Krill oil has earned a following among dog owners as a marine omega-3 source that also brings antioxidants to the table, and we get asked how it stacks up against plain fish oil. We compared krill products and krill blends by looking at their omega-3 content, the natural antioxidant astaxanthin that gives krill its red color, the sourcing such as Antarctic krill, and the format, whether pure oil or a multi-source blend. We evaluated krill oil as a nutritional supplement that supports skin, coat, and joint comfort and helps with itch relief in some dogs, not as a treatment for any condition. Like all marine oils, krill adds calories and can loosen stools if overdone, so dosing matters. We always recommend confirming the right amount for your dog’s weight with your veterinarian, especially since some dogs do better on one omega source than another.
Krill Oil for Dogs: 5 Best Picks with Astaxanthin (2026)
Krill oil provides marine omega-3s plus astaxanthin for skin, coat, and joint support. Our top pick is Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil. Compare 5 leading products.
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★ Top Pick: Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil All-Natural Antiox…
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- Best Overall: Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil All-Natural Antioxidant Dog Food Supplement, 8 oz. We chose the Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil All-Natural Antioxidant Dog Food Supplementb.
- Best Blend: Wonder Paws Fish Oil for Dogs - Omega 3 for Dogs from Alaskan Salmon, Cod & Krill Oil - EPA DHA Fatty Acids - Less Shedding & Itching - Skin, Joint, Immune & Heart Health - Liquid Supplement (16 oz). We recommend the Wonder Paws fish oil for combining Alaskan salmon, cod, and krill into on.
- Best for Itch Relief: Vebelkang Krill Oil Omega 3 Supplement for Dogs, Allergy & Itch Relief, Skin and Coat Support for Shedding, Softgels for Joint Health with EPA DHA & Astaxanthin, 90 Count. We picked the Vebelkang Krill Oil Omega 3 Supplement for Dogs, Allergy & Itch Reliefsupple.
- Best Premium: Wholistic Pet Organics Krill Oil for Dogs and Cats - Premium Antioxidant Support for Pets - Cat and Dog Skin and Coat Supplement with EPA, DHA, Astaxanthin - Omega 3 for Dogs and Cats - 60 Soft Gels. We chose the Wholistic Pet Organics Krill Oil for Dogs and Cats - Premium Antioxidantkrill.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil All-Natural … | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Wonder Paws Fish Oil for Dogs - Omega 3 for D… | Best Blend | Check price → |
| Vebelkang Krill Oil Omega 3 Supplement for Do… | Best for Itch Relief | Check price → |
| Wholistic Pet Organics Krill Oil for Dogs and… | Best Premium | Check price → |
Krill oil pairs marine omega-3 with the antioxidant astaxanthin, which sets it apart from plain fish oil. The best products disclose their omega content and sourcing, and they work as skin, coat, and joint support rather than treatment.
Types Explained
Pure krill oil
Single-source krill oil supplements rich in omega-3 and naturally occurring astaxanthin for skin, coat, and joint support.
Best for: Owners who specifically want krill's omega-3 plus antioxidant profile in a focused product.Krill and fish blend
Supplements combining krill with salmon or cod oil to broaden the omega-3 profile across multiple marine sources.
Best for: Owners wanting wider omega coverage that still includes krill's antioxidant benefit.Krill chew supplement
Soft chews that incorporate krill oil alongside other ingredients for itch relief and skin and coat support.
Best for: Owners who prefer a chew over liquid oil for easier daily dosing.Top 4 Picks
Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil All-Natural Antioxidant Dog Food Supplement, 8 oz
We chose the Grizzly Wild Antarctic Krill Oil All-Natural Antioxidant Dog Food Supplementbecause it offers an all-natural, single-source krill oil rich in omega-3 and antioxidants. In our evaluation the focused Antarctic krill sourcing made it a strong skin and coat supplement.
Wonder Paws Fish Oil for Dogs - Omega 3 for Dogs from Alaskan Salmon, Cod & Krill Oil - EPA DHA Fatty Acids - Less Shedding & Itching - Skin, Joint, Immune & Heart Health - Liquid Supplement (16 oz)
We recommend the Wonder Paws fish oil for combining Alaskan salmon, cod, and krill into one broad omega-3 supplement. What we like is the multi-source profile that still includes krill's antioxidant benefit.
Vebelkang Krill Oil Omega 3 Supplement for Dogs, Allergy & Itch Relief, Skin and Coat Support for Shedding, Softgels for Joint Health with EPA DHA & Astaxanthin, 90 Count
We picked the Vebelkang Krill Oil Omega 3 Supplement for Dogs, Allergy & Itch Reliefsupplement because it targets allergy and itch relief alongside skin support. We found the krill-based formula a sensible choice for itch-prone dogs.
Wholistic Pet Organics Krill Oil for Dogs and Cats - Premium Antioxidant Support for Pets - Cat and Dog Skin and Coat Supplement with EPA, DHA, Astaxanthin - Omega 3 for Dogs and Cats - 60 Soft Gels
We chose the Wholistic Pet Organics Krill Oil for Dogs and Cats - Premium Antioxidantkrill oil for its premium antioxidant support positioning for dogs and cats. What we like is the focus on quality krill sourcing for households with both pets.
Key Buying Factors
Omega-3 content
Krill delivers EPA and DHA in a form some owners prefer. We look at the disclosed omega-3 amounts so you can compare krill products against each other and against standard fish oil.
Astaxanthin antioxidant
Astaxanthin is the natural antioxidant that colors krill red and helps protect the oil from oxidation. Its presence is part of what distinguishes krill oil from plain fish oil.
Sourcing and purity
Antarctic krill is a common source. We favor brands that address where the krill comes from and how it is processed, since sourcing affects both purity and sustainability.
Pure krill vs blend
Some products are pure krill oil while others blend krill with salmon or cod. A blend broadens the omega profile, while pure krill focuses on krill's specific benefits. Pick based on your goal.
Format and dosing
Krill comes as oil, capsules, or mixed into chews. Whatever the format, clear per-weight dosing matters because marine oils add calories and can soften stools if overfed.
Freshness
Marine oils oxidize over time. Astaxanthin helps, but we still prefer products with sensible packaging and use-by guidance, since rancid oil loses benefit and smells off to dogs.
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Confirm the dose by weight
Ask your veterinarian how much krill oil suits your dog's weight and diet. Marine oils add calories, and too much can cause soft stools, so accurate dosing protects digestion and weight.
Introduce slowly
Start below the full dose and build up over several days. This lets your dog's digestion adjust to the added oil and reduces the chance of loose stools early on.
Store to keep it fresh
Keep krill products sealed and cool, and follow the use-by date. Astaxanthin slows oxidation, but a sour smell still means the oil has gone off and should be replaced.
If your dog did not respond well to standard fish oil, krill's different form and built-in astaxanthin are worth trying, but introduce it gradually and confirm the dose with your veterinarian first.
Frequently asked questions
How is krill oil different from fish oil?
What does krill oil do for dogs?
How much krill oil should I give my dog?
Is a pure krill oil or a blend better?
Can krill oil cause any side effects?
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.