Many of today's commercial pet foods are lacking necessary fats and vitamins. Other foods contain improperly balanced or unstable ingredients. Omega fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin E are essential for a healthy dog. Fish oil and vitamin E can be fed separately or together. Some fish oils contain vitamin E. Supplementing the diet can prevent potential health risks as well as address the dog's current health concerns.
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Fish Oil
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Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids available through fish oil provide an anti-inflammatory effect. The active (available) omega-3's in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA reduces the damage to joint cartilage by reducing the action of the enzymes in arthritis. Use fish oil to help reduce itching and other allergy related problems. Adding fish oil to the diet nourishes the skin and coat. Fish oil supports heart, vision and joint health. Reduction in inflammation reduces the pain associated with arthritis. Other benefits include improved immune function and healthy skin and coat. Supplement the diet for a dog suffering from any type of inflammatory disease to ease symptoms and discomfort.
Vitamin E
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Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals from the body. Vitamin E is fat soluble and a very potent antioxidant. It reduces fat oxidation and raises production of HDL cholesterol. Vitamin E has been linked to improved circulation, preventing cataracts, improved immune function and slowing the aging process. At higher doses, vitamin E performs as a powerful anti-inflammatory by decreasing production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Vitamin E is added to most dry pet foods, but it degrades quickly once the bag is opened. Therefore, vitamin E must be supplemented. Give dogs two years and under 400 IU per day. Provide 800 IU of vitamin E per day to dogs over 2 years old.
Cancer Prevention
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Both vitamin E and fish oil help prevent cancer. Vitamin E prohibits the proliferation of cancer cells. Supplement with fish oil to impede the growth and spread of cancer cells. Too much omega-6, common in many foods, can stimulate cancer growth. Fish oil provides omega-3 to correct the balance and stabilize the levels.
Sources and Application
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Vitamin E can be applied topically to moisturize the skin and coat. Fish oil can be given to dogs orally through capsules or liquid. Capsules can be opened and poured on food or given whole. Once dogs realize what is inside the capsule, they will eat them readily. Vitamin E can be given orally though liquid or capsules as well. In addition, vitamin E can be applied topically to the dog's skin and coat for its moisturizing properties.
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