Fish Oil for Dogs

"Omega 3 Fish Oils are a Dog's Best Friend!

If you're a dog owner, you may be wondering about fish oil for dogs. Does your dog need this supplement and what are the health benefits?

Fish oils are high in the omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

These fatty acids are needed for the proper function of nearly every cell in your nervous system, brain, eyes, hormones and organs. Since we can't produce these fats in our bodies, we need to get them from our diet.

Veterinarians will tell you that dogs share this same need for omega 3 fatty acids with us. In fact, research indicates that aggressive dogs may benefit from omega 3 fatty acids.

'CLEO' Our Favorite Wheaten Terrier!

From a strictly biologically point-of-view, dogs can tolerate higher amounts of fat in their diet because they're born with increased levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL - the healthy cholesterol) and therefore, aren't prone to cardiovascular disease.

Come to think of it, I haven't heard of too many dogs dying from heart disease or heart attacks.

So while we have to watch how much saturated fats we're eating, ol' Rover can enjoy a diet higher in fat - as long as he doesn't get overweight and gets enough of these essential fatty acids in his diet.

Health Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

Research has shown omega 3 fatty acids help control disease processes in both dogs and cats - particularly in disorders related to fat metabolism such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity and even some thyroid conditions.

Skin and Fur Health

Fish oils can give your dog a nice shiny fur coat. EPA and DHA are important for healthy skin and can help dry itchy skin and reduce hair loss.

Joint Pain/Arthritis

Studies have proven omega 3 fatty acids are important for fighting inflammation. Fish oils for dogs may provide an anti-inflammatory environment and help fight against chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Further research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids may lower the enzymes that cause cartilage damage and reduce joint pain.

Dry Brittle Nails in Dogs

Some breeds of dogs may be prone to a condition called lupoid onychodystrophy. This disease causes the immune system to become over-active and it attacks the nail bed causing cracked and split nails. Part of the treatment plan includes omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplements. Giving your dog fish oils is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and may help reduce the symptoms of this common condition.

Mental Health

Animal research indicates EPA and DHA are important for healthy brain development in puppies.

Heart Health

Fish oils may also help improve cardiovascular health in dogs. While dogs are less prone to cardiovascular issues than humans, studies show omega 3 fatty acids help reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels lowering the risk for high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.

What's the Recommended Dosage of Fish Oil for Dogs?

Omega 3 for Pets

There are many dog foods that come fortified with omega 3 fatty acids. The amount you actually get will depend on the quality of the dog food.

If you're using fish oils to treat a particular condition, then I think you should consult your dog's veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

You don't want to give your dog too many omega 3's. One of the side effects from too much fish oils (for both humans and dogs) is it may make the blood thinner and it will take longer to clot.

Some fish oil supplements for dogs may have recommended dosages on the label. Dogs can come in all shapes and sizes, so it may benefit if you use a formula of a certain number of milligrams of fish oils per kilogram of bodyweight. Again, it may be best to consult with your veterinarian for the best dosage of fish oil for dogs.

How to give Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil for Dogs

Cleo loves getting a treat!

Supplementing your dog's diet with omega 3's can help maintain optimal health, especially during periods of illness or disease.

And you can easily do this with either fortified dog foods or omega 3 fish oil supplements.

I think the best thing to do is look at the ingredient labels and see if it contains food sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

The most common types of food sources are from plant or fish. Flaxseed is commonly used and is the highest plant source of the omega 3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA). You can use fish sources such as fish meal, salmon, trout and fish oils (all are high in EPA and DHA). You can also give cod liver oil for dogs.

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Looking at the ingredient label of a basic dog food, you may find omega 3 amounts ranging from 0 up to 1% per serving. That's not very much but you can do something to give your pet those healthy fats....

You can now get omega 3 fish oil for dogs in a supplement form and add it to their food.

For example, Kronch Wild Salmon Oil, available from Only Natural Pet Store, provides pure, natural omega 3's from wild, non-farmed salmon.

The best fish oil for dogs should be purified and low in contaminants. Kronch Wild Salmon Oil is produced by Henne Pet Foods, a Danish pet food manufacturer that specializes in natural whole foods for dogs and cats.

This particular fish oil supplement is cold-pressed, meaning it's very concentrated and economical for daily use.

It contains no preservatives, BHT, BHA, Ethoxyquin or artificial coloring or flavoring. Only natural antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, and propylgallate are added.

Each bottle comes with a dosage pump, which reduces air mixing with the fish oils and also keeps everything clean and hygiene.

Simply squirt a couple of shots of fish oil into Fido's dog food and you're good to go.

Many dog owners claim fish oils work great for skin and fur problems such as allergies, dry skin, hair loss, itchy scalp, and dull fur.

We all want to provide our pets with a nutritious diet that will keep them healthy. Giving fish oil for dogs may be one way to help reduce the incidence of certain diseases and keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy. Just remember to always consult your veterinarian with any issues regarding your pet's diet or health.

Research References

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