Giving Your Dog Fish Oil – Why and How?

Our pets are like members of the family. It’s no wonder that people are doing all they can to ensure the health and longevity of their faithful companions. While some human medicines and supplements are not always safe for animals, there are a select few that hold many benefits for our pets as well. Anytime that you consider giving an animal a non-prescribed medicine or supplement, it’s important that you do as much research as possible to ensure its safety.

Fish Oil, a source of active omega-3 fatty acids, is a commonly used supplement that is not only safe to give to our dogs, it is an ideal daily additive that works to ensure their overall vitality. These fatty acids also have a reputation for treating many ailments and diseases.

Benefits of Using Fish Oil for Dogs

Fish oil can be used as a preventative measure, as well as a treatment for many diseases in canines. In the past, it was used to treat allergies; recently, it has been recommended in the treatment of a much wider variety of ailments.

Adding a dose of this treat to your pal’s food can counter at symptoms of Kidney Disease, High Cholesterol, and Arthritis. It is also very successful when used as an anti-inflammatory, relieving itching caused by allergy-related conditions. In addition to all of these benefits, it may also used in the treatment of Heart Disease, Canine Cancer, Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorders in Pets, Intestinal Parasites, Diabetic Neuropathy, and it may Reduce Cardiac Arrhythmias.

Along with all these beneficial properties, this product has been known to support Heart & Joint Health, Keen Vision, Proper Immune System Function, and it Nourishes the Skin and Coat of all animals. Being said, it is apparent why owners everywhere are supplementing their dog’s diet with fish oil. A lot of prepackaged pet foods contain trace amounts; however, this minuscule dosage isn’t enough to gain maximum efficacy. Making sure your bud gets an adequate amount of Omega Fats will go a long, ensuring they live a long and active life.

Fish Oil Dosage for Dogs

Following proper dosage instructions is important: the correct dosage can vary depending on what specific product is used, the size of your animal, and the reason you’re using it.

Used as a preventative measure, there are general guidelines to follow. For smaller breeds weighing less than 40 pounds, 500mg to 750mg per day is an adequate amount. Medium weights or 40 to 60 pounds, will require about 1,000mg per day; while heavier variations or at least 60 pounds, should receive 1,500mg to 2,000mg per day.

The exact dosages required for the treatment of diseases will vary. It may be necessary to administer a larger dose; importantly, you should consult a veterinarian before a treatment regiment is chosen. If your dog is given too much, it may interfere with the clotting of their blood.

Which Type Do You Choose?
When choosing which brand to use for your dog, there are a few things that should be considered. This product is available specifically for canines at any pet supply store in capsule and liquid form. The liquid, will most likely be easier to administer to your pet as it can be easily administered with their food. On the other hand, fish oil capsules can work just as well. Also, be aware that cheaper brands contain filler oils, causing their potency of Omegas to be far less sufficient.

How to Give It to Your Dog
Once you have determined the correct dosage, the oil can simply be added to your pooch’s food. If you choose the capsules, you can puncture it and empty the contents into their dietetics. On the contrary, you can simply hide the capsule in a piece of bread, cheese, or inside their favorite toy.

You can also change it up every now and then by serving your pet an actual cooked fish. Salmon and Sardines are good choices, as they contain a decent amount of natural benefits. Notably, there are no adverse side effects associated with this product and if dosage instructions are followed, no harm will come to your loyal companion.

This supplement changes your pup from the inside out, beginning at the cellular level within the tissues and organs. Gradually, you should notice a more radiant coat and skin about your pooch. While an animal might not be able to thank you directly, their added years of being your loyal companion will more than show their gratitude.

Reference:
1.  We would like to give a special thanks to evolutionsuppy for there help in gathering providing information regarding fish oil and pets.

2. WebMD also provided useful information on omega oils for pets and humans.

The Benefits of Giving Fish Oil to Your Dog

Is your best friend’s gate a little slower lately? Are you looking for something to give to your furry friend for a more beautiful coat? Or maybe you’ve got a new fur baby and you want to make sure they get everything they need to grow big and strong? Well you’re in luck! We’re about to talk about The Benefits of Fish Oil!

