Some of you may have concerns about whether fish oil is good for dogs. To put your minds at ease, we have compiled this short guide to answer any questions you may have about fish oil's efficacy.
Some of you may have concerns about whether fish oil is good for dogs. To put your minds at ease, we have compiled this short guide to answer any questions you may have about fish oil's efficacy.
The answer to this question is yes, absolutely. Fish oilhas far-reaching health benefits, aiding skin health and the appearance of your dog's coat, while also having beneficial effects on health conditions such as cancer and heart problems.
Most commercial dog food is low in omega-3 fatty acid but instead has omega-6 fatty acid. Some omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, so it's important to feed a reputable, well-balanced dog food that has appropriate quantities of effective omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Note: If your dog has a serious inflammatory condition, omega-3 fatty acids cannot treat the condition alone. However, fatty acids can provide additional benefits in dogs receiving conventional veterinarian-recommended medications. Talk to your veterinarian before combining a fish oil supplement with prescription medication.
Fish oil was originally recommended for treating allergies. Now is used to treat numerous conditions including arthritis and high cholesterol.
The fish oil in fish oil supplements contains two essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They can be found in fish including salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Each of the two fatty acids has its own specific set of benefits: EPA is an anti-inflammatory, while DHA is important for the development of the brain and eyes in puppies. Dogs do not synthesize these acids well on their own without supplementation.
The fatty acids in fish oil have the ability to decrease inflammation at the cellular level. Both EPA and DHA are converted into prostaglandins that can reduce the tissues' tendency to become inflamed.
Too much of a good thing can cause problems: excessive consumption of fish oil can lead to vommiting, diarreha, and other adverse effects. Therefore, it's important to purchase a product that is specifically developed for dogs, with a dosing chart that will help you determine the correct dose for your dog's weight.
A quality fish oil supplement can ensure that your dog gets the EPA and DHA that they need. With this one supplement, your pet can see a range of health benefits.
Meet The Author
Canine Specialist & Writer
Grant is an award-winning writer for SitStay with a passion for pets and especially dogs! Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs.
Medically Reviewed By
Veterinarian
Catherine is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Florida. After 14 years as a small animal general practitioner, Dr. Barnette now focuses on creating educational content for veterinary teams and their clients. She shares her home with her husband, daughter, one dog, two cats, and a rescued white dove.
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