Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most popular supplements for humans, but did you know that your dog can benefit from omega-3s too? Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids with an array of health benefits including cardiovascular support, healthy skin and coat, joint mobility and flexibility, fertility support, immune function support and more.
Omega-3s are beneficial for both the dog and the owner. Studies show that dogs on a good quality omega-3 diet had significantly fewer incidences of dry, flaky skin and itchy “hot spots”. Their coats were also shinier and less smelly. Omega 3 for dogs can also help alleviate some of the negative symptoms associated with allergies and arthritis.
What Are The Benefits Of Consuming Omega-3s For Dogs?
Omega-3s for dogs are beneficial in many ways. They can help to control inflammatory skin conditions, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, support cognitive function, contribute to better blood lipid levels, reduce anal gland problems improve vision health and reduce the risk of cancer.
Studies have shown that daily administration of omega-3 fatty acids is effective in helping manage chronic inflammation throughout your dog’s body. For example, omega-3 fatty acids inhibit enzymes that promote inflammation thus reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis or post-operative recovery times.
Allergies are also a common problem with dogs due to seasonal changes as well as exposure to irritants such as dust mites, pollen and mold spores which they inhale or ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the inflammatory response of mast cells and basophils, helping to reduce and manage allergies and asthma and for this reason they are often found in “grain-free” dog food formulations.
Finally, omega-3s help control inflammation of the heart (coronary artery disease) as well as improve blood flow throughout your dog’s body. For example, omega-3 fatty acids exert a direct effect on platelets (cells that promote clotting). They can prevent them from clumping together by providing a stronger bond between protein molecules which would normally be present on adjacent platelets. This makes it more difficult for blood clots to form and reduces chances of fatal heart attacks or strokes.
Which Omega-3 Sources Are Best For Your Dog?
An important note – just because a dog food is labeled as “premium” or “super-duper premium” does not mean that it contains omega-3s. Many companies will use fish meal, menhaden fish oil or flax seed oil to boost their omega-3 levels, but they may lack adequate antioxidants to balance out the increased level of pro-inflammatory fatty acids in these oils. For example, if your dog’s diet is high in fish meal, you should supplement with additional antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C, E and A, CoQ10, or grape seed extract.
The best source of omega-3s for dogs is krill oil. It contains antioxidants that protect the oils from oxidation and it has a much higher concentration of DHA than fish oil.
Krill is an important food source for both whales and penguins, so don’t worry – your dog won’t turn into some kind of aquatic creature if you give him or her krill oil! It’s just another way to increase the anti-inflammatory power in your dog’s diet.
But what other sources of OMEGA-3 fat for dogs are there? We recommend that you purchase Omega 3 for Dogs Skin and Coat by KinpurPetCare. These treats are made from a combination of a variety of natural, freeze-dried raw ingredients that include:
- Alaskan Salmon
- Omega 3-6-9
- Zinc
- Biotin
- Vitamin C
These Omega 3 for dogs have been shown in the lab to be very effective at preventing skin inflammation and restoring coat sheen while being the most affordable option on the market. The inclusion rate of herring oil is high enough to reduce itchiness, yet not so high as to cause stomach upset.
These treats are ideal for giving to overweight or anemic dogs. The high protein content will put lean muscle mass on your dog, while the vitamin C will help boost their immune system. The salmon oil will help with inflammation and the zinc will aid in wound healing.
These treats are completely free of grains, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They do not contain corn, soy, wheat or sodium nitrite. Because they are freeze-dried rather then baked or extruded, the vitamins and minerals remain intact without harsh processing methods. Freeze drying uses less energy to produce a superior product that is easily digestible for your dog’s sensitive stomachs.
Give a few of these treats a week for a healthy treat, or daily to manage allergies and reduce inflammation. No mess, no hassle – your dogs will love them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dogs too many Omega-3?
Generally the only reaction to over dosing is gastrointestinal upset, most commonly diarrhea or vomiting. This is usually due to lack of education on how much to use, they are animals after all! A maximum 12 treat per day does not seem excessive when trying to maintain healthy skin and coat condition in our canine – they are omnivores like us!
When will I see Omega-3 results?
You should see an improvement in about 3 weeks. After this time, you will probably see your dog’s coat is softer, the skin has cleared up and their energy levels are higher.
How long can I give Omega-3 to my dog?
You can safely give them daily for as long as you feel it is required. Some dogs have been known to show a positive response within 30 minutes of taking the first treat!
When will my dog need more Omega-3?
If your dog begins to show signs of poor skin, lethargy etc. it is time for a checkup with your veterinarian. With proper care and the right amount of Omega-3 you should see an improvement in almost all patients within 3 weeks. If the condition is not improving or if it worsens you should consult with your veterinarian.
What about other health concerns?
As Omega-3 will help to improve the skin and coat, any underlying problems such as allergies should also show an improvement. In addition, if your dog is overweight due to a high fat diet their weight should drop too.
Can my cat have Omega-3?
Yes. However, they are unlikely to take it from a bowl on their own so we recommend hiding it in foods that they eat anyway. They should respond well within 1 month but please consult with your veterinarian before adding fish oil to their diet over a long period of time.
