What’s Missing From Most Dogs’ Diets (And Why It Shows in Their Coat)

Reviewed by: Richard Weiss

Published on: April 2, 2026

What’s Missing From Most Dogs’ Diets (And Why It Shows in Their Coat)

This content was created in partnership with Wagwell.

If your dog’s coat has lost its shine, or the skin underneath looks dry and flaky, the answer might be simpler than you think. Before attributing it to the food brand, the season, or just aging, it is worth asking whether your dog is getting enough omega fatty acids. For many dogs, that is exactly what is missing.

Why Omega Fatty Acids Are Essential for Dogs

Omega fatty acids are essential because dogs cannot produce them in sufficient amounts on their own. They need to get them through their diet or a supplement. According to the American Kennel Club, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements are naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidative and are recommended as part of managing skin conditions in dogs.

WagWell’s Ahiflower® Omega Oil is designed to fill that gap. The formula supports skin, coat, heart, and joint health and is made from a plant-based source that delivers the full omega benefit without the smell that most fish oil supplements carry.

What a Lack of Omega Fatty Acids Looks Like in Dogs

When a dog is not getting enough omega fatty acids, it tends to show up in the coat first. Common signs include a dull or dry coat, flaky skin, and more shedding than usual. These are not dramatic symptoms, which is part of why they get overlooked. But they are consistent indicators that something is missing from the diet.

If your dog checks any of those boxes and is eating a standard commercial diet, omega supplementation is a logical place to start.

Why Fish Oil Is Not Always the Right Answer

Fish oil has been the standard recommendation for omega supplementation in dogs for years. It can be effective, but it comes with practical drawbacks that make it difficult to stick with. The smell is strong enough that some dogs refuse their food. It can leave a greasy residue on bowls, counters and hands. And some dog owners are concerned about the sustainability and ethics of harvesting fish for their omega-3 oils and potentially depleting vital species from the ocean’s food chain.

WagWell’s Ahiflower® Omega Oil eliminates all of those friction points. It is plant-based, completely odorless, and delivers clinically proven omega support without the mess or smell of fish oil.

What Makes WagWell Ahiflower Omega Oil Different

WagWell’s Ahiflower® Omega Oil is derived from the Ahiflower plant (Buglossoides arvensis). According to WagWell, it is the only plant-based omega oil that has been clinically proven to be as effective as salmon oil. While there are other plant-based omega sources on the market, they don’t have the complete omega profile that Ahiflower does. So you get all the omega benefits, without the fishy smell, mess, or sourcing concerns of fish-based alternatives.

The formula contains:

  • Ahiflower Oil (1,103 mg): The core ingredient, delivering 585 mg of total omega-3s, 123 mg of omega-6s and 48 mg of omega-9s per serving.
  • Algal DHA: A plant-based source of DHA included to support heart health.
  • D-Biotin (10 mcg): Included to support healthy skin and coat.

It is unflavored and goes on top of food with a pump dispenser. One pump per day for dogs under 60 pounds, two pumps for dogs over 60 pounds. Most dogs do not notice it is there, and the routine adds about five seconds to feeding time.

This might sound too good to be true, but Ahiflower has actually been used in horse supplements for years. WagWell is the first to bring this trusted ingredient into the dog care market.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Omega fatty acids work at the cellular level, so improvements build gradually over time. Most owners start to notice changes in coat quality and skin condition within four to six weeks of daily use. Once the results appear, they tend to hold as long as the supplement continues.

How to Choose the Right Omega Supplement for Your Dog

When evaluating omega supplements for dogs, the key factors are the source of the omega fatty acids, the omega profile, and whether the product delivers a meaningful dose per serving. Plant-based options like Ahiflower avoid the smell and sourcing concerns of fish oil while delivering clinically equivalent results. Look for a product that specifies the total omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 content per serving so you know exactly what your dog is getting.

WagWell’s Ahiflower® Omega Oil lists 585 mg of total omega-3s, 123 mg of omega-6s, and 48 mg of omega-9s per serving, which is specific enough to evaluate and track.

The Bottom Line on Omega Supplements for Dogs

A dull coat, dry skin, and excess shedding are often the first signs that a dog is not getting enough omega fatty acids. WagWell’s Ahiflower® Omega Oil is a plant-based, clinically proven alternative to fish oil that supports skin, coat, heart, and joint health without the smell or mess.

WagWell Ahiflower® Omega Oil

Dog Health

WagWell Ahiflower® Omega Oil

Starting at $31.20

Clinically proven omega oil to support your dog’s skin, coat, heart and joints. Plant-based for no fishy smell (bye fish burps), making it the perfect food topper for even the pickiest pups.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Omega Oil for Dogs

What does omega oil do for dogs?

According to WagWell, omega fatty acids support skin, coat, heart, and joint health in dogs. Because dogs cannot produce these fatty acids in sufficient amounts on their own, they need to get them through diet or supplementation.

How long does it take for omega oil to work in dogs?

Most owners notice changes in coat quality and skin condition within four to six weeks of daily use. Omega fatty acids work at the cellular level, so improvements build gradually over time.

Is plant-based omega oil as effective as fish oil for dogs?

According to WagWell, Ahiflower® Omega Oil is the only plant-based omega oil clinically proven to be as effective as salmon oil. It delivers the same omega benefits without the fishy smell, mess, or concerns around fish sourcing.

What are signs my dog needs an omega supplement?

Common signs include a dull or dry coat, flaky skin, and more shedding than usual. If your dog is eating a standard commercial diet and showing these signs, an omega supplement is worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Can I put omega oil on top of my dog’s food?

Yes. WagWell’s Ahiflower® Omega Oil is designed as a food topper. It is unflavored and applied with a pump dispenser, making it easy to add to your dog’s existing meals without changing the taste.

How much omega oil should I give my dog?

WagWell recommends one pump (1.2 mL) per day for dogs under 60 pounds and two pumps (2.4 mL) per day for dogs over 60 pounds.

Is WagWell Ahiflower® Omega Oil made in the USA?

Yes. All WagWell products are made in the USA in regulated facilities.