Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs throughout their lives, especially during prenatal and early development. Dog food often contains these to keep your pet healthy. Before supplementing your dog’s diet, see a vet because too much omega-3 can hurt them. According to Dr. Emily White, Veterinary Nutrition Specialist
“Supplementing your dog’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive function and support a healthy immune system.”
Fish and seafood are the main places where you find DHA and EPA, and they’re part of what’s called polyunsaturated fat, which is good for dogs.
Unlike some other fats, these omega-3 fatty acids are essential, meaning dogs need them but can’t make them on their own. So, it’s important to make sure your dog gets enough of them from what they eat. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you require regarding the crucial Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your dog’s health. They come from fish and plants. There are three types: EPA, DHA, and ALA.
These fats help your dog’s eyes, brain, skin, heart, lungs, immune system, and hormones work well. But dogs can’t make them on their own, so they need them in their food.
Dog diets should be balanced. Good omega-6 fatty acids are present in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Too much of these can negate Omega-3 benefits.
Omega-3s and Omega-6s work together in your dog’s body. Omega-6s can cause inflammation when needed, like when there’s an injury. Omega-3s help calm that inflammation down when it’s no longer needed. But too much Omega-6 can mess up this balance and lead to long-lasting inflammation, which isn’t good for your dog.
Sources Of Omega-3s For Dogs
Omega-3 fatty acids are present in many tasty foods that dogs love, such as:
- Salmon
- Sea bass
- Herring
- Sushi fish
- Fish called sardines
- Linseed seeds
- Vegetable oil
However, choosing an Omega-3-rich meal for your dog requires more than taste. Not all Omega-3 sources are equal, says Dr. Wilson. Oily fish like sardines, mackerel, trout, and krill are the finest Omega-3 sources, she says.
Remember that fatty fish are high in calories. Thus, oily fish may not help your dog lose weight. Look for dog food containing low-calorie, Omega-3-rich fish. JustFoodForDogs’ Fish & Sweet Potato recipe with wild-caught Alaskan Pacific fish is wonderful.
Dr. Wilson promotes human-grade whole-food diets. She advises against feeding your dog normal kibble to boost Omega-3s.
“Omega oils added to shelf-stable conventional kibble naturally degrade,” explains Dr. Wilson. “That can reduce the Omega-3’s impact and possibly change the kibble’s taste.”
Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Dogs Dosage
No matter which form of supplement you choose, make sure it’s made specifically for pets. Always follow the instructions on the package, especially for the dosage. The right amount of Omega-3 supplements depends on different things, like:
1: Your dog’s health overall
2: Their weight
How much Omega-3s are already in their food To make sure your dog gets enough Omega-3s, stick to the suggested dose on the package. For example, JustFoodForDogs recommends:
Dogs under 30 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon per day
Dogs 30-60 lbs: 1 teaspoon per day
Dogs 61-90 lbs: 1 1/2 teaspoons per day
Dogs over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons per day
Consult your vet before using Omega-3 supplements for heart, skin, kidney, or stomach concerns. They can advise on dosage. Omega-3 overdose can cause diarrhea in dogs. Some health concerns may not benefit from undergrowth.
Your vet will assess your dog’s meals Omega fatty acid intake. Then they can recommend a healthy dose for your dog. Dr. Wilson advises starting gently and monitoring changes with any new diet. Start slowly feeding your dog Omega-3s for dry skin or joints.
Check for changes in 2–4 weeks. “If things improve, keep going,” she urges. “Your vet may recommend Omega-3s and fish oil for severe skin or arthritis. The price will be stated.” JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen and Pantry Fresh meals contain all the essential nutrients, including Omega-3s. They’re tasty and healthful, giving your dog everything they need to be happy and healthy.
When To Give Dogs Omega-3 Supplements Like Fish Oil?
Fish-based pet diets should provide enough Omega-3 fatty acids for your dog. At JustFoodForDogs, we add Icelandic fish oil to all our diets to make sure dogs get the Omega-3s they need. But if your dog eats non-fish-based food, giving them a supplement like fish oil might help them get more Omega-3s.
Dr. Wilson recommends giving your dog a liquid supplement like JustFoodForDogs’ Omega Plus fish oil instead of capsules or chews. Liquids are less processed, so your dog’s body can absorb them better. Omega Plus has lots of Omega-3s from fresh sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies. It’s also purified to remove any harmful stuff and tested by a third party to make sure it’s really good quality.
Best Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Dogs
The following are the best omega-3 fatty acids for dogs.
1: Nordic Natural Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Dogs
This supplement from Nordic Naturals is made in the USA and is a good way for small dogs to get EPA and DHA. People mostly like it, saying it makes their pet’s fur soft and shiny.
2: Terramax Pro Premium Liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil
TerraMax Pro’s fish oil liquid is made from natural ingredients and is safe for dogs, with no artificial stuff added. Each serving has at least 800 mg EPA and 525 mg DHA, which are great for your dog’s skin, fur, joints, and overall health. Plus, it doesn’t have that strong fishy smell. Lots of people like it, saying it’s worth the money and helps pets with sore joints. It is also the best omega-3 for dogs with itchy skin.
