salmon oil dog food
Salmon Oil For Dogs
SALMON OIL
Pooch & Mutt's Salmon Oil is the easy way to add Omega 3, 6 and 9 into your dog's diet. Omega oils are essential for skin and coat quality, cardiovascular/ heart health, immune response, cognitive/ brain function and joint function/ mobility.
Omega 3 fatty acids cannot be made by your pets body, so it is vital that your pet consumes them as part of their diet. Since the 1930s it has been confirmed that the omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were essential for normal growth.
In September 2004 the US FDA gave qualified health claim status to EPA and DHA.
Research has proven that DHA from fish oils makes puppies more intelligent, easier to train and improves memory. For the research, carried out by Eukanuba, 9 week old puppies were taught how to recognise shapes that led them to a treat. After 5 days training twice the number of puppies fed on the high -DHA diet achieved an 80% success rate (in finding the treat in a T-shaped maze). The studies authors claim that this could save owners up to 1000 per year in behaviour correction fees.
British veterinary surgeon and dog behavioural expert Sara Heath commented on the research: Enhancement of a puppys cognitive development and exposure to various learning opportunities can maximise the potential for it to develop into an adult dog that can be readily welcomed as a member of society.
For out more about the benefits of fish oil for dogs in our blog article.
Heres How To Give Your Dog Salmon Oil, According To Vets
Its pretty well known that salmons super healthy for humans, but is it good for your dog, too?
It turns out there are actually lots of benefits of salmon for dogs, and you can give your pup salmon oil to take advantage of them.
The Dodo spoke to some vets to find out how to find the best salmon oil for dogs and how to give your dog salmon oil. Plus, we found some of the best salmon oil for dogs you can buy.
Benefits of salmon oil for dogs
Salmon oil contains EPA and DHA, which are omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Dogs arent able to make their own omega-3 fatty acids, so its important to provide it for your pup, whether its in his food or with a supplement like salmon oil.
Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for bone, joint and heart health, Dr. Alex Crow, a veterinarian with The Happiest Dog, told The Dodo. It is also known to help reduce itchy and dry skin, which can be associated with allergies. When taken in moderation, your dog will most likely have better skin, shed less and will be better off as they age.
Salmon oil has a ton of health benefits, such as:
- Boosts overall immune system
- Helps with joint health and arthritis symptoms
- Supports skin and coat health
- Reduces allergy symptoms
- Supports cognitive function of senior dogs
- Promotes brain and eye development of puppies
- Supports heart health
- May help treat kidney disease
- May slow the growth of cancer
Side effects of salmon oil
While salmon oils super healthy for dogs, just like with any supplement, there are some side effects. Luckily, these side effects can be easily prevented or treated.
- Weight gain Adding salmon oil to your dogs diet will also add additional calories, so you should take that into account and adjust the amount of food you give him.
- Digestive problems Some pups might get an upset stomach when they first start taking salmon oil. You can prevent this by introducing it to your dog slowly. Give him only a little at first and gradually increase the amount so he gets used to it.
- Bad (fishy) breath Your dogs breath might smell like fish after eating salmon oil supplements, but you can get rid of the fishy scent by brushing his teeth, or try an unscented supplement instead (check out our top pick below).
How to use salmon oil for dogs
If you want to give your pup salmon oil, you can drizzle the liquid form on his dog food once a day, Dr. Crow said. There are also salmon oil capsules and chews available. For dogs who dont like pills, the liquid oil might be best because it can be mixed into their food.
Be sure to store the oil in the fridge or freezer so it doesnt go bad, and if you notice it starts to smell funky (worse than a normal fishy smell), throw it out.
Fish oil turns rancid in the presence of light, heat and oxygen, Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinarian with Pumpkin Pet Insurance, told The Dodo. In order to make sure the fish oil you are giving is protected, fresh and beneficial to your dogs health, buy from reputable companies, store fish oil in the freezer and make sure the container is opaque to protect the supplement from light.
How much salmon oil to give your dog
When giving your dog salmon oil, follow the instructions on the packaging. The dosage will be based on your pups weight.
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with Hepper, also recommends asking your vet for advice on how much to give. Always ask your veterinarian before giving salmon oil to your dog, Dr. Bonk said. They will help you determine the right dose and way to give it.
The amount you give your dog will also depend on why youre giving him salmon oil.
If you want to feed your dog salmon oil for a specific medical condition, ask your vet because the dosage for each condition varies, Dr. Wooten said. For example, the dose needed for kidneys is one-fifth the dose needed for joint health.
