Wild Salmon Oil for Dogs

Just as humans tend to add nutrients to their diets, canine companions may benefit from the addition of a few dietary supplements as well. The addition of omega 3 fatty acids may provide many benefits to dogs. Fatty acids such as those found in wild salmon oil are often recommended by veterinarians in order to improve and treat a variety of medical conditions in dogs.

  1. Identification

    • Salmon oil may be purchased in capsule form.

      Wild salmon oil can be commonly found for sale by wholesale distributors, pet stores, Internet stores and veterinarian offices. This supplement is generally available in two different forms: liquid form and capsule form. The liquid form usually comes in a bottle with a pump and can be easily added to food, therefore, it may be the ideal solution for dogs who dislike being given pills. As with any supplements and nutrients added to a dog's diet, it is best to consult with a veterinarian before administering wild salmon oil.

    Benefits

    • Wild salmon oil, just as other fish oils, specifically contains the important omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids contained in wild salmon oil and other fish oils therefore effectively nourishes a dog's skin and coat, helps support a healthy heart, encourages good vision, joint health and ultimately proper immune function. Basically, dogs affected by any type of inflammatory condition appear to benefit from the supplementation of fish oil, explains Dr. Jeannie Thomason, a Doctor of Veterinary Naturopathy who writes for Whole Dog News.

    Considerations

    • Even though labels on dog foods often list omega 3 fatty acids among its nutrients, generally none of such foods contain satisfactory amounts of EPA and DHA, the most important omega 3 fatty acids. Most dog foods indeed mostly contain omega 6 fatty acids obtained primarily from vegetable oils. This causes an imbalance in the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids, explains Dr. Jeannie Thomason.

    Warning

    • Choose wild salmon over farm-raised salmon.

      When choosing a good quality salmon oil for dogs, it is important to read the label carefully. Make sure you purchase a bottle of salmon oil derived from wild, open water fish. Some products found on the market may appear to be derived from wild salmon, when in reality they are from farm-raised fish. A main risk derived from purchasing salmon oil obtained from farm-raised fish is that it may contain harmful chemicals such as heavy metals and other contaminants, warns Andi Brown, author of the book ''The Whole Pet Diet.''

    Safety

    • Supplementing a dog's diet with fish oil is very safe, however it is always best to discuss dosages with a veterinarian since they may vary depending on the dog's weight and condition being treated. The most common side effect associated with giving fish oil such as wild salmon oil is a fish odor to the dog's breath or skin. Since fish oil may have mild blood thinning properties, it should not be used in conjunction with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or heparin, explains Shawn Messonnier, a veterinarian and author of several natural pet books.