Salmon Fish Oil For Dogs - Things We Should Know

Omega - 3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats, one of four basic types of fats that animals derive from food. (Cholesterol, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat are the others.) All polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3s, are increasingly recognized as being important to good health. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are healthy for animals.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) are key Omega-3 fatty acids, which are both found primarily in oily, cold-water fish such as salmon, pollock, tuna and mackerel. A third Omega-3, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is found primarily in dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oil, and certain vegetable oils.

However ALA is not readily accessible to animals—it takes several enzymatic steps in their metabolism to convert it into a useful configuration like EPA. In addition, some dogs are extremely poor in utilising ALA, especially if high amounts of metabolically "competitive" Omega -6 fatty acids are present.

Salmon fish oil is probably the most important supplement you can add to your dog's diet, irrespective of what type of diet you feed.

Benefits of fish oil for pets -

• Improves the skin and coat, making it soft and shiny

• Reduces inflammation that can cause problems like arthritis and skin allergies

• Helps in regulating the immune system

• Aids in the mental development of foetuses and puppies, also improves cognitive function in older dogs

• Lowers blood pressure and triglycerides

• Provides support for dogs with kidney ailments

• Prevents growth of cancer cells

• Helps in providing more collagen

• Aids in reducing appearance of joint problems

• Renews energy and builds stamina

Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency:

• Fatigues Easily

• Dry Coat

• Dry/Itchy Skin

• Brittle Nails

• Joint Pain

Dosage

The amount of EPA and DHA in various fish oil preparations varies. Look for concentrated forms when giving high doses so you use smaller amounts of oil. Healthy dogs can be given 100-150 mg of EPA and DHA per 10 pounds of body weight daily. Dogs who have health problems can be given up to 300mg per 10 pounds of body weight. For those who feed a homemade diet that doesn't include much fish, given an amount that provides about 100 IUs of vitamin D per 25 pounds of body weight daily. If additional omega 3 fatty acids are desired, add plain fish oil.

• High unmeasured dosage can cause following Side Effects-

• Loose stool, diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Bad breath (can be overcome by regularly cleaning their teeth)

• Weight gain (can be managed with a healthy diet and regular exercise)

Animals that are fed excessive amounts of fish oil would have a tendency to suffer higher blood loss when injured or afflicted by conditions that cause bleeding. This would also be an important consideration for pets needing surgery, especially procedures on body organs/parts of the body with heavy blood flow. The anti inflammatory properties of EPA and DHA may also interfere with wound healing.

Word of CAUTION

Fish oil should be protected from light, heat and air. Store liquid fish oil in dark bottles in refrigerator. Purchase amounts that can be used within 1-2 months. If you notice an 'off' odor, discard the oil. Make sure the Salmon oil you use is of the highest quality. Always go for verifiedbrands. If you are using salmon oil to help treat a specific condition with your dog, it's better to consult a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist. Also, make sure you pay attention to the expiry date on the bottle. 

Source : articlesbase.com