Its super important to follow the directions on the packaging and the advice of your veterinarian since too much salmon oil can actually be bad for your dog. Youll have to strike the right balance of how much to give him.
Too much salmon oil given at once can cause stomach upset in dogs, which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, compromised immune system and delayed wound healing, Dr. Crow said.
How to find the best salmon oil
There are some things you should consider when choosing a salmon oil supplement to make sure youre getting the right one for your pup and that its high quality. Heres what to look for:
- Form Salmon oil comes in many products specifically formulated for dogs, Dr. Bonk said. The most common type is a liquid form that can be put on their dry kibble. If your dog doesnt like this option, there are treats and chews that contain salmon oil as well.
- EPA and DHA The most important omega-3s salmon oil should have are EPA and DHA.
- Wild salmon When it comes to omega-3s, DHA and EPA from wild-caught, cold-water fish is the best source, Dr. Wooten said. Farm-raised fish have low levels of omega-3s and high levels of omega-6s.
- Not diluted The oil should ideally not be diluted with other products and shouldnt contain lots of preservatives. Always look out for added and unnecessary preservatives, Dr. Crow said. (Chewables will probably contain other ingredients to make up the chew.)
- Smell Unless you like fishy dog breath, youll probably want to look for an unscented or lightly scented oil. Try to find one that has a minimal smell, Dr. Crow said. A strong smell can linger if it is a very fishy oil.
Best salmon oil for dogs
Here are some salmon oils to try for your pup in every form you might need liquid, capsules, chews and unscented.
You can give your pup salmon oil as an extra healthy treat, and with a bunch of different forms to choose from, youll definitely be able to find one that your dog will enjoy.
We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission.
The Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs
If youve been ogling our specialist bottles of sustainably sourced, omega-rich Salmon Oil For Dogs, you may have wondered, What does salmon oil actually do for my dog? Though Pooch & Mutts range of nutritional dog foods are designed to keep your pup happy and healthy, salmon oil contains vital ingredients that are essential for a dogs development. In fact, for any animal, its one of the most beneficial supplements there is.
Read on for an in-depth guide on how salmon oil can benefit your dog and to learn some of the science behind salmon oils powerful, superhero ingredients.
How does salmon oil help dogs?
Salmon oil is such a marvel because of its wonder-trio of fatty acids: Omega 3, 6 and 9. These powerful ingredients are really beneficial to your dogs body and mind; they promote healthier skin and coat quality, improved heart health, and they boost immune system, brainpower and movement.
Whats the science behind salmon oil?
To dig a little deeper, Omega 3 was recognised as a molecular marvel when it was found to contain fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Really long in name and in nature, DHA and EPA are long-chain acids containing 20 or more carbon atoms, and in 1929, scientists found that they form the important structural components (1) of healthy cell membranes. In 2004, the US FDA made it official - Omega 3 and 6 were given qualified health claim status for being beneficial to normal, healthy growth.
Heres the most important bit - all mammal bodies, including humans and dogs - dont produce DHA and EPA naturally. To receive these nutrients, vital for our mental and physical development, we have to get them from food such as salmon oil.
What benefits of salmon oil will I see in my dog?
Theres a full list of benefits, as salmon oil is a veritable wonder product. After feeding it to your dog for just a couple of weeks, youll start to see a happier, livelier, and healthier-looking pup.
Salmon oil seriously makes your dog smarter - in fact, its particularly recommended for the brain development of growing puppies. Research carried out by Eukanuba found that 9 week old puppies fed on a high DHA diet became more intelligent, easier to train and had improved memory in tests which taught them how to recognise shapes that led them to a treat (3).
You can feed an older dog too, though, as cognitive development needs to be nurtured at all ages. Theres a lot for doggy-brains to hold, like house rules and how to be a functioning, well-behaved pooch in society, while a nourished brain also means theyll stay alert, energetic and reactive to their owners (or a ball, or a squirrel, or that dog across the fence).
The anti-inflammatory properties of salmon oil reduces scratching and limits shedding, making your dogs coat smoother, shinier and more lustrous than ever. Just wait for passers-by to point in the street as your pup bounds along in slow motion.
The fatty acids found in salmon oil help form a protective layer which moisturises your dogs skin and acts as a barrier to allergens and irritants. If your pooch does suffer a skin infection, Omega 3s anti-inflammatory superpowers include soothing the skin so theyll be less itchy.
In a similar vein, the healing properties of DHA and EPA will supercharge your dogs immune system, meaning his body will be naturally stronger in fighting off diseases such as kidney and liver disease and pancreatitis.
