The Importance of Salmon Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dog Health

Just like humans, dogs need a balance of different nutrients to stay healthy. One important group of nutrients for dogs are omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in salmon and some other fish oil. Salmon oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, that offer a wide range of health benefits for dogs. Here are just a few reasons why your dog needs salmon oil as part of their diet.

Skin and Coat Health

One of the most obvious benefits of salmon oil for dogs is the impact it has on their skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep the skin moisturized and supple, while also reducing inflammation. This can lead to a shinier, healthier coat that is less prone to shedding. If your dog is suffering from dry skin or allergies, adding salmon oil to their diet may help to improve their symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that must be obtained from food since dogs cannot produce them on their own. These polyunsaturated fats have numerous health benefits including reducing inflammation, helping with joint and bone health, regulating the immune system, supporting brain and heart function, and promoting a healthy coat and skin. Fish oil is my preferred source of omega-3s for pets.

Joint Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for dogs suffering from joint pain. Salmon oil can help to reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints, making it easier for your dog to move around and stay active. Adding salmon oil to your dog's diet may help to improve their quality of life if they are suffering from joint pain.

Heart Health

Salmon oil is also good for your dog's heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce cholesterol levels and keep the arteries clear. This can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Adding salmon oil to your dog's diet may help them to live a longer, healthier life.

Other benefits

Other benefits of a fish oil rich in omega3 fatty acids include

• Boosting the immune system, including the ability to fight off cancer

• Supporting the brain development of puppies

• Helping to improve heart and kidney health of canines

• Helping to reduce anxiety, depression and hyperactivity

Selecting a Salmon Oil

Not all salmon oil is create equal. There are a couple of important things to look for.

First, for any supplement, you want them to be National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) certified. Pet supplements are unregulated. NASC is the gold standard for pet supplements. They require 3rd party testing, stringent labeling requirements, quality control requirements, product testing, mandatory adverse reaction reporting, and ingredient review by the NASC Scientific Advisory Committee.

You also want to be concerned with the omega 3: 6 ratio. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between omega-3s and omega-6s for optimal health. While both types of fatty acid are good for your pup’s overall health when taken individually, too much of one over the other can create an imbalance that could have negative long term effects on your pup’s wellbeing.

Omega 6s, while essential, are proinflammatory in excess. Since Omega 6 fatty acids are more than adequately supplied in just about any diet, you want to be sure to balance them with the highest omega 3 ratio you can find.

Lastly, you want a fish oil with a healthy preservative. Fish oil is very susceptible to oxidation (becoming rancid), which can be harmful to your pet. I use salmon oil preserved with vitamin E (tocopherol). Vitamin E is an antioxidant and not only preserves the fish oil, but helps counter any potential free radical production from the metabolism of fish oil and helps prevent any possible vitamin E or other antioxidant depletion.

The fish oil I use has the highest omega 3:6 ratio on the market, is NASC certified, plus is preserved with a natural tocopherol (vitamin E).

As you can see, there are many good reasons to add salmon oil to your dog's diet. Salmon oil is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids that offer a wide range of health benefits for dogs. If you are looking for a way to improve your dog's health, adding salmon oil to their diet is a great place to start.