Maximizing Canine Nutrition with Omega 3 Packed Salmon Food

Sources of Omega-3 for Dogs & How Much They Need Daily (Vet Approved)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Dogs need a wide variety of nutrients for a healthy and active life, especially nutrients that play important roles in brain function and immune system health. Omega-3 is an essential part of their diets, coming from food sources that are rich in it. However, not all commercial dog food recipes contain enough omega-3, so your dog may not be getting enough. If youre looking for ways to boost your dogs omega-3 intake, here are six great sources that you can give to your dog:

The 6 Great Sources of Omega-3 for Dogs

1. Salmon With Skin

Salmon with Skin Nutritional Info (3oz):

• 177 calories
• Protein: 17 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

Serving Size for Dogs:

• No more than 2% of its weight, once a week or less. Consult with a veterinarian first before feeding. For dogs on a diet already containing fish, your vet may recommend an alternate source.

Few foods are fattier and richer in omega-3 fatty acids than wild-caught, naturalsalmon. Its a naturally fatty food that contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as a great source of protein. Feeding your dog salmon with skin can help with coat health, brain function, and arthritic conditions. While it is a great source of omega-3, salmon is very high in fat and can lead to health issues caused by a high-fat diet. Never give your dog raw salmon. It must be well cooked but without the use ofoils, spices, onions, or anything potentially toxic!

2. Cod With Skin

Cod with Skin Nutritional Info (3oz):

• 70 calories
• Protein: 15 g
• Fat: 0.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

Serving Size for Dogs:

• No more than 2% of its weight, once a week. Consult with a veterinarian first before feeding. For dogs on a diet already containing fish, your vet may recommend an alternate source.

Lower in calories and fat, codfish with skin may work as an alternative to salmon. Although it doesnt contain as much omega-3 as salmon, its lower in fat and less likely to throw off your dogs fat intake. Salmon is more nutrient-dense, however, so your dog may not reap the same benefits from cod. Never give your dog raw fish. As with any human food or cooked food, make sure the cod is not cooked in oils, spices, onions, or anything that is potentially toxic to canines.

3. Canned Sardines

Source:

Natural/Processed

Sardines Nutritional Info (4 small sardines):

• 100 calories
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

Serving Size for Dogs:

• Toy-Miniature: 2 or less
• Small dogs: 35 per week
• Medium dogs: 68 per week
• Large Dogs: 812 per week. Consult with a veterinarian first before feeding your dog sardines.

While theyre not the most appetizing fish on the market, canned sardines are nutrient-dense for their size. Theyre high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein while containing less fat than salmon. Canned sardines are also quite low on the mercury scale since they only eat plankton, so its another great alternative if youre looking for a low-mercury fish. When buying canned sardines, always purchase sardines packed in water and not oil.

4. Ground Flaxseed

Ground Flaxseed Nutritional Info (1 tablespoon):

• 37 calories
• Fiber: 1.9 g
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Fat: 2.95 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.0 g

Serving Size:

• Toy-Miniature Dogs: 1/81/4 teaspoon
• Small Dogs: 1/4 teaspoon1 teaspoon
• Medium Dogs: 1 1/2 teaspoon1 tablespoon
• Large-Giant Dogs: 12 tablespoon

Ground flaxseed is not only a healthy source of omega-3, but its also completely plant-based and safe for dogs to eat. Flaxseed naturally contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, without the fishy smell of salmon or cod. It also contains important nutrients like dietary fiber for a balanced diet, which can help regulate your dogs digestive system. Its easy to make at home with a high-powered food processor, or you can typically find ground flaxseed in grocery stores.

5. Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds Nutritional Info (1 tablespoon):

• 60 calories
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g

Chia seeds are tiny seeds chock full of nutrients, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Safe for dogs to eat in seed form since theyre so small, theres no need to grind them in a food processor. They can be added to your dogs food, as well as baked into homemade dog treats for a delicious and healthy snack. Slowly incorporate them into your dogs diet and look for signs of indigestion or allergic reaction.

6. PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil

Serving Size:

• Toy-Miniature Dogs: 015 lbs: pump
• Small Dogs: 1525 lbs: 1 pump
• Medium Dogs: 2550 lbs: 2 pumps
• Large Dogs: 5075 lbs: 3 pumps
• Giant Dogs: 75+lbs: 4 pumps

If you prefer a liquid oil or supplement form of omega-3, PetHonest Omega-3 Fish Oil is a great source of essential fatty acids. PetHonesty contains four different fish oils, giving your dog a wider range of potential health benefits. Fish is a great source of omega-3, but it can be messy to cut and serve at home. Fish oil supplements are a little easier to use, but they can have a strong odor. If you dont mind the smell, PetHonesty Omega-3 is a great way to increase your dogs omega-3 intake.

Omega-3: Why Is It Important for Dogs?

