There are certain supplements that are just as good for a dog's health as it is for a human's health. Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil (commonly just known as fish oil or omega 3) is one of these supplements. It provides the same benefits to dogs as it does to humans. In humans, fish oil supports healthy skin/hair as well as heart health. The same holds true for dogs. Salmon oil is specific fish oil that some dog owners give their dogs.
But, in order to determine the best fish oil supplement for your dog, be sure to consult your vet first. But before you do that, take a moment to learn about the benefits of fish oil for your dog and how it works. That way you can talk to your dog’s vet equipped with this valuable knowledge.
What is Fish Oil and How Does it Work?
The chemical breakdown of what makes up fish oil is rather complex and full of long chemical names. To keep the explanation short and sweet, the best way to explain what fish oil is, is like this.
There are two main ingredients that make up fish oil EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic), also known as Omega 3. These fatty acids that are found in fish oil are categorized as polyunsaturated fats. Aka “the good kind of fats”. These good fats work hard within our body helping to create/release hormones that are supportive of good heart health in addition to the reduction of inflammation throughout the body. These Omega 3 fatty acids do not occur naturally in the body of humans or dogs. However, Omega 3 is found naturally in cold-water fish like salmon, shellfish, and various plant and nut oils.
Adding Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils like salmon oil into your dog’s diet will help to counter the omega 6 fatty acids that are found in processed foods and grains. Dogs need some Omega 6 fatty acid in their diet, it does serve a purpose. But often dogs are getting too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3. Adding fish oil to your dog's diet will help balance this out as well as support specific areas of their health.
Skin and Fur Health
Adding Omega 3 fish oils to your dog’s diet will be very beneficial for the health of their skin and fur. Fish oil helps support the hydration levels of your dog's skin. Preventing or maybe alleviating dry and flaky skin. Whether your dog already has healthy skin or suffers from allergies that affect their skin, fish oil may be exactly what their skin needs.
When your dog's skin is well hydrated with natural oils supported by fish oil, their fur will also reap the same benefits. Your dog’s natural skin oils help to keep their fur coat hydrated and looking shiny and healthy.
Heart Health
Fish oils help lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood in both dogs and humans. This is super beneficial for the heart health of your dog. Lower bad cholesterol levels mean better circulation of blood throughout the body, as well as less strain on their heart. Fish oil can even protect your dog’s heart from going into certain dangerous rhythms.
Bad cholesterols have a tendency to build up and clog arteries in humans and dogs. Leading to cardiovascular disease or potentially poor outcomes as far as their health goes. The presence of this bad cholesterol is inevitable but adding fish oils to your dog’s diet can greatly improve the levels of cholesterol in their blood and support overall good heart health. Good heart health and circulation support almost every other body system that’s important to your dog. Such as their immune system.
Brain Health
We have to start at the beginning when talking about how omega 3 fatty acids support the neurological health of dogs. Omega 3 aids in the neurological development of puppies, giving them a strong start in life. Some studies have shown that adding omega 3 fish oils into the diets of older dogs or dogs with cognitive impairment has benefited from this nutritional supplement.
Joint Health
Omega 3 fish oils are an amazing joint supporting supplement for dogs. If you have an older dog who suffers from painful joints or even a younger dog who you want to proactively protect from joint problems, will benefit from fish oil supplements. Omega 3 fish oil helps to reduce inflammation in joints and keep the joint hinges lubricated for optimal function.
Choosing the Right Fish Oil Supplement
There’s a lot that needs to be considered before adding a fish oil supplement, or any other dietary supplement to your dog's diet. Such as your dog's weight, age, breed, and any medical conditions that they may already have. It’s best to talk to your dog's vet before going to the store and getting a fish oil supplement to add to their diet.
Conclusion
To summarize, Omega 3 fish oil is an awesome, naturally occurring supplement with tons of health benefits for your dog. Found in most cold-water fish, as well as certain natural oils, this Omega 3 really packs a healthy punch. Your dog’s heart, brain, skin, and joints will all benefit from having fish oils added to their daily meal(s) after consulting with their veterinarian.
Is fish oil good for dogs?
How much fish oil should I give my dog?
What does fish oil do for dogs?
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- Omega for Cats: What You Need To Know About This Powerful Supplement
- Mushroom Supplements for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
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