is an ideal way to support our dogs’ health as they age.
In this case, we do have research looking directly at krill oil and inflammatory responses in dogs. In a study of dogs performing in the Iditarod sled race, the ones who were supplemented with krill oil for five weeks beforehand had a serious leg (er, paw) up on the control dogs. The krill oil pups had markedly higher omega-3 levels, corresponding with lower C-reactive protein levels—a marker of inflammation—and a tendency towards reduced muscle damage after the race (7).
While our dogs are probably not professionally sled racing anytime soon, most still love to run around and play all day, suggesting that krill oil can help dampen an inflammatory response and improve muscle recovery after strenuous activity.
3. Heart Health
Your doctor may have told you to start taking omega-3 fatty acids for heart health—and the same goes for our dogs. The cardiovascular benefits of krill oil stem from a combination of omega-3’s ability to harness a healthier inflammatory response with astaxanthin’s oxidative stress-fighting capacity.
Research has found that omega-3 fats have anti-arrhythmic effects in animals, a common cause of failing heart function with age. Plus, krill oil can support the heart by boosting heart muscle mitochondrial activity and increasing cardiac energy metabolism (8).
4. Healthy Joints and Cartilage
With age, both humans and dogs experience stiffer and less flexible joints with thinner cartilage. Studies show that krill oil may be able to help fight back against these age-related changes.
In research with canine cartilage, cells with the addition of krill oil exhibited suppression of matrix degradation—a composition of cartilage cells, collagen, and elastin fibers—with dampened inflammatory responses. Krill oil also preserved hydroxyproline content, a key component of collagen (9).
As inflammation and oxidative stress are vital aspects of cartilage degradation, krill oil is a top contender for preserving joint function and mobility as our dogs age.
5. Healthy Skin and Shinier Coat
Aging dogs’ coats can start to become dry, thin, dull, and itchy—and krill oil may be able to help. In dogs of all ages, the healthier inflammatory response from omega-3 fats may alleviate itchiness, dander, and dryness from an overreactive immune system.
While krill oil supplementation hasn’t been studied with dogs and their fur, some research has looked at the effects of omega-3 fats. In this study, hound dogs with poor coat quality took EPA/DHA omega-3 capsules or a placebo for 90 days. They found that the omega-3 group had significantly improved haircoat and skin quality after just a month, with increased hair lipid content that indicates a healthier coat (10).
Plus, this research was done using fish oil, so we can only imagine that supplementing with phospholipid-rich and bioavailable krill oil would further increase the dogs’ skin and coat health.
Is Krill Oil Safe For Dogs?
In short, yes, krill oil is safe for dogs. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of krill oil—and its key component, omega-3 fats—in canines without adverse effects.
Compared to fish oil, krill oil may be a safer option. This is because krill is a tiny crustacean lower on the food chain than bigger fish, meaning it’s less likely to accumulate mercury and other heavy metals.
However, as with all supplements, the dosage is key. Excessive omega-3 consumption—in both dogs and humans—is not healthy, as it can lead to altered platelet function, digestive distress, and inhibition of blood clots that increase the risk of bleeding.
And here’s where we’ve got you covered: our Cognition chew is packed with krill oil — the perfect quick, mess-free solution to omega-3 administration for your pup.
Key Takeaways:
Krill oil supplements come from the tiny crustacean krill and are loaded with antioxidant-rich astaxanthin, phospholipids, and omega-3 fatty acids.
This combination of ingredients supports a healthier inflammatory response and has potent antioxidant activity.
Krill oil supports canine health in many ways, including cognitive function, heart health, joint and cartilage function, and skin and coat health.
References:
Nishida Y, Nawaz A, Hecht K, Tobe K. Astaxanthin as a Novel Mitochondrial Regulator: A New Aspect of Carotenoids, beyond Antioxidants. Nutrients. 2021;14(1):107. Published 2021 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/nu14010107
Puurunen, J., Sulkama, S., Tiira, K. et al. A non-targeted metabolite profiling pilot study suggests that tryptophan and lipid metabolisms are linked with ADHD-like behaviours in dogs. Behav Brain Funct 12, 27 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12993-016-0112-1
Ramprasath VR, Eyal I, Zchut S, Shafat I, Jones PJ. Supplementation of krill oil with high phospholipid content increases sum of EPA and DHA in erythrocytes compared with low phospholipid krill oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2015;14:142. Published 2015 Nov 4. doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0142-y
Ulven SM, Holven KB. Comparison of bioavailability of krill oil versus fish oil and health effect. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2015;11:511-524. Published 2015 Aug 28. doi:10.2147/VHRM.S85165
Burri L, Heggen K, Storsve AB. Higher omega-3 index after dietary inclusion of omega-3 phospholipids versus omega-3 triglycerides in Alaskan Huskies. Vet World. 2020;13(6):1167-1173. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2020.1167-1173
Konagai C, Yanagimoto K, Hayamizu K, Han L, Tsuji T, Koga Y. Effects of krill oil containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid form on human brain function: a randomized controlled trial in healthy elderly volunteers. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:1247-1257. doi:10.2147/CIA.S50349
Burri L, Wyse C, Gray SR, Harris WS, Lazzerini K. Effects of dietary supplementation with krill meal on serum pro-inflammatory markers after the Iditarod sled dog race. Res Vet Sci. 2018;121:18-22. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.10.002
Freeman LM. Beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease. J Small Anim Pract. 2010;51(9):462-470. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00968.x
Buddhachat K, Siengdee P, Chomdej S, Soontornvipart K, Nganvongpanit K. Effects of different omega-3 sources, fish oil, krill oil, and green-lipped mussel against cytokine-mediated canine cartilage degradation. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2017;53(5):448-457. doi:10.1007/s11626-016-0125-y
Combarros D, Castilla-Castaño E, Lecru LA, Pressanti C, Amalric N, Cadiergues MC. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of an n-3 essential fatty acids supplement (Agepi® ω3) on clinical signs, and fatty acid concentrations in the erythrocyte membrane, hair shafts and skin surface of dogs with poor quality coats. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2020;159:102140. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102140
