Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

Fish oil has become a popular supplement for dogs and humans alike.  A number of veterinarians recommend fish oil for dogs because it contains omega-3 fatty acids. According to experts, these acids help treat allergies in dogs and prevent kidney disease.  That is just the tip of the iceberg; several studies are being conducted to see what kind of conditions can be treated by omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.

Perhaps the number one reason why a lot of veterinarians and owners alike recommend fish oil is that it helps maintain the health of the dogs coat and skin.  According to some studies, supplements that contain omega 3, usually in the form of fish oil, reduces itchiness and irritation of the skin due to inflammation by about 10-25% in allergic dogs.  However, the study did not use every supplement available on market, just a few.  This does not mean that only a few brands work; some supplements may have better results for some dogs. Another factor to consider before using supplements to treat a dog’s skin condition is the nature of the illness.  Some health problems, like atopic dermatitis, cannot be treated using supplements.

Another benefit of fish oil supplements is that it gives the dog a better energy source.  Omega-3, though a beneficial kind, is still fat and can be used by the body as fuel.  This type of fatty acid counter acts the negative side effects of “bad fats”.  This results to the improvement of the dog’s cardiac health.  The risk of heart diseases due to inflammation can be greatly reduced.

Since omega-3 cannot be produced naturally by the dog’s system, it has to be introduced by an external source.  The source could either come from health supplements, usually in the form of fish oil, or from certain types of food that contain omega-3.  Soybeans, walnuts and fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Although more expensive than the alternative, oily fishes such as sardines, mackerels and anchovies are still the best providers of essential fatty acids.  Most dogs won’t mind the taste either.

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