Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Pets

Wild Alaskan salmon oil is used by humans and pets alike. This is because salmon oil contains essential fatty acids which aid the body and mind. While the diet of pets may include these nutrients there are few foods that contain such a high dosage of these fatty acids. Among the most beneficial of these acids are the omega-3 fatty acids as they have been shown to have a positive impact in many areas of a pets' body.

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Fats are present in any diet, whether it is in human foods or pet foods. What is important to remember, however, is that not all fats are good for the continuing health of an animal. Omega-3 fats are essential in any diet especially for pets. These fats are polyunsaturated fats which are very good for improving overall health in pets as opposed to the saturated fats which can actually be detrimental to health in the long run. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in high quantities in many varieties of cold water fish, especially wild Alaskan salmon oil.

    Omega-6 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-6 fatty acids are found in high amounts in vegetable oils but are also present in wild Alaskan salmon oil. These fatty acids are also essential for pets and have many beneficial qualities just like omega-3 acids. Unfortunately both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are not made naturally in the pet's body so they must be added to the diet and added in balanced amounts. If a pet receives large portions of omega-6 acids but small doses of omega-3, it can actually enhance problems rather than help them.

    Benefits Of Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

    • Wild Alaskan salmon oil, according to veterinarians such as Doctors Foster and Smith on PetEducation.com, has been shown to improve coat quality in both cats and dogs. When pets have dry itchy skin the fatty acids in wild Alaskan salmon oil can provide moisture to the skin and relive some of the itchiness that may be due to allergies. In pets that are older, salmon oil has been proven to assist in alleviating arthritis and joint pain by lubricating bones and joints. A proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also promote healthy hearts and healthy digestion in pets.

    Dosage

    • Wild Alaskan salmon oil is available for purchase without a prescription but because of this a common dosage is often hard to find. Different suppliers often have different ideas as to what is a good dose. Typically, however, a dose of 1000mg for every 30 lbs. of weight is a good place to start for the average healthy pet. If the pet is older or has pre existing conditions it may be necessary to increase it to 1,000mg for every 10 lbs. of weight.

    Precautions

    • Some pets are hypersensitive to fish oils and can actually have allergic reactions to these supplements. Luckily these reactions are few and far between and are rarely serious. Some other animals, especially young puppies and kittens have a hard time metabolizing the fatty acids and it can give them diarrhea.