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If you’ve been a reader of our blog you’ll note the amazing benefits of compounding medications for humans. However today we go over why adding a fish oil supplement to your dog’s diet could make them one happy pup! Read more below…
Overview
- Fish oil is a dietary supplement that can aid many important functions when it comes to dogs’ health; heart, skin, immune system, and coat.
- Fish oil can help your dogs with a momentary dietary boost or be a part of a long-term health plan.
- It is crucial to consult a veterinarian before adding fish oil or any other supplements to your dog’s diet.
Fish oil is hands down one of the most beneficial supplements that can be added to your dog’s diet. It supports heart health, minimizes the chances of getting itchy, flaky skin, promotes a silky coat, minimizes allergies, and joint pain, and helps strengthen their immunity. These supplements could even help them fight canine cancer.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for your dog’s body and brain. Similar to humans, dogs cannot produce the omega-3 acids on their own and require supplementation. If you are considering adding the amazing fish oil supplement to your dog’s diet, we are going to discuss certain important aspects below.
Fatty Acids in Fish Oil
Fish oil contains four main types of dietary fats; trans, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats contain omega fatty acids that are essential for regulating blood flow and inflammation. It is important to note that these fats aren’t found naturally in the dog’s body. They are typically found in water fish, plant oils, nut oils, flaxseed, and shellfish. Your dog needs omega-3 in its diet for multiple reasons.
Omega-3 helps to balance out omega-6 acids which are a common nutrient in most grains and processed foods. A lot of dog manufacturers use meat from corn-fed animals along with refined oil, dogs usually have an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids in their diet (which isn’t great). Most of the time, dogs have an excess of omega-6 fatty acids and a lack of omega-3 fatty acids. Their bodies require both in balance to function optimally.
Why is Fish Oil Important for My Dog?
Fish oil is hands down one of the best ways to add omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Based on their diet, you can use them temporarily, or on a long-term basis. In some cases, vets recommend the supplement to provide a temporary nutritional boost to the diet.
Another great benefit of fish oil is that it helps dogs across the span of their lifetimes. For instance, DHA is an important component that helps with the brain and eye development of puppies. It is also great for improving cognitive function in older dogs who deal with canine cognitive dysfunction. Research suggests that omega 3 fatty acids also help treat chronic kidney disease and arthritis. Like any other supplement, it is important to consult your vet prior to adding fish oil supplements to your dog’s diet.
Selecting a Good Fish Oil Supplement for Your Dog
There are three main types of fish oil supplements widely available in the market. Let’s briefly discuss them:
- Natural Triglyceride Oil – It is a natural and easy to absorb oil. However, it might contain contaminants as it isn’t purified.
- Ethyl Ester Oil – This oil is fairly concentrated and is distilled to remove impurities. You can think of it as a semi-natural oil that contains high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
- Synthetic Triglyceride Oil – It is synthetic and is difficult to get absorbed as compared to the rest of the options.
Prior to selecting the type of fish oil, it is important to take several factors into account; breed, weight, overall health, and size of the dog. Consult with your vet in this regard as well. If used on a long-term basis with a grain-based diet, fish oil might end up depleting vitamin E. So, your dog might need vitamin E supplementation too.
Fish Oil Supplement Recommendations
Following are some of the amazing fish oil supplements that are loved by the dog owners:
TerraMax Pro Premium Liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil
This is an all-natural supplement that is free from any artificial ingredients and is free from chemicals. It contains at least 800 mg EPA and 525 DHA per serving that supports skin, joints, fur, and overall health. Luckily, it doesn’t come with a strong fish scent. Most people have a positive experience with this one. As per reviews, it is worth the cost and works really well for pets that struggle with itchy skin and joint pain. It is priced at $20.
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet
This particular supplement is made in the USA and is a great source of EPA and DHA. It is deemed perfect for small-breed dogs. Nearly all the reviews of this supplement are positive. It is sure to leave your pet’s coat silky smooth.
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels
If your pup prefers a capsule that is a liquid that is added to their food, Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels are the perfect solution for you. This supplement is made with very clean ingredients and is produced in true triglyceride form to ensure optimal results and absorption. The gels are often recommended by veterinarians for all kinds of dogs. The supplement has tons of positive reviews as well and people say that they are super effective and less messy.
Care and Storage of Fish Oil
It is important to protect the fish oil supplements from heat, light, and air. Make sure you purchase the one that comes in a dark bottle and store it in a refrigerator. These supplements are susceptible to oxidation and can become rancid. If you suspect a weird odor, throw them off immediately.
Instead of following the dosage guidelines on the package, ask your vet about the usage for your dog. The amount of fish oil is directly proportional to the size, weight, and age of the dog.
Wrapping Up Fish Oil For Dogs
It is very difficult to feed your dog a natural diet. Most dog foods contain a ton of artificial ingredients. And nearly every dog needs fish oil, a supplement for their health needs. Always consult your vet before starting your dog on fish oil or any other kind of supplement and always go for high-quality products.
We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.