How to Add Omega-3 to your Dog Food

In response to increased allergies in dogs, omega-3 fatty acids were initially introduced to dogs' diets. Veterinarians have since discovered other benefits, including lowered cholesterol, easing arthritis pain and treating kidney disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, both active fatty acids, create positive results when added to your dog's diet for at least six weeks. Processed dog foods are high in omega-6 fatty acids--also beneficial to canine health--but low in omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements to increase your dog's omega-3 intake are recommended if you feed your pet store-bought food.

Things You'll Need

Fish oil or flax seed supplements
Fish
Specially-formulated dog food
Vitamin E supplements

Instructions

- 1
  Read the ingredients of your dog's food. If fish oils are listed, your dog is getting omega-3 fatty acids. If flax seed or flax seed oil are listed, your dog may or may not be benefiting from omega-3s. The acid in flax seed must be converted to EPA and DHA to be beneficial and some dogs may not be capable of creating this conversion.
- 2
  Purchase omega-3 supplements specifically designed for dogs and other pets. Both liquid and pill forms are available.
- 3
  Add the correct dose of the supplement to your dog's meal based on his weight. Doses are generally different for dogs under 20 pounds than for those 20 pounds and over.
- 4
  Consult with your veterinarian on the proper dosage if you wish to use fish oil capsules intended for human consumption. Puncture the pill and pinch the oil out onto your dog's food if he is averse to swallowing pills.
- 5
  Select a supplement that includes vitamin E or add it along with your fish oil. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids in the diet requires an increase in antioxidants, of which vitamin E is an excellent source.
- 6
  Feed your dog fish--either fresh or canned. Salmon and white fish are often used in commercially-produced dog food and are considered safe for dogs.