Fish Oil For Dogs - Pets - Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Alternatives

Fish Oil For Dogs

Did you know that you can improve your dogs health by supplementing its diet with different fatty acids? Fatty acids will prove benefits beyond just normal dog foods. Fish oil for dogs and flexseed oil for dogs are two sources of these acids that you can add to your dogs diet.

What is the problem? Not Enough Fatty Acids!

Dogs and cats as well as humans are unable to produce fatty acids themselves so they must be gotten from other sources – from food. Dogs that are fed strictly processed foods can be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids since the processed foods are usually not very rich with these. The same actually goes for most of the “home cooked” foods that pets are fed with.

On one hand fish oil can help your dog with some existing health problems and on the other hand the lack of fatty acids can actually lead to health problems.

Benefits Of Fish Oil For Dogs

Omegas are anti-inflammatory. That means that they help your dog with arthritic problems by reducing inflammation of tissues and allowing more movement for activity. Actually omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial to either cat or dog or any other pets. Getting the right form of omega fatty acids in the form of flaxseed oil or fish oil for dogs are crucial to this.

Linoleic acid from these oils is can do wonders for skin health of your dog. It may even help reducing some types of cancers (reduce cancer cell formation) when used with other medications.

Fish oil also promotes healthy kidneys, heart, and lowers the cholesterol levels in your dog, and can boost the immune system which can make skin and hair healthier. Skin and hair conditions of dogs are some of the first indicators of a health problem so pay close attention to these.

Side Effects?

Improper dosages of omega 6 fatty acids can actually cause inflammation and that is something no pet needs. It can also lead to weakened immune system.

Fish Oil Dosage For Dogs

Proper dosage is important when it comes to pets so pay attention to it. This is especially important with flaxseed oil. Too much can cause runny stools in dogs and cats. But if your dog is constipated it can off course help if used in in lesser doses. Consult your veterinary about the proper dosage as they can be quite different because of the different weights and sizes of various dog breeds but a good rule of thumb is to give 1000mg per 30lbs of the dog’s weight. The problem with flaxseed oil is also that dogs lack an enzyme to convert it from inactive to active for optimum usage. So it is usggested that you rather use fish oil for dogs.

Salmon Oil For Dogs

One form of fish oil that is very good for dogs is wild salmon oil. Salmon oil has the highest amount of omegas than any other cold water fish so this is the premier choice. Testing is done to make sure the mercury level is below allowable levels and most supplements are well below them. Most dogs love the taste, too. It can give the dog various degrees of fishy odor, but reduction in amounts given can help with that.

These were the main benefits of fish oil for dogs. We hope you enjoy many happy moments with your pet.

17.09.2010. 00:58

Comments

raven 08.08.2011. 11:29

Pet Health Facts: Omega Fatty Acids

By the Drs4pets Team

Fat is the primary source of energy for your pet. The fats in food are made up of omega fatty acids, important nutrients in your pet’s diet. Not only are certain fatty acids essential for life, they also play critical roles in optimal health and vitality.

All foods contain omega-6 fatty acids. Linoleic acid is one of the omega-6 fatty acids, and is considered an essential nutrient. One of the key roles this fatty acid plays is to maintain the proper moisture balance in the skin’s surface. This is critical for maintaining a barrier between the outside world and the inner workings of the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids come from ingredients such as marine sources (fish oil or fish meal) and also from vegetable or plant sources (flaxseed or algae). While alpha-linolenic acid is the only omega-3 fatty acid that is truly considered to be an essential nutrient, it is likely that others in this important group will make the list soon. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), have been found to be critical for good health. DHA is important for the proper development of cognitive function and vision in young animals, and EPA has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3 fatty acids can diminish inflammation in the joints, skin and digestive system and may even help fight or prevent cancer.

It is important to feed a pet food that contains a blend of omega fatty acids to support optimal skin and coat condition, proper immune function and to control inflammation throughout the body. Looking at the label for sources of these critical nutrients, as well as checking the Guaranteed Analysis for the guaranteed levels, will help ensure that your pet’s diet contains omega fatty acids for optimal health.

 Question: How can I tell if my pet’s food has omega fatty acids?

Answer: Reputable brands will guarantee the levels of omega fatty acids in the guaranteed analysis. Look for words such as omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids or alpha-linolenic acid in the list of nutrient guarantees. This will prove that not only is it in the food, it is guaranteed to be there at a specific amount.

Question: Should I give my dog a fish oil supplement for his dry skin?

Answer: It would be a good idea to check with your veterinarian first. If the food that you are feeding has a balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, a supplement may not be beneficial. There may be another explanation for the dry skin. Sometimes, additional supplements can lead to loose stools.

Question: My cat loves tuna fish. Can I feed this to her for the fatty acids?

Answer: It is important to feed a balanced diet to your cat. An occasional treat is ok, but be cautious. Cats can be finicky and may choose treats over their regular food, leading to dietary imbalances and deficiencies.

Photo by Tony

Visit www.drs4pets.com to learn more about pet health, nutrition and safety.

Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs

Joint Mobility Through Supplementation

Most people become so attached to their furry friend that they want to do everything possible to help him/her have a long, happy, healthy life. One way to assure this is by making certain your buddy receives essential fatty acids. These are simply specific types of polyunsaturated fats broken into two classifications: omega-3 and 6.

Although canines are capable of producing some of these nutrients, they are not capable of producing all of them. Therefore, those they cannot produce on their own, must be provided in their daily diet. These fats contain anti-inflammatory properties while aiding in water permeability of the epidermis. Importantly, do not overdose on these additives; it can result in negative consequences. A few excellent sources of these nutrients are Salmon and Fish Oil. Although there are still research projects being conducted on the amounts a pup should receive, an easy way to remember is this: omega-6 should be give in a ratio of 10:1; omega-3 the ratio should be 5:1 on a daily basis.

This supplement is an outstanding way to help loved ones with cancer or cardiac problems. Also, they help with inflammatory issues as well as eye development. for arthritis, cholesterol, and atopy; salmon oil is strongly recommended. Omega-6 needs to be considered for conditions such as dry skin or dull hair, as well as autoimmune disease.

Additives for Immobile Canines

---

You should consult with your veterinarian before beginning to give your pet these aditions. Mainly, the dosage generally depends on the weight of the animal. The weight is usually broken down in number of pounds. For example, a small specimen, weighing up to 30 pounds might be given one capsule of fish oil while a medium-large dog, weighing 30-60 pounds might be given one or two.

It is important to realize how important joint mobility is. It contributes a great deal to their overall health, affecting such things as allergies and autoimmune conditions. They also have an affect on arthritis, inflammatory diseases, dull and dry hair and yeast infections; while playing a role in heart disease.

One of the interesting facts about fats in foods is that they are subject to degradation. If they are overcooked, for example, this can result in destroying the molecule. If proper storage is not  regarded, rancidity as well as a subsequent deficiency will occur.

About these ads