Some dogs will eat just about anything… and then there are the fussy ones. You add something new to their bowl—like salmon oil for dogs—and they look at you like you’ve just ruined dinner. But when you know the benefits salmon oil can contribute to, like supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, or general well-being, it’s worth finding clever ways to help them enjoy it.
If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, don’t stress. Here are some simple, dog-approved tricks to help you add salmon oil for dogs to their meals—without the standoff at the food bowl.
But, Why Even Bother With Salmon Oil?
Before we get into the tricks, let’s talk about why salmon oil for dogs is worth your time.
Salmon oil is packed with omega 3 for dogs—specifically EPA and DHA. These can contribute to support for:
- Shiny coats and healthy skin
- Joint function and mobility in older dogs
- Heart and brain function
- General immune health
These benefits aren’t just made up—many vets recommend adding the best fish oil for dogs to your dog’s diet, especially when they’re lacking it in dry kibble.
But yeah… none of that matters if your dog won’t go near the stuff.
How to Give Salmon Oil to Picky Eaters?
1. Mix It With Something They Already Love
One of the easiest ways to get a picky eater on board is to pair salmon oil for dogs with something they’re already mad for.
Try mixing the oil into:
- A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt
- Some mashed pumpkin or sweet potato
- A bit of natural peanut butter (no xylitol – very important)
- Canned tuna or sardines in springwater
These foods can help mask the scent and taste of the oil while still being dog-safe and tasty. You only need a small amount—just enough to mix with the best fish oil for dogs and get their nose twitching.
2. Use It As A Food Topper – Then Let It Soak In
If your dog turns their nose up at anything new on top of their kibble, try adding the oil a little earlier.
Drizzle omega 3 for dogs over their dry food about 10–15 minutes before mealtime. This gives the kibble time to soak it in, so it’s not just sitting on top like something foreign.
You can even shake the kibble up in a container or bag with the oil so everything is lightly coated. That way, there’s no one spot to sniff and reject.
3. Freeze It Into Dog Treats
This one’s fun and handy. Turn the best immune booster for dogs into something they see as a treat, not medicine.
Here’s a simple way to do it:
DIY Salmon Oil Freezies
You’ll need:
- An ice cube tray or silicone mold
- Plain dog-safe base (bone broth, mashed banana, or unsweetened yogurt)
- The right serving size of salmon oil for dogs
How to:
- Mix your base and salmon oil together
- Pour into molds
- Freeze overnight
- Give one cube per day (based on dosage instructions)
Dogs love the cold, and the flavour isn’t as strong when frozen. It’s a sneaky but smart option for summer, too.
4. Turn It Into A Lick Mat Game
Lick mats are great for enrichment and slowing down fast eaters, but they’re also useful for getting picky dogs used to new flavours.
Spread a mix of something sticky like pumpkin or yogurt across a lick mat, then drizzle a small amount of the best fish oil for dogs on top. Press it in lightly so it doesn’t slide off.
Because licking is a calming behavior, this method can help your dog relax around the new taste. You might need to try a few different combos until they find their groove, but once they’re into it, it becomes part of a fun routine.
5. Add It To Wet Food Or Raw Meals
If your dog eats wet food or a raw diet, you’re in luck. These types of meals have stronger smells and softer textures that can help blend senior dog food supplements right in.
Just mix the oil thoroughly into the food before serving. You can even warm the food slightly (not too hot!) to help spread the oil more evenly.
For raw feeders, omega 3 for dogs is a great way to round out the omega-3 side of things, especially if the current mix is heavy in chicken or beef, which are higher in omega-6s.
6. Start With A Smaller Dose
Some dogs are wary of strong smells or sudden changes. If your dog’s turning away at full dosage, don’t force it—start small and build up.
Use just a couple of drops in their food at first. Once they’re eating it without fuss, slowly increase the amount each day until you reach the full serving size of the best immune booster for dogs.
This helps them get used to the scent and taste gradually. It’s a bit like dipping your toe in before the full dive.
7. Try Hand Feeding Or Finger Licking
This works best with dogs who trust you a lot (which is most, let’s be honest). Put a small bit of senior dog food supplements on your finger or mix it into something they can lick off your hand.
Why it works:
- Dogs feel safer trying new things when they’re interacting directly with you
- You control how much they’re taking in
- It builds a positive association with the oil
Over time, you can switch back to mixing it with meals once they’ve built trust around the taste.
8. Reward After Tasting
If your dog finally gives the best fish oil for dogs a go, reward the behavior.
That could be:
- Praise and pats
- A favorite toy
- A small treat
This is basic positive reinforcement, and it’s super effective. When they realise “taste this = good things happen,” they’re much more likely to try it again next time.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
- Stick to the recommended dose. Too much oil can cause an upset stomach. Always follow the label or check with your vet.
- Store it properly. The best immune booster for dogs should be kept in a cool, dark place, or in the fridge once opened. Heat and light can affect the quality.
- Go for quality. Not all oils are the same. Look for products that are vet-formulated, made with clean ingredients, and tested for heavy metals and toxins.
You also want a brand that’s honest about what goes into senior dog food supplements—no mystery fillers, no cheap additives. Just clean, fish-sourced omega-3s.
One Step Closer to Happier Mealtimes!
At the end of the day, some dogs just need a little creativity to get used to something new. Salmon oil for dogs can contribute to help with so many parts of your dog’s well-being, and with a few small tricks, even the fussiest eaters can come around.
Test one method at a time, stay patient, and pay attention to what works. Before long, omega 3 for dogs might just become part of their daily routine—no drama, no fuss.