Unleash the Benefits of Omega-3 for Dog Health
Does your dog need a Omega 3 Supplement?
Most likely yes — unless your dog is eating quite a lot of healthy fish. Most dogs (and people) get a significant amount of Omega 6 and 9 in their diets — but most are not getting enough quality Omega 3, especially if they are eating a kibble diet and worse a grain-based kibble diet.
Nutritional guidance tells us we should generally achieve a 4:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio. Dr. Judy estimates most pet foods have a 30:1 ratio. Yike, so do you need to supplement?
Did you also know that deficiencies in omega 3 may contribute to aggressive behavior or cognitive dysfunction as it affects the brain!
Raw feeders who are including good rotations of fatty fish in their diet may not need to supplement. But since your dog cannot make this essential fatty acid on his own without the right nutrients — be sure your diet is balanced to achieve the optimal ratios.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are anti-inflammatory and will help support inflammatory conditions. When these conditions are present it may be appropriate to increase the amount offered to your dog.
Benefits of High Quality Omega 3 For Dogs
brain, heart, eye, and joint health.
Supports the skin, fur & coat, and soothes red-hot, itchy skin
may help lower the risk of cellular damage
may help fight anxiety, depression, and emotional feelings of sadness.
may offer better behavior (less over-arousal, fewer socialization issues, improve learning abilities, especially if given to the pregnant mama, and the puppy)
Omega 3 & CoQ10 are important supplemental pairings for supporting kidney health
support the aging process physically and mentally
improve healing time and recovery processes
Omega 3 has been shown to be an excellent alternative to NSAIDs.
May benefit those with autoimmune disease
Omega 3 Facts:
Essential Fatty Acids mean that we have to get them in our food sources -- the body cannot naturally produce them. DHA and EPA must be provided to the dog through food or supplementation.
DHA is essential to puppy development of brain health & development
If your dog is on a chicken only protein diet, (especially the home-cooks), you may be inadvertently creating an imbalance of Omega 3 to Omega 6.
Chicken is rich in Omega 6, but not Omega 3. An imbalance could lead to negative inflammatory responses in the body. Omega 6 is said to be Proinflammatory while Omega 3 is said to be anti-inflammatory.
Omega 3 can be found in some plant materials (chia, flax, hemp) and in Marine products -- but they are NOT the same! The body does not receive plant-based omega in the same way it does marine-based omega. Omega is best sourced from Marine Life rather than plant materials.
Plant-based Omega 3 cannot convert in your dog's body to a much needed EPA and DHA Omega -- you need Marine-based Omega 3
Many Fish oils -- especially those stored in plastics or big volume bottles will go rancid before you can use them. Many go rancid before you buy them. Rancid fish oil would actually be worse to give your dog than no omega at all!
Many fish oil companies are not environmentally friendly. Be sure you are choosing an ethically sustained source. Even Omega 3 Oils etc can be adulterated by using lesser quality oils.
Quality Matters here too! Cheap is probably not your friend. Bulk volume is not your friend.
Smaller, younger fish sources are exposed to fewer toxins themselves, therefore better for your supplementation
Liver-based fish oils will be less in Omega 3 than from whole-fish or body of the fish sources
Vegans or those dogs with fish allergies may choose from an Algae-based Omega 3 supplement, Camelina Oil, Walnut Oil.
Most kibble is insufficient in Omega 3 for what your dog actually needs. Remember AAFCO is required minimum not optimal amounts of anything! And in kibble, Omegas can go rancid before you consume the bag and the processing at high temps degrades the quality.
The Risks Associated With Fish Oil
Many lower-quality fish oil supplements are found to contain high levels of heavy metals. These compounds - arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium - can be found in fish oil, krill oil, squid oil, and fishes. They are known to be contributing factors to:
cancer
kidney damage
eye sight health concerns including blindnes
brain health issues and neurological conditions
Immunity Issues
You may choose high-quality human-grade supplements in this category for your dog (as always read your labels!)
Dr. Ruth Roberts: OmegaPaws
Volahrd: Krill Oil
Adored Beast: Algae Oil
Four Leaf Rover Green Lipped Mussels
Volhard Dog Nutrition Krill Oil Is An Excellent Choice. Shop Here