7 Best Cod Liver Oil Capsules for Dogs 2026

This budget-friendly powerhouse delivers a clinically relevant 1,000 mg dose of cod liver oil per softgel, packed with naturally occurring vitamins A and D-3, plus a solid EPA and DHA profile—perfect for pet owners seeking foundational omega-3 support without overspending. What sets it apart is NOW Foods’ GMP-certified manufacturing, ensuring each batch is tested for potency and purity, which addresses common concerns about contaminants in fish-based supplements. For dogs needing daily cardiovascular and immune support, this supplement offers a no-frills, highly reliable backbone to their wellness routine.

In real-world use, the softgels hold up well under storage and maintain freshness over time, thanks to rigorous quality controls and nitrogen flushing during packaging. While it doesn’t feature advanced purification like molecular distillation, third-party testing confirms low levels of heavy metals and oxidation, making it safe for long-term use. It performs especially well for medium to large breeds that can easily swallow standard-sized softgels, though smaller dogs may require cutting or puncturing the capsule—a mild inconvenience. The oil has a clean, fishy but not rancid taste, and most dogs accept it when mixed with food.

Compared to premium options like Rosita, this model trades artisanal sourcing and raw nutrient preservation for accessible, consistent quality—a smart compromise for cost-conscious pet parents who still demand safety and efficacy. It’s not the most potent or sustainably narrated option on the market, but for those prioritizing value and transparency, it outperforms many pricier alternatives. While it lacks the ultra-purified edge of Icelandic-sourced oils, its combination of strength, certification, and affordability makes it a standout in the budget tier.

For pet owners navigating the tablet vs. softgel dilemma, Super Solvitax stands out as a rare true tablet formulation of cod liver oil—ideal for dogs that thrive on dry, crushable supplements or need precise dosing adjustments. The inclusion of vitamins A, D, and E supports immune resilience and skin integrity, making it a holistic choice for older dogs or breeds prone to deficiencies. Though less common in modern formulations, the compressed tablet format offers exceptional stability, resisting oxidation better than liquid-filled capsules, which is a game-changer for households in warmer climates or with inconsistent storage.

During testing, the tablets held their integrity over months without cracking or developing off-odors, a testament to their robust formulation. However, the hard shell doesn’t break down as quickly as softgels, potentially delaying absorption—especially in dogs with slower digestion. When crushed, the powder has a strong fishy odor that some picky eaters reject unless well-masked in food. It delivers baseline omega-3s but lacks specific EPA/DHA quantification on the label, making it harder to dose accurately for therapeutic use—a notable gap for owners managing joint or inflammatory conditions.

Compared to softgel competitors like NOW Foods or Carlyle, Super Solvitax sacrifices speed of nutrient release and transparency in fatty acid content for shelf stability and physical durability. It’s not ideal for dogs needing rapid absorption or high-dose omega-3 therapy, but shines for low-maintenance, long-term maintenance in healthy pets. While it can’t match the potency or traceability of molecularly distilled oils, its simplicity and resilience offer a niche advantage—especially for travel or outdoor use where temperature control is limited.

Sourced from the pristine Arctic waters off Iceland, this cod liver oil earns its title with molecular distillation and third-party testing, delivering a level of purity that’s critical for sensitive dogs or those on long-term supplementation. Each 1,000 mg softgel floods the system with EPA and DHA-rich omega-3s and fat-soluble vitamins A and D3, supporting everything from joint mobility to immune resilience—making it a full-body wellness engine. The lemon-flavored, mini softgels are a standout: easier to swallow and far less likely to cause fishy burps, a common complaint with standard fish oil supplements.

In practice, the smaller size proved ideal for small and senior dogs, with nearly all test subjects accepting the capsule without fuss. The oil remained fresh even after weeks of room-temperature exposure, thanks to nitrogen flushing and advanced refining. It excelled in reducing mild inflammation and improving coat texture within four weeks, though the 60-count bottle means more frequent repurchasing compared to bulk options. While it doesn’t use raw or fermented oil like Rosita, the purification process removes mercury and PCBs without stripping key nutrients, striking a smart balance between safety and bioavailability.

Against NOW Foods and Carlyle, this product trades quantity and price for premium sourcing and user experience, positioning itself as the go-to for owners who prioritize clean origin and palatability. It’s not the most potent per bottle, but for those with allergy-prone pets or concerns about oceanic pollutants, its Icelandic wild-caught, toxin-free promise is worth the upgrade. While Rosita leads in raw nutrient integrity, this softgel delivers near-luxury purity at a fraction of the cost, making it the smart choice for health-focused, practical pet parents.

Rosita redefines what cod liver oil can be—this is raw, living nutrition extracted using a centuries-old Norwegian method that preserves the full spectrum of omega fatty acids, vitamins A and D, and delicate bioactives that most heat-processed oils destroy. Sourced from wild-caught fish hauled in via family-run, hook-and-line boats, every batch is a testament to sustainability and craftsmanship, offering a truly unrefined, nutrient-dense experience unmatched in the supplement world. The absence of synthetic vitamins and harsh processing makes this the gold standard for bioavailability, especially for dogs with compromised digestion or chronic health issues.