Essential fatty acids like omega-3 play important roles in a dogs diet. Theyre involved in brain and eye development, as well as immune, skin, and coat health. Although omega-6 is closely related to omega-3, it functions differently and tends to be more abundant. While there are a lot of dog food recipes that cover omega-6, some can be lacking in omega-3. It is not something a dogs body can produce, so it needs to be a part of its diet.

How Much Omega-3 Does My Dog Need?

The amount of omega-3 your dog needs depends on its weight and current health. Dogs need at least 50 mg of DHA/EPA omega-3 per kilogram. Some dogs may benefit from a higher dose. We recommend talking to your vet to make sure your dog is getting enough, especially if your dogs diet doesnt have many sources of healthy fats. While omega-3 is crucial for your dogs health, be careful with the source you choose. Too much fat in a dogs diet can cause health problems, potentially causing liver damage.

Conclusion

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that dogs need to thrive, obtaining it through their daily meals. Its important that dog owners provide their dogs with ample sources of omega-3 fatty acids, especially if their current kibble has an insufficient amount. Boosting your dogs omega-3 intake can help improve their health, so its something to consider if your dogs food is lacking. Before you start a new supplement or diet, consult with your vet to make sure your dogs needs are met.

Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

5 Best Salmon Dog Foods (2024)

How to Choose the Best Salmon Dog Food

Salmon is a powerhouse protein that dogs just love. There are many reasons to consider making the switch to a food that lists salmon as one of its protein sources. It is an extremely healthy meat filled with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, critical nutrients to nourish skin and coat and provide dogs with the energy they need to maintain an active lifestyle.

Joint health is also supported by the oils found in this flavorful fish. With so many benefits to be gained from a switch to a salmon-based diet, it is not hard to see why dog foods with salmon are among the best diets around!

Salmon is also believed to act as a powerful brain booster, encouraging cognitive function through its healthy fats such as DHA and APA. This is particularly helpful for young puppies undergoing sensitive periods of growth as well as for senior dogs experiencing some brain impairment.

Many types of fish contain ample servings of amino acids, and salmon is no exception. These vital nutrients assist with such important things as ensuring proper hormone function and building cartilage.

Salmon is also extremely rich in many important vitamins and minerals required for health and wellness both in people and in dogs. These include magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

But perhaps the biggest selling point when it comes to dogs is salmons potent flavor. Dogs love it canned, grilled on the barbecue, oven-baked, or as part of their daily kibble quota.

When selecting the best salmon food for a dog, it is important to carefully read labels to understand what the diet contains. Whole salmon is the best choice for dogs, and this is particularly important for dogs suffering from allergies or skin and stomach sensitivities as any additional ingredients may incur further health problems.

When it comes to choosing the best salmon dog food, one of the biggest considerations is whether you opt for wild-caught salmon or farm-raised salmon. Wild-caught salmon is considered to be the most natural and has fewer ingredients added to it, making it a healthier choice for your pup.

Additionally, wild-caught salmon is typically sourced from sustainable fisheries and contains a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised salmon. On the other hand, farm-raised salmon is often raised in large tanks with more added ingredients and a lower omega-3 content.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dog Foods with Salmon

Determining the correct amount of the best salmon food to feed a dog can be difficult. The best course of action is to consult the bag of food and follow the suggested serving size as a basic guideline. This can be adjusted with the dogs weight, appetite, and activity serving to help with ascertaining the proper portion size.

Care should be taken not to overfeed the dog as weight gain can occur rapidly. Measure all food and monitor intake to prevent the dog from becoming overweight.

Dietary Requirements for Dog Foods with Salmon

Any salmon-based diet that is ideal for dogs to enjoy should contain salmon or salmon meal as its first ingredient. Whole salmon is the best choice, but meat meals offer dogs excellent quality nutrition as well. By-products are not often seen in salmon; however, should a label list them, they should be avoided.

Should a diet contain plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, or soy, they are best left on the shelf. These are common allergens for many dogs and can neutralize some of the positive effects of salmon. Diets containing these ingredients cannot be considered among the best foods with salmon for dogs.

Carbohydrates included in a salmon-based diet should be easy for dogs to digest. Unless a dog has expressed sensitivity to grains, they may freely eat a grain-inclusive or grain-free formula without any ill effects.

The primary importance of any food included in a salmon-based diet is its fiber and antioxidant content. These items promote good digestion and a strong immune system to protect against disease.

Healthy fats are a vital element in a dogs diet. Salmon contributes a powerhouse punch of this all on its own; however, the addition of such ingredients as chicken fat, salmon, or herring oil provides additional benefits through their omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to encourage healthy skin and coat.

Any salmon-based diet that is optimal for a dogs daily food should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.

Things to Look for in the Best Salmon Dog Food

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in premium salmon dog food:

• Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
• Enriched with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and helpful supplements
• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
• Includes healthy fats such as chicken fat or salmon oil