3: Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels
These soft gels are an excellent substitute for liquid food if you would rather give your dog a pill.
They’re made with ingredients from really clean waters and are in a form that’s easy for your dog to absorb. Vets recommend them for all kinds of dogs. People who’ve tried them say they work well and are less messy than liquid supplements.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Dogs Food
Fish and seafood are the main sources of DHA and EPA, which are types of omega-3 fatty acids. Coldwater fish, like Salmon, that have high levels of body fat to stay warm are particularly good sources of omega-3s.
How do I add omega-3 to my dog’s diet?
Omega supplements usually have a recommended dose of milligrams (mg) per day. Pay attention to this when choosing a supplement for your dog’s diet. The suggested daily amount of omega-3 for your dog depends on their weight – it’s typically 75 to 100 mg per kilogram total of EPA/DHA.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Dogs Benefits
Perhaps inflammation doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, there’s a chance it’s connected to other, more severe health problems, which is why Omega-3s are crucial for your pet. The following are the top five advantages for your dog from an Omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet:
1: Reduce Inflammation For Dogs With Arthritis
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA can help dogs with arthritis. Dog owners who took part in some studies said that giving their pets omega-3 fats made them feel a lot less pain, move better, and have less severe joint problems.
2: Supporting Puppy Brain Development
One study indicated that older dogs with high blood Omega-3 fatty acid levels had less cognitive deterioration. Puppies who eat food with lots of omega-3 fatty acids, like DHA, do better in different tasks compared to puppies with less omega-3 in their diet. In this study, young dogs were tested on things like telling objects apart, remembering things, and staying balanced and coordinated.
3: Boosting Dog Immunity
Studies have found that adding omega-3 fatty acids (containing EPA and DHA) to a dog’s diet can make their immune system stronger. This means it can help with things like reducing allergies caused by the immune system overreacting. Also, dogs may have much higher levels of antibodies after getting vaccinated.
4: Enhancing Dog Cancer Fighting
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA can help dogs with arthritis. This was seen in a study with 32 dogs having lymphoma. When their diet was supplemented with omega-3 fats rich in EPA and DHA, their time without the disease and how long they lived increased a lot. Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs benefit their fight against cancer.
5: Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Dogs With Kidney Disease
EPA and DHA-rich omega-3s help chronic renal disease dogs. These healthy fats have been found to have positive effects on their health. On the other hand, a study found that feeding dogs with kidney disease vegetable oils rich in omega-6, like safflower oil, made their condition worse.
6: Enhancing Dog Heart Health
Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs benefit their heart health. Many studies with dogs of all kinds – different sexes, ages, breeds, and sizes – have found that omega-3 fatty acids can help dogs with heart problems.
These positive effects include better heart function and appetite, lower blood pressure, less inflammation, and less muscle loss. For dogs with heart problems, fish oil is better than flaxseed oil if you decide to supplement their diet because it offers more easily obtainable Omega-3 fatty acids.
7: Minimising Dog Anxiety, Depression, And Hyperactivity
Omega-3 fatty acids may help your dog feel worried, melancholy, or active. We don’t know how omega-3s alter behavior, but studies suggest they affect brain chemistry and learning and change. They function like fluoxetine and other anxiety drugs.
A study in 2016 with 24 anxious Labradors found that omega-3s have a calming effect on them. There’s also evidence in other research suggesting omega-3s could help with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and too much energy in various animals, including dogs. So, giving your dog omega-3s might make them feel better.
8: Promoting Dog Skin And Coat Health
Research over many years has found that omega-3 fatty acids can help dogs deal with allergies, itching, and flea problems. By adding omega-3s to a dog’s diet, it can calm down their overactive immune system, which means less itching and better skin and coat health.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Dogs Side Effects
Many pet owners don’t think about giving their dogs Omega-3 supplements because they believe their pets get everything they need from their food. But sometimes, especially if your dog eats low-quality pet food, they might not get enough of these important nutrients.
Omega-3 supplements, like fish and salmon oil, can be good for dogs, but they can also cause some problems, such as:
1: Diarrhea and throwing up
2: Gaining too much weight
3: Upsetting their stomach
4: Taking too much, which can be dangerous
5; Slowing down how quickly wounds heal
If you’re not sure whether Omega supplements are right for your dog, it’s best to talk to your vet. And it’s important to know how much to give your dog to avoid serious health problems. For example, giving too much fish oil can make your dog sick, causing liver problems or pancreatitis. And some dogs might react badly to fish oil, making them throw up, have diarrhea, or feel sick to their stomach.
FAQs
How much omega-3 should I give my dog per day?
For Dogs:
- 50-75 mg of EPA+DHA (both combined) per kilogram of body weight
For Cats:
- 30-50 mg of EPA+DHA (both combined) per kilogram of body weight
Is Omega-3 Fatty Acids Good For Dogs?
Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process of wounds, making them an essential supplement for dogs that have sustained injuries.
Source:
Essential Fatty Acid & Fish Oil Benefits for Dogs
Omega 3 for Dogs: Reasons to Make it a Priority
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