Dogs with omega-3 imbalances are not as healthy as dogs who get the proper amount of omega-3's. Dull coat and lack of energy are the primary signs of an omega-3 imbalance.
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Signs
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Dogs who do not get enough omega-3 in their diet can suffer from an array of health issues. Allergies, dry, itchy skin; a dull coat; and lack of energy are the most notable signs of an omega-3 imbalance.
Supply
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A sure way to know if a dog is getting an adequate supply of omega-3 is to look at the dog food label. Higher-end dog foods will have a minimum of 0.3 percent of omega-3; if there is no listing under the guaranteed analysis, your dog is probably not getting enough.
Supplement
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If the dog food has less then the needed amount, supplementing your dog's food with flaxseed oil to boost the omega-3's he is receiving is the next best option.
Considerations
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There is a balance with omega-3--if the dog food has a good amount, adding an additional source of omega-3 to your dog's diet can cause his blood to become thin and can make clotting difficult.
Warning
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If your dog is getting the proper amount of omega-3 but still exhibits symptoms of an imbalance, a trip to the veterinarian is in order to determine if there is an underlying problem.
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