Images provided by - Animal Family Veterinary Care Center

Fish oil is an amazing supplement for all ages of dogs! Puppies and older dogs a like can find health benefits from their fishy friends in a fun daily supplement!

In this article we will examine the benefits and dosage information! It’s so easy your 5th grader can calculate Fido’s dose! 

The Benefits of Fish Oil: 

• Gives your dog a shiny fur coat and healthy skin.


• Reduces inflammation due to conditions like arthritis and allergies.


• Regulates the immune system by boosting it with omega 3’s.


• Aides in mental development in puppies.


• Lows blood pressure.


• Provides prevention and support for dogs with heart/kidney disease and cancer.


• Promotes weight loss in overweight dogs.

Dosage for EPA and DHA Fish Oil:

You should give 100 – 150 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily for a good maintenance dose. Please seek advice from your veterinarian if your dog has high health problems and you would like to increase the intake. 

Be extremely careful when giving your dog medication. If you’re confused be on the safe side and call your veterinarian office to seek help with calculating the correct dosage. 

Dangers of Overdosing:

There is no known toxicity however if you’re giving too much you may see loose stools or diarrhea. Lower the dosage if this occurs.  

Benefits of giving your pets fish oil

I have a black cat and periodically, I have black foster cats. I notice that they look like they have dandruff sometimes. It is common in cats of all colors but it is more noticeable in black kitties. I have “cured” this dandruff by using a supplement containing fish oil, flaxseed oil and borage oil. (You can also use a supplement of only fish oil) According to the bottle, this pill contains Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ALA), omega 6 fatty acids (CLA, GLA, ALA), and omega 9 fatty acids (OA). Surprisingly, fish oil has many benefits for our pets.

Most commercially available fish oils are derived from coldwater fish, primarily menhaden, but also salmon and trout. Fish, in turn, obtain EPA and DHA from algae, making super green foods such as marine micro-algae an alternate source of EPA and DHA. Algae may become the dominant source of omega-3 fatty acids as fish populations continue to decline in the world’s oceans.

Fish oil supplementation may be helpful for pets with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancers. These oils are rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Fish oil does not appear to raise blood sugar levels in pets with diabetes despite earlier concerns about this.

Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA,) an omega-3 fatty acid that is ultimately converted to EPA and DHA. In fact, flax seed oil contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) than fish oil. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids. Unlike the case for fish oil, there is little evidence that flaxseed oil is effective for any specific therapeutic purpose with the following exceptions. Flax seed oil can improve the coat and skin of pets. Also, the lignans contained in flax seed oil may have anti-cancer benefits.

In pets with some types of cancer, fish oil appears to slow down the growth of the cancer. While more studies are needed on other types of cancer, the general recommendation is to add fish oil to the diets of all pets with cancer.

Higher-end pet food brands may state on their label that their food has omega 3 fatty acids in it, often in the form of fish meal. Even if the proper fish were used to make fish meal, EPA and DHA are too fragile to survive the shelf life of commercial pet food. The only reliable source of EPA and DHA is salmon oil in capsules.

I use capsules sold for humans.  They are of the same quality (maybe better) than the pet capsules and they are much cheaper. I put one capsule in about 3 oz. of wet food (you can also put it over dry food). I give it 2 or 3 times a week. It is cheaper for me to give it only a few days a week and I still get the same result as I did when I gave it everyday. To release the oil, I poke the capsule with a safety pin or thumb tack. Be sure to rinse off the thumb tack or whatever you use. The fish oil tends to stay on it and will pool underneath it and become a sticky mess after awhile. Don’t use a pen! It won’t work after you use it.

Sources:

http://www.petcarenaturally.com/handouts/fish-oil.pdf

http://www.spca.com/petcare/item/124

http://www.blakkatz.com/fat.pdf