Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Studies have shown that Omega-3 contribute to a wide range of health benefits.

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Acts as an anti-inflammatory:

Studies confirm that supplementing the diet of dogs with omega-3 fats resulted in significantly reduced discomfort, lameness and joint severity.

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In addition to this, omega-3 balances out the effects of omega-6. High levels of omega-6 can lead to inflammation. Imbalances between the two can also lead to health problems for your pet. In general, commercial dog food is high in omega-6 and deficient in omega-3.

 
Kidney Support:
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of chronic kidney disease. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. The same study has also shown that feeding omega-6 rich vegetable oils (safflower) significantly worsens the condition of the dogs.

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Aids Heart Health:
Several studies involving dogs of different sexes, age, breed, size and weight, have shown benefits of omega-3 on canines suffering from different heart conditions. The positive effects include improved heart function and appetite, lower blood pressure, inflammation and reduced muscle loss.

 
Skin and Coat Health:
Research also shows that omega-3 fatty acids benefit dogs suffering from the harmful effects of allergies, atopy, pruritus and flea allergies. These studies have shown that adding omega-3 fatty acids to a dog’s diet has an alleviating effect on their over-reactive immune systems. This leads to reduced itchiness and substantial improvements of their skin and coat health.

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Supporting Brain Development and Cognition:

Studies have shown that an omega-3-rich diet in a dog’s infancy can improve cognitive and learning functions in growing dogs. Puppies fed food containing high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids rich in DHA performed better in various tasks than puppies with a low omega-3 diet. The tests the young dogs performed in this study included the visual differentiation of objects, memory, balance and coordination tasks.

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Immune Support:
Evidence shows that the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids (rich in EPA and DHA) in a dog’s diet supports immune function. Effects described include alleviating the harmful effects of allergies caused by an over-reactive immune systems response, to substantially higher antibody titers after vaccinations. Vetactiv8 Omega 3 can also support puppies’ underdeveloped immune systems.

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Reducing Anxiety, Depression and Hyperactivity in Dogs

While the precise mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acid exerts effects on behaviour such as anxiety, depression and hyperactivity, is not known, they have been proven to modulate neurotransmitters and to affect neuroplasticity. In fact, fatty acids have also been found to influence the same pathways that anti-anxiety medications do, most notably fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety disorders in dogs. 

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The calming effect has also been confirmed in a study conducted on 24 anxious Labradors in 2016. There is further evidence in literature that supports using omega-3 fatty acids as a potential reliever of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in numerous species. It appears that this may hold true for dogs as well.