As pet owners, we live and breathe to make our pups happy. From choosing the best dog food to opting for healthy treats, what our pooches eat is vital to their overall health. A well-rounded diet can help support a dog’s immune system and stave off issues like kidney disease and heart disease. It also gives them the energy to romp around in the park or to work hard jobs as a K9 or avalanche dog.
It’s no surprise that protein sources are a key component of a dog’s diet. Not only do they provide energy and taste great, protein sources also contain compounds like oils that are essential for coat health and a healthy immune system. Salmon oil and fish oil are among the most well-known supplements and for good reason. They offer a wide range of benefits including healthy skin and sharp cognitive function.
Learn more about salmon oil for dogs with this handy guide. You’ll discover the benefits of salmon oil, how to give it to your pet, and where to get the best supplements for your furry friend.
Health Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs
Salmon oil is packed with compounds that offer anti-inflammatory benefits to boost heart, brain, and skin health. Salmon oil, like fish oil supplements, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cognitive function, healthy joints, and vision in dogs. There are two main types of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Here’s how the DHA and EPA fatty acids in salmon oil may benefit canines.
Cognition
DHA plays a key role in brain function, learning, and proper development in puppies. An Iams study found that puppies that received DHA supplementation during breeding and through the early stages of puppyhood performed better on cognitive tests compared to dogs that didn’t receive DHA. Additional research shows that DHA works as brain food for puppies. In one study, researchers found that puppies performed better on visual, memory, and learning tests when they had more DHA in their diet compared to a placebo group.
Skin and Vision
EPA and DHA may also help contribute to healthy skin and coat in dogs, and ease symptoms of dog skin conditions. One meta-analysis found that omega fatty acids in salmon and fish oils helped to treat pruritic skin disease and skin rash caused by seasonal allergies. Dogs that received DHA and EPA supplementation had better coat quality and less itching compared to placebo groups.
Omega fatty acids also play a key role in vision and early development. That’s because these long-chain acids form a key part of cellular structures. Getting your dog the proper amount of essential fatty acids can help to support healthy vision and may prevent serious health conditions.
Heart Health
Giving your dog salmon oil may support healthy heart function. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids offer anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic properties that may help dogs with certain heart conditions. Omega fatty acids may also help to stabilize cells in heart muscles to aid with an irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular problems.
Immune System
Salmon oil is also important for a dog’s immune system thanks to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential nutrients may help in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune problems. The essential nutrients work to support a normal inflammatory response to support joint and hip discomfort. Researchers also found that fatty acids may help to ease symptoms related to more serious joint conditions and help to support immune responses from T-cells to certain triggers.
How To Give Your Dog Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is easy to add to your dog’s diet. As always, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before making dietary changes. Your vet can help you decide how much salmon oil your pet needs based on his or her body weight. A vet can also recommend the best ways to give it to your dog. Never give your dog human-grade fish oil or soft gels. Only use products that are specifically formulated for dogs.
In general salmon oil for dogs comes in a liquid form. You can use a dropper or opt for a pump bottle dispenser to add the essential nutrients to their food. This will add a little moisture and flavor to dry kibble, which most dogs love.
If your dog doesn’t like salmon oil being added to his or her food, look for soft chews that contain salmon oil — like our Omega Salmon Chews. Our chews are made with Wild Alaskan Salmon, kelp, and DHA to help support your pup’s health. They’re soft and easy to chew, making them a good choice for all dogs from puppyhood to their golden years.
How To Store and Choose Salmon Oil
Always check the expiration date on your bottle or chews before giving your pup salmon oil. After giving your dog salmon oil, make sure to keep the container in a dark, cool location or store it in the refrigerator. Salmon and other fish oils may become rancid if they’re consistently exposed to high temperatures.
It’s also important to only use high-quality products. Always buy dog supplements from reputable brands that clearly list the ingredients on the label. Many fish products contain high amounts of mercury and toxins, depending on how they are produced. These toxins can enter your dog’s systems and cause health problems.
To prevent this, look for salmon oil products that are made with sustainably sourced or wild-caught fish. These fish tend to be healthier and less toxic compared to farmed fish. Avoid salmon oil liquids and chews that are made with synthetic ingredients or packed with preservatives and chemicals. These ingredients may cause adverse reactions or limit the effectiveness of the fatty acids.
High-Quality Salmon Oil From Pet Honesty
Your dog can get omega fatty acids from a wide range of sources including mackerel, krill, anchovies, sardines, and salmon. Many pet foods, kibble, and treats are fortified with omega-3 fatty acid proteins.
At Pet Honesty, we offer a wide range of fish and salmon oil supplements for your best friend. Our Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for dogs is made with pure Alaskan wild salmon and is sustainably sourced. