Can your dog benefit from fish oil?
You’ve probably heard of the benefits of supplementing your own diet with the omega-3’s found in fish oil. These fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation, ease allergies, and improve the symptoms of arthritis. But, can your dog benefit from fish oil, too? In this article by Diane Watkins of Dog Health Guide, we learn how your dog can benefit from a fish oil supplement to their diet – and another way to get this important fatty acid into their diet by using cold-water fish in their food!
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Can Your Dog Benefit From Fish Oil?
Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs
For many years veterinarians have recommended feeding fish oil to treat canine allergies and skin conditions. New research is showing that omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil are good for preventing and treating a wide variety of canine diseases.
Older dogs suffering from arthritis will especially benefit from the healing properties of fish oils. The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for treating the itching and inflammation associated with allergy-related skin conditions.
Supplementing Your Dogs Diet with Fish OilYou can purchase fish oil supplements for animals, but why not just add cold water fish to your dogs diet? When fish is fed as part of the normal canine diet, there is no need to worry about proper dosing for your dogs size. Dogs will naturally get the proper amount as part of their normal dietary requirements.
Salmon and other cold water fish are high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Feeding two servings a week of a high quality homemade dog food containing salmon as a protein source should be sufficient for most dogs. If your dog is suffering from arthritis, kidney failure, skin diseases or other inflammatory diseases, add a fish oil supplement to your dogs daily supplements.
See Benefits in Six to Eight Weeks
As with most nutritional therapies, it will take a while to notice changes in your pets health. Allow at least six to eight weeks of regular omega-3 therapy to evaluate the benefits for your pet.
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Read the rest of Diane’s article here. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before beginning any supplement for your pets and specifically, if your dog can benefit from fish oil in their diet. Have you ever given your dog a fish oil or omega-3 supplement? Did you notice any significant improvements to their health? Tell us about it below!