A Healthy Boost for Your Best Friend: Omega Fatty Acids for Dogs

Diet and Nutrition Omega Fatty Acids

Your best friend's health and happiness is important to you. To make that happen, you feed him healthy food, get him lots of exercise and plenty of fresh, cool water. But, is that enough? Just like humans, dogs are sometimes lacking in nutrients that can help ease inflammation and pain, while making their lives more comfortable.  

Why do dogs need to supplement Omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs contain chained carbon molecules, and they contain essential fatty acids (EFA). EFAs need consumed in the diet because your pal’s body cannot make them, and Omega 3s are the type which will lower inflammation, reduce joint pain and calm skin conditions.

What happens when we fix this gap in a dog's diet?

Fixing a deficiency in Omega fatty acids can help with a range of health problems. It reduces inflammation, and with it many allergy symptoms, dry skin, shedding and dander.  

Here are some of the benefits of adding Omega fatty acids for dogs to their diet:

  • Shiny coat and healthy skin
  • Lowered inflammation
  • Increased energy 
  • Immune system improvement
  • Decreased shedding
  • Moisturizes dry skin 
  • Reduced joint pain
  • Reduced risk of heart problems
  • Antioxidant properties lower cancer risks 
  • Stabilizes blood triglycerides

What is the latest news on omega fatty acids for dogs?

According to Dr. Weil, veterinarians first supplemented with fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids to treat allergies in dogs, but that now they recommend it for a variety of conditions. These range from arthritis to high cholesterol and kidney disease. Dr. Weil also notes that adding fish oil to your dog’s diet relieves itching due to atopic dermatitis.  

Recent independent studies by ConsumerLab, noted that “The quality of fish oil / omega-3 supplements varies across brands”, a number are inaccurately labeled, and there is even the risk of contamination in some formulations. Obviously, high quality supplements in the proper dosage are what you want for your pet.  

What are the latest veterinary and nutritionist recommendations?

The National Research Council says that a proper dose for dogs is 20-55 mg per pound of body weight daily, with therapeutic dosages higher. Of course, consulting your pet’s veterinarian for his recommendations is the best course of action when starting Omega 3 supplementation to battle an ailment, but take solace that those ailments may be easier to fix than you thought possible.

 

References

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400120/fish-oil-for-dogs.html

http://www.dog-swim.com/clinical-services/nutritional-supplements/fish-oil

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2014/august/using-omega-3-fatty-acids-effectively-and-safely-31972


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