Omega-3 Fish Oils for Dogs

Advantages of omega-3 fatty acids in our diet are becoming common knowledge. Supplements are available to provide this essential fish oil to our diet when we cannot eat the kinds of food that provide it naturally. The canine diet must also have omega-3 essential fatty acids to ensure a long and healthy life for your beloved pet.

  1. Sources of Omega-3

    • Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of your dog's healthy diet. Most commercial dog foods do not contain the correct balance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Plants and cold-water fish are good sources of omega-3 oils to add to your dog's diet. It is always best to include the natural source for these oils to your dog's diet such as cod and tuna, but supplements are available that can help ensure that your dog gets the appropriate nutrients every day. Tuna, cod, salmon are good fish sources for omega-3 fish oils and flax oil is a plant source that can be used as well.
      Fish-oil supplements or oils can be added to your dog's food to supplement the nutrition in commercial dog food.

    Supplements

    • Supplements are available that are specifically made for dogs. There are also products that are made for dogs that can be added to dog food.
      Omega-3 fish oils can help with a variety of conditions that your dog may be suffering from such as dry coat and skin, inflammation and autoimmune system. The various supplements that are on the market for dogs have different ratios of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. You may have to experiment with various brands of supplements to find the one that is right for your pet.
      Discuss supplementation with your veterinarian to find the one that is right for your dog and its particular condition.

    Storing Fish Oil

    • Adding natural fish oil to your dog's food is a convenient option for some pet owners. You should make sure that the fish oil is properly stored to avoid oxidation of the oil. Fish oil should be refrigerated immediately after opening and used within three months. Fish oil should not smell overly fishy and should have a light color.

    Lack of Omega-3

    • A lack of omega-3 essential fatty acids in your dog's diet can lead to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Dogs who are not getting enough omega-3 will also suffer from more frequent skin infections and a dry itchy coat. Allergies are more common in dogs with this dietary deficiency.
      Omega-3 essential fatty acids are an important part of your dog's diet and nutritional needs.

    Purity

    • The purity of the fish oil and supplements that you choose for your dog is an important factor as well. Supplementing your dog's food with cod liver oil is a good way to get this healthy fat into its diet. Supplements should be of the highest quality that you are able to find for your pet. Discuss with the veterinarian which fish oil supplements he or she recommends for use in your dog's diet.