Real-world testing revealed rapid improvements in coat shine, joint comfort, and energy levels within weeks—likely due to the naturally balanced A/D ratio and intact omega-3 profile. The softgels are easy to administer, and the oil has a clean, oceanic scent without the rancid aftertaste common in lower-grade oils. Refrigeration isn’t required, a huge plus for travel, and the oil remains stable thanks to antioxidant-rich packaging. However, the premium formulation comes with premium sensitivity—exposure to heat or light over time can degrade potency, demanding careful handling.

Compared to NOW or Carlyle, Rosita isn’t competing on price or volume—it’s in a league of its own for purity and tradition. It outshines even the Icelandic-sourced option in nutrient integrity, though both deliver excellent safety. For pet owners who treat supplements as functional medicine rather than just maintenance, this is the ultimate choice. While it costs significantly more than others, its raw, unadulterated quality versus mass-produced alternatives justifies the investment for dogs needing maximum nutritional support.

If you’re looking for long-term, everyday support without breaking the bank, this NOW Foods formula delivers unmatched value through volume—250 softgels per bottle at a remarkably low cost per dose. Each 650 mg capsule still provides a meaningful dose of naturally occurring vitamins A and D-3, along with EPA and DHA, making it perfect for small to medium dogs needing consistent, low-to-moderate omega-3 intake. Backed by GMP certification and non-GMO softgels, it offers peace of mind in purity and manufacturing ethics—ideal for pet parents who want quality without constant repurchasing.

In daily use, the softgels remained intact and odor-free over several months, and the oil mixed easily into meals with minimal fishy breath reported. However, the 650 mg dose means you may need 2–3 capsules to match the potency of 1,000 mg competitors, which can be cumbersome for larger dogs. While tested for contaminants, it lacks molecular distillation or third-party certification badges, so it’s not the best choice for dogs with severe sensitivities. It performs reliably for general wellness, but not for targeted therapeutic goals like arthritis or skin inflammation.

Stacked against the Extra Strength NOW formula, this version trades per-capsule potency for extended supply and lower cost per serving, making it better for households with multiple pets or long-term needs. It doesn’t have the eco-story of Rosita or the purity of Icelandic oil, but as a workhorse supplement for healthy dogs, it’s hard to beat. For owners seeking maximum quantity and clean labeling at a fair cost, this outperforms flashier brands on sheer practicality and consistency.

When your dog is scratching, shedding, or battling hot spots, this veterinarian-formulated soft chew steps in as a targeted solution, blending cod liver oil with algae-derived omega-3s for a dual-source, anti-inflammatory punch that goes beyond basic supplements. The 90-count chews are packed with EPA and DHA to rebuild skin barrier function and reduce itch cycles, while the tasty, liver-flavored bite makes dosing stress-free—no more fighting to swallow pills. It’s especially effective for dogs with allergies, dry skin, or seasonal shedding, delivering noticeable improvements in coat density and comfort within 3–4 weeks.

In real-world trials, picky eaters gobbled these up, and owners reported less shedding on furniture and reduced scratching within the first month. The inclusion of algae oil is a smart move—it avoids fishy odors and provides DHA in a sustainable, often better-tolerated form. However, the omega-3 concentration per chew is lower than pure cod liver oil softgels, so it’s less effective for cardiovascular or joint support unless multiple chews are given. Also, while free of common allergens, the flavoring—even if natural—can trigger sensitivities in some dogs.

Compared to traditional softgels like NOW or Carlyle, this product trades raw potency for palatability and skin-specific formulation, making it ideal for dogs with dermatological issues or medication resistance. It doesn’t replace high-dose oil for systemic needs, but as a delicious, functional treat for skin health, it outperforms capsule-based options. While pricier per dose than oils, its targeted relief and ease of use make it a top pick for dogs who refuse pills or suffer from chronic skin discomfort.

Carlyle unleashes maximum potency in every capsule—a massive 1,245 mg of Norwegian cod liver oil per softgel, making it the strongest dose available in this lineup and a top contender for dogs needing serious omega-3 reinforcement. This high-potency formula delivers a dense payload of EPA, DHA, and natural vitamins A and D, ideal for large breeds, seniors, or dogs recovering from inflammation, joint pain, or immune challenges. Lab-tested and free from gluten, soy, and artificial additives, it’s built for clean, powerful nutrition without compromise.

In testing, the high oil content meant faster results in mobility and coat quality, especially in arthritic dogs, though the larger softgel size posed a challenge for small breeds—some required splitting. The oil has a clean, mild scent and didn’t trigger fishy burps, likely due to antioxidant protection during manufacturing. However, while it boasts Norwegian sourcing, it lacks details on sustainability practices or third-party purity certifications, leaving some transparency gaps. It performs best when used short-term or for targeted therapy, rather than daily maintenance in small pets.

Against NOW’s value option, Carlyle wins on sheer strength and count, offering more bang per capsule and more doses per bottle. It doesn’t have the raw elegance of Rosita or the burpless design of the Icelandic version, but for owners who want maximum omega-3 in minimal capsules, it’s unbeatable. While it costs slightly more than budget brands, its high potency and clean label versus standard oils make it the go-to for therapeutic dosing where impact matters most.