Nordic Naturals is widely recommended as a top-tier, trustworthy omega-3 brand with strong quality standards and third-party certifications.
Guaranteed analysis per 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL / 4.6 g cod liver oil): crude fat (min.) 98.3%; moisture (max.) 0.2%; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (min.) 7%; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (min.) 10%; total omega-3 fatty acids (min.) 22%. Includes 345 mg EPA, 460 mg DHA, and 1,048 mg total omega-3s in triglyceride form. Calorie content (calculated): ME 8,483 kcal/kg, 40 kcal/teaspoon.
Ingredients: cod liver oil, mixed tocopherols (a preservative).
Add to your dog's food, or serve by itself, daily. 10–19 lb: 0.25 teaspoon (approximately 1.25 mL); 20–39 lb: 0.5 teaspoon (approximately 2.5 mL); 40–59 lb: 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL); 60–79 lb: 1.5 teaspoons (approximately 7.5 mL); 80–110 lb: 2 teaspoons (approximately 10 mL); 111–130 lb: 2.5 teaspoons (approximately 12.5 mL). For dogs 2–10 lb, use the manufacturer's smaller-dog product. For dogs over 130 lb, consult your veterinarian. Do not exceed suggested daily use without consulting your veterinarian.
For intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not use if the tamper-evident seal is broken or missing. Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 months. Consult your veterinarian before use if your dog has a known medical condition or takes medication. In case of overconsumption, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Source: Nordic Naturals manufacturer label · September 06, 2026. Formulas and labels can change. Check the packaging you receive.
Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil Liquid is a plain, unflavored fish oil derived from wild Arctic cod, providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D. Formulated specifically for pets, it supports healthy skin and coat, joint comfort, and immune function in dogs and cats.
Why It's Worth Considering: Nordic Naturals uses a triglyceride-form oil, which research suggests is more readily absorbed than ethyl ester forms, and third-party tests for purity and freshness.
Add to your dog's food, or serve by itself, daily. 10–19 lb: 0.25 teaspoon (approximately 1.25 mL); 20–39 lb: 0.5 teaspoon (approximately 2.5 mL); 40–59 lb: 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL); 60–79 lb: 1.5 teaspoons (approximately 7.5 mL); 80–110 lb: 2 teaspoons (approximately 10 mL); 111–130 lb: 2.5 teaspoons (approximately 12.5 mL). For dogs 2–10 lb, use the manufacturer's smaller-dog product. For dogs over 130 lb, consult your veterinarian. Do not exceed suggested daily use without consulting your veterinarian.
| Feature | Fish Oil (this) | Krill Oil | Algal Oil | Cod Liver Oil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA+DHA Content | High (concentrated) | Moderate | Moderate-High | Moderate + Vit A/D |
| Absorption | Good (triglyceride form) | Excellent (phospholipid) | Good | Good + fat-soluble vitamins |
| Best For | Therapeutic dose, heart/brain | General wellness | Vegan option | Vitamin A+D + omega-3 |
| Sustainability | Varies by brand | Sustainable harvest | Most sustainable | Traditional, sustainable |
| Burp Factor | Low (if enteric coated) | Very low | None | Moderate |
For general health, 1-2g of combined EPA+DHA daily. For therapeutic use (triglycerides, inflammation, mood), 2-4g combined EPA+DHA. Check the label for EPA+DHA content per serving, many fish oils have only 300mg per 1000mg capsule, requiring 6-8 capsules for a therapeutic dose. Concentrated formulas provide 600-900mg per capsule.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is primarily anti-inflammatory, best for joint pain, cardiovascular health, and mood disorders. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is structural, it comprises 40% of brain polyunsaturated fats and is critical for cognitive function, eye health, and fetal development. Most people benefit from both; higher EPA for inflammation, higher DHA for brain health.
Low-quality fish oil can cause fishy aftertaste and burping. Solutions: take with food, choose enteric-coated capsules, refrigerate the bottle (slows breakdown), or use a concentrated triglyceride-form fish oil (higher quality = less burping). If you still experience burps, the oil may be oxidized, check the expiration date and smell the capsule.
Krill oil has better absorption per gram (phospholipid form) and contains astaxanthin (antioxidant), but it's significantly more expensive per mg of EPA+DHA. For therapeutic doses (2-4g EPA+DHA), fish oil is more practical and cost-effective. Krill oil is a good choice for general wellness at maintenance doses.
Fish oil has mild blood-thinning properties. If you're taking warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants, consult your physician before starting high-dose omega-3. At standard doses (1-2g), the risk is low, but your INR may need monitoring. Stop fish oil 1-2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
Look for: third-party tested for heavy metals and oxidation (IFOS 5-star rated), triglyceride form (not ethyl ester), high EPA+DHA per capsule (600mg+ combined), and molecular distillation for purity. The Gabriel Score evaluates all of these quality signals automatically.
Apotheca is analyzing ingredient interactions, stacking compatibility, and timing recommendations for Nordic Naturals - Pet Cod Liver Oil Liquid Plain. This data will be available soon.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
