What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is an extract from fish, most commonly salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or herring. Oils from these fish are used to make fish oil for both humans and dogs because they contain beneficial components called omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil for dogs and humans most commonly comes in a liquid oil or a soft gel capsule. Fish oil may also be an ingredient in some soft chews, tablets, treats, and even dog food, but the amount in these products is not significant enough to provide a major benefit. Standalone fish oil supplements should be used to provide appropriate levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
What Are the Benefits of Omega-3?
The benefits of Omega-3 for humans and dogs are very similar. It reduces inflammation, which can help treat and prevent allergies, diabetes, arthritis, kidney and liver disease, and cancer.
On top of that, it’s also good for brain development, helps to improve memory, and can prevent Alzheimer’s.
Omega-3 can help keep your dog emotionally balanced as well, as it’s been proven to prevent and treat anxiety and depression. Plus, the combination of health benefits from Omega-3 can give your dog a boost of natural energy while calming hyperactivity.
Omega-3 has beauty benefits, too. It can give your dog moisturized skin and a glossy coat, so he will be less prone to itchiness and shedding.
Clearly, with so many benefits, it’s not a bad idea to introduce Omega-3 to your dog’s diet.
One thing to be very cautious of when starting to feed your dog Omega-3 is to be sure you balance it with Omega-6.
Omega-6 is another important nutrient that works in harmony with Omega-3. It assists with proper blood clotting, cell growth, and building a healthy immune system.
However, too much of it can be harmful, and Omega-3 helps to counteract any potential harm of omega-6. This is because Omega-6 actually increases inflammation, while Omega-3 works to reduce it.
Likewise, too much Omega-3 on its own without the balance of Omega-6 can ultimately be harmful to your dog’s health. A healthy body, for both humans and animals, needs a balance of both types of Omegas to function properly.
That said, Omegas can also deplete your dog of vitamin E, so if you feed him Omega supplements, you need to also include 1 or 2 IUs of vitamin E per pound of bodyweight to counteract this effect.
If you’re concerned about keeping the proper balance, talk to your veterinarian or a holistic pet provider to determine if the food or supplements you’re giving your dog have a safe balance of nutrients.
Can I give dog fish oil capsules?
Fish oil is one of the best supplements to add to your dog’s diet. Fish oil supports your canine companion’s heart health, promotes a silky coat, reduces itchy and flaky skin, and can help relieve allergies and joint pain. It can even help strengthen their immune system and could help them fight canine cancer.
5 Fish Oil For Dogs Side Effects To AVOID (And The Simple Solution)
Dogs under 15 lbs: 1 gel cap every other day. Dogs 15 – 30 lbs: 1 gel cap daily. Dogs over 30 lbs: 1 gel cap per 30 lbs of body weight, daily.