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.
Why Should I Give My Dog Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a good way to give your four-legged companion the omega-3 fatty acids they need. Depending on their general health and diet, fish oil supplements may become part of a long-term plan. Or, they may just provide a temporary nutritional boost to your dog’s diet.
Another benefit of fish oil is that it helps dogs across the span of their lifetimes. DHA, a component in omega-3 fatty acid, aids in the proper brain and eye development of puppies. DHA may also improve cognitive function in older dogs dealing with canine cognitive dysfunction. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help to treat canine arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
As with anything affecting your dog’s health, talk to your veterinarian about supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oils before proceeding.
What Is Fish Oil for Dogs?
Fish oil is just what it sounds like: oil that comes from fish. Some fish, particularly fish that reside primarily in cold waters, like salmon and cod, contain more oil than others, and therefore most fish oil supplements are derived from these varieties of fish.
Fish oil supplements are used because they contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which are often in short supply in our dog’s diets. Both DHA and EPA are essential omegas for dogs that are found in fish oil.
Benefits Of Omega Oil For Dogs – Why You Should Give Your Dog Omega Oil
Omega-3 is one of the single most potent supplements you can add to your dog’s diet. Countless studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have wide-ranging positive effects on the health of dogs. Amongst others, omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to the brain development of puppies, strengthen the immune system of dogs, reduce inflammation, increase the ability to fight cancer and benefit heart health.
Fat plays an important role in the nutrition of dogs. However, not all fat is the same. While some fats solely act as a source of energy, other fats are closely associated with the health of our canine companions.
All nutritional fats are composed of fatty acids. The two primary groups of fatty acids are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
While animals can produce some types of fatty acids out of other nutrients, certain types of fatty acids must be directly supplied via the food eaten. These fatty acids are referred to as essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is essential for all animals to stay in good health. Other fatty acids considered essential for dogs are the ALA and/or EPA and DHA. All of them are omega-3 fatty acids.¹
When it comes to health benefits in dogs, research has shown that EPA and DHA are most powerful. While the metabolism of dogs is able to convert limited amounts of the less powerful ALA to EPA and DHA, this process is not very efficient. Therefore, it is recommended to enrich the diet of your dog with omega-3 fatty acids high in bioavailable EPA and DHA.²