Introduction

When we talk about skin health, itching, and allergies in pets, most pet parents think of fish oil and omega-3s. But there is another clinically studied fatty acid that plays a powerful, complementary role: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in borage seed oil.

Unlike many supplement trends, the benefits of GLA are supported by peer-reviewed veterinary studies and independent medical databases, not marketing claims.

This article summarizes what current science says about borage oil and why GLA can be a meaningful part of a long-term wellness strategy for dogs and cats.

What Is Borage Oil?

Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant. It is one of the richest natural sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)—a fatty acid involved in:

• Modulating inflammatory responses
• Supporting skin barrier function
•  Helping maintain healthy moisture levels in the skin

Because standard pet diets may not be optimized for specific skin or allergy needs, targeted GLA supplementation can provide additional support when required.

 
Clinical Evidence: Borage Oil and Atopic Dogs

1, Borage Oil + Fish Oil Improve Skin Symptoms in Atopic Dogs

A blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Veterinary Record showed that dogs with atopic dermatitis who received borage seed oil (GLA) combined with fish oil (EPA/DHA) for 8 weeks experienced:

• Reduced itching
• Reduced redness and inflammation
• Less scratching and self-induced skin trauma

Source (PubMed / NIH):

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10331227/

 
2. Essential Fatty Acids Reduce Reliance on Steroids

Another randomized, controlled study found that essential fatty acid supplementation (including borage oil and fish oil) can help reduce the need for corticosteroids in managing canine atopic dermatitis.

Source (PubMed): 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15214949/
 

How GLA Works: Anti-Inflammatory and Skin-Barrier Support

Research from open-access scientific journals highlights several mechanisms:

• Borage oil contains ~20–25% GLA, one of the highest levels among seed oils.
• GLA converts into DGLA, which supports the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.
• This pathway helps calm chronic inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Key Sources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7875671/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930832/

Essential Fatty Acids and Dermatologic Health

Authoritative nutrition references underline that fatty acids play a central role in:

• Skin integrity
• Coat shine
• Immune regulation
• Overall dermatologic health

The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that imbalances or deficiencies can contribute to skin problems.

Source:

• https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals, A 2020 review on canine skin disease shows that fatty acid supplementation can support the management of pruritic (itchy) skin conditions.
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7355824/

 
Why GLA and Omega-3s Work Better Together

The strongest evidence for borage oil in dogs comes from trials where GLA (borage oil) is paired with EPA/DHA (fish oil).

This combination makes biological sense:

• Omega-3s counter pro-inflammatory omega-6 pathways
• GLA supports anti-inflammatory omega-6 pathways
• Together, they create a more balanced inflammatory response

For pets, this can translate into:

• Less frequent scratching
• Calmer skin
• A healthier, shinier coat
  

What This Means for Pet Parents

If your dog or cat experiences:

• Itchy skin
• Dry or flaky coat
• Seasonal or environmental allergies
• Excessive shedding

then discussing GLA and omega-3 supplementation with your veterinarian may be beneficial.

These fatty acids are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, but they can be a valuable part of a long-term skin and wellness strategy.
 

A Note on Quality

Because GLA-rich oils are sensitive to heat and oxidation, quality matters. Look for:

• Cold-pressed borage oil
• Clear information on purity and origin
• Products aligned with scientific research, not trends

References (Authoritative Sources Only)

1. Harvey, R. G. A blinded, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of borage seed oil and fish oil in the management of canine atopy. Veterinary Record, 1999. PubMed (NIH): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10331227/
2. Saevik, B. K. A randomized, controlled study to evaluate the steroid-sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology, 2004. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15214949/
3. Parke, M. A. Diet and Skin Barrier: The Role of Dietary Interventions on the Skin Barrier Function. Nutrients, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7875671/
4. Simon, D. Gamma-Linolenic Acid Levels Correlate with Clinical Parameters in Atopic Dermatitis. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930832/
5. MSD Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
6. Marchegiani, A. Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Skin Diseases. Veterinary Sciences, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7355824/