Rich with omega-3 essential fatty acids, salmon oil, the most popular type of fish oil, is one of the most research-backed supplements for benefiting human health. Omega-3 fatty acids help support the immune system, reducing inflammatory issues like allergies that damage and irritate the skin. As well, they support heart health and may even aid in helping with mood disorders like depression while also relieving stomach discomfort.
And that has a lot of dog owners wondering if their puppers can reap the same benefits from omega-3 fatty acids supplementation.
We’re happy to say salmon oil is safe for dogs, and it can benefit their health in the same ways it does our health!
How Omega Fatty Acids Can Improve Your Dog’s Health
Rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, salmon oil provides a delightful bouquet of essential unsaturated fats that support the immune system, blood flow, digestion, and even the kidneys.
Omega-3 fatty acids pop up in terrestrial crops/foods like flax seeds and nut oils, but the average diet, both human and canine, is loaded with omega-6s heavy foods because of meats like chicken, beef, and pork, grains like corn, and refined oils.
While omega-6s are essential — meaning the body can’t make them on its own, but requires them to optimally run itself — when omega-6s overwhelm the number of omega-3s in a diet, health can take a turn for the worst.
“An uneven ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can produce pro-inflammatory chemicals and raise blood pressure,” says pet company Innovetpet.
Why You Should Give Your Dog Salmon OIl
To combat a diet heavy in omega-6 fatty acids, many dog food markers add omega-3s from sources such as flaxseeds. But while these sources contain omega-3s, they predominantly contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Salmon oil, however, predominantly contains the more beneficial fatty acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and this is the key to its health benefits.
ALA is a precursor to EPA and DHA, but it has a very poor time successfully converting to them. Current research puts ALA conversion rates at 6% for EPA and 3.8% for DHA in humans. However, the presence of too many omega-6s can cut these conversion rates in half, with some estimating rates at 3% for EPA and 1.9% for DHA. These rates are pretty consistent with the ones found in canines. But even worse for our feline friends, who essentially can’t convert ALA to either EPA or DHA.
Then the omega-3s in dog foods are often lost both in the production and post-production phases due to their sensitivity to light and heat. Add in fun snacks like meats and peanut butter treats, and it is easy to see why our dogs aren’t getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. And this is having negative consequences on their health. Thankfully, just like they help us, fish oils like salmon oil can quickly and easily turn things around!
DHA and EPA fatty acids can better lower inflammation, benefiting health inward and outward. They help support the immune system better fight off infections, diseases, and kill cancer cells before they become a problem.
Then, many owners find that DHA and EPA fatty acids improve their pets’ coats, giving them shine and a soft feel, while also improving skin-related issues like hotspots and dry paw pads. Dogs that are struggling with mobility issues and joint pain can also see relief.
By supporting heart health and blood flow, omega-3s can help prevent heart diseases by reducing inflammation and protecting against abnormal heart rhythms.
Care and Storage of Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are quite sensitive to light and heat, and that’s why even when your dog’s complete food is formulated with omega-3s, they can still be deficient in them.
You always want to buy fish oil that comes in a dark bottle. To further ensure its safety from light and heat, you want to keep it in a cool, dark place. While it’s still fish and will have a smell, there should not be a strong pungent odor when opening the bottle. If there is, there’s a high chance one or more of the pills have oxidized, becoming rancid.
How To Give Your Dog Salmon Oil
Side effects from too much salmon oil typically result in fishy burps, though in rare cases, issues such as stomach discomfort and lethargy can occur. But while extremely safe to give, it’s a good idea to find the dosage that works best for your furnugget.
To do this, you can start with the recommended dosage that’s on the label of your salmon oil. Consulting with your veterinarian is also a fantastic idea, and their advice can help you find the perfect dosage even faster.
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