Let’s talk about nutrition! A balanced diet that provides optimal nutrition is among the essential factors of a healthy and happy life. And health is the most important thing in life that should never be neglected!
Proper nutrition is crucial not only for humans but for our paw friends, too! If we want to provide them with the best living conditions, we need to make sure their diet is balanced and suitable for their specific needs.
When talking about optimal nutrition for our furry companions, we should mention omega-3 fatty acids as vital elements promoting health. If you belong to dog owners who treat their canines as family members who should eat high-quality food to stay healthy, this article is right for you!
Why Should You Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Dog’s Diet?
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in various physiological functions in both, humans and dogs.
Dogs, like humans, cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies, and these should be acquired through their diet. Therefore, it is often recommended to add them to our furry friends' diets in the form of supplements.
Fish and algae oil are the most common sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them essential components of a healthy dog diet.
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Skin and Coat
Let’s start our list with the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for the physical appearance of our paw friends!
They play an essential role in maintaining the natural skin barrier and reducing inflammation! They help keep the skin hydrated and reduce itching and irritation.
Additionally, they aid in oil production, which in turn, is important for the coat to remain shiny.
Last but not least, omega-3 fatty acids, are effective tools to manage skin conditions like seborrhea and dermatitis.
Joints
Many dogs suffer from mobility issues, particularly joint health issues due to the process of aging, traumas, inflammation, or infections. Also, some dog breeds are more susceptible to developing joint issues, which makes omega-3 fatty acids supplements particularly important for their joint health. Examples of such breeds are the German Shepherd, the Great Dane, the Newfoundland, the Golden/Labrador Retriever, the Rottweiler, the Mastiff, the Dachshund, etc.
EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation in the joints and alleviate pain and stiffness due to mobility health conditions like osteoarthritis.
Thanks to their supporting functions for the joints, omega-3 fatty acids can improve our paw friends’ mobility and their overall well-being.
Anti-Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, which are particularly helpful in the management of conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and allergies.
It is important to keep a healthy ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as the overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids such as linoleic acid and the lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may promote a pro-inflammatory and pro-allergic state.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your paw friend’s diet helps their body manage inflammation, which improves their overall well-being.
Heart
Supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oil is known for having a positive effect on their cardiovascular system. Omega-3s contribute to maintaining a normal heart rhythm, reducing blood pressure, and lowering triglyceride levels.
We will make a quick note here- triglycerides are the most common type of fat circulating in blood. While they are needed for energy and good health, if their levels become too high, the risk of stroke or heart disease increases.
In summary, we can tell that omega-3 fatty acids help improve heart health, and contribute to decreasing the risk of developing heart disease, which enhances the overall function of the circulatory system.
Brain & Cognitive Function
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the development and maintenance of the nervous system in dogs. DHA, in particular, is a key component of brain cell membranes and a crucial factor in neural signaling.
As responsible owners, we need to ensure that our beloved furry friends are provided with proper nutrition, especially during the puppy stage when the brain develops.
However, fish oil shouldn’t be neglected as a supplement for adult and senior dogs as well, as it helps maintain cognitive function. This, in turn, can even decelerate aging-related decline in cognitive functions.
Immune System Support
Omega-3 fatty acids can help regulate the immune response in dogs.
By reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced immune function, omega-3s can enhance the body's ability to defend against infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. They can also contribute to faster recovery from illness or injury.
Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into a dog's diet can have many health benefits, through the support they provide to various systems in the body. However, it is essential to provide these fatty acids in appropriate amounts, as excessive intake can lead to imbalances and potential health risks.
Choosing the Right Supplement
When selecting a fish oil supplement for your dog, opt for high-quality products specifically formulated for pets. Ensure that the supplement undergoes stringent quality control measures to guarantee purity and potency. Additionally, consider factors such as the concentration of EPA and DHA per serving, as dosage recommendations may vary based on your dog's size, age, and specific health needs.
How to Properly Incorporate Fish Oil In Your Dog’s Diet?
To avoid potential health issues, it is always advisable to consult with a veterinarian and receive proper advice on the best ways and dosage to implement omega-3s into your paw partner’s diet.
Incorporating fish oil into a canine’s diet can be done in various ways (we will list them below), however, regardless of which you opt for, always start with small doses. Introducing new food/supplements should be done gradually and the dog’s body response should always be observed. This will help avoid digestive upset.
Liquid Fish Oil
Adding liquid fish oil to your dog’s diet is probably the most common way to supplement their food with omega-3s. Make sure to follow the instructions listed on the packaging and not exceed the recommended dosage.
As explained above, start with very small amounts to have the opportunity to monitor your dog’s response to it.
Capsules / Soft Gel
Some pet stores offer fish oil supplements in the form of capsules or soft gel. These can be either mixed into your canine’s food or given to them directly, e.g. as a treat. The first option is more suitable for dogs who may be reluctant to swallow them directly.
Fish-Based Dog Food
Another option to introduce omega-3 fatty acids to your dog is by switching their food to a high-quality food that has fish oil as one of its ingredients. Many premium dog foods include omega-3 fatty acids for their health benefits.
Abrupt changes in the food content are not recommended, so make sure to add new food step-by-step by following the rule to add 10% new food every day until it becomes 100% of the content.
Homemade Treats
Do you enjoy cooking? If you do, preparing treats for your furry buddy at home may be a fun and creativity-stimulating activity that also helps improve their health! Additionally, it will help you bond even more!
Fish
If your dog enjoys the taste of fish, you can occasionally feed them cooked fish like salmon or mackerel. Make sure to remove any tiny bones and omit additional oils or seasonings. It should be plain fish. Also, avoid feeding your canine fish that is high in mercury, such as tuna.
Remember that consulting with a veterinarian is essential to determine the correct dosage and proper way to incorporate omega-3s in your dog’s food based on their specific needs.