Long walks and off-the-lead runs, lets go! The Omega 3 fatty acids in salmon oil protect your dogs heart by managing cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels, meaningtheir overall stamina and cardiovascular health is improved andthey wont run out of breath as quickly.
Another cause for more runs on the beach, salmon oil keeps your dogs joints limber and lubricated sothey can move around easily - an essential aspect to a dogs continued mobility as they grow and age.
A dogs eyes indicate their overall health (you know that), and salmon oil promotes bright, clear eyes and better sight. As one of the main ways a dog communicates is through her eyes, ensuring theyre healthy and free of redness and discharge is super important to their day-to-day comfort.
When rearing a puppy theres nothing more encouraging than seeing them grow bigger and stronger. As salmon oil is a nutrient-rich source of fat, its the ideal way to induce healthy weight gain in a puppy, or an underweight adult dog, in a way that includes vital nutrition too.
How do I feed my dog salmon oil?
Administering salmon oil to your dog couldnt be easier - its got a strong fishy flavour so they love the taste. Following the guidelines for their size, just drizzle it into their regular food and mix well.
How often should I give my dog salmon oil?
For maximum benefits, feed your dog salmon oil every day. For small dogs a teaspoon a day is enough; for medium dogs, 1-2 teaspoons; for large dogs, 2-3 teaspoons; and for giant dogs, 3-4 teaspoons a day. Clear instructions are on the label of each of our Salmon Oil For Dogs bottles.
How should I store salmon oil - does it go off?
All fish oils have an expiration date; after this its quality will gradually decrease, and in the worst case it could make your dog unwell. If youve had an unopened bottle of salmon oil for a while, check the expiration date before feeding it to your dog. A fresh bottle should be good for two years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight - but use it up within 90 days once youve broken the seal, and throw it away if it smells rancid.
Can I give my dog too much salmon oil?
Short answer - yes, or you could risk any of the side effects listed below. Be sure to feed your dog the recommended daily amounts according to their size and age, as indicated on the label on the bottle
Are there any side effects of salmon oil for my dog?
Most dogs will see the many positives of salmon oil, however with any supplement, theres always a risk of side effects or allergies. If you notice your dog experiencing any of the following symptoms after taking salmon oil, its a good idea to book a visit to your vet and get them checked over, just to be safe.
Salmon oil reduces the chance of itchy or inflamed skin in the majority of cases, however if your dog is allergic, it could have the opposite effect. Keep a lookout for frantic scratching fits in your dog, or more itching than usual.
Salmon oil is very energy-dense and so its great for growing puppies or underweight dogs. If your pooch seems to be piling on the pounds (and theres no change to his exercise or diet but the salmon oil), then you may need to cut back.
If your pooch has toilet trouble after youve introduced salmon oil to their diet, try a few days of just their regular food to see if it makes a difference.
If your dog shows the classic signs of pancreatitis - a hunched bag, sustained vomiting over hours or days, diarrhoea, lethargy and/or pain in the abdomen, take them to the vet for treatment. Salmon oil is known to reduce the chance of diseases such as this, but theres always the risk of a bad reaction.
How is salmon oil different from other oils for dogs?
Theres plenty of other oil supplements for dogs that offer similar health benefits, but salmon oil is the cream of the crop, and heres why.
Salmon oil vs other fish oils for dogs
Oils derived from other fish, such as cod liver oil, offer lots of the same benefits to dogs as salmon oil; improved coat and skin quality, a boosted immune system and decreased inflammation. However, this is mostly down to its Omega 3 content - something that salmon oil has a much higher concentration of. Salmon oil also provides superior Omega 3 absorption in a dogs body, and it has a fishier taste, which dogs love. Put simply, other fish oils are great, but salmon oil tops them in terms of concentrated goodness (and tastiness).
Salmon oil vs plant-based oils like olive, coconut and flaxseed
As a plant-based alternative to fish oils, we humans often turn to natural oils such as olive, coconut and flaxseed. For dogs, this doesnt quite work the same way. While fish oils contain the long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA found in Omega 3, plant-based oils have more of the short-chain acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Though ALA is still beneficial to dogs and puppies, theyd have to eat a whole lot of plant-based oil to receive the more potent nutrients found in smaller amounts of salmon oil.
Sold on salmon oils dog-enhancing superpowers? To see the benefits in your dog, Pooch & Mutts Salmon Oil is sustainably sourced, of the highest quality and packed full of Omega 3, 6 and 9.
If you have any other questions about Salmon Oil that we havent covered here, you can contact us via emailor leave a comment belowand well do our best to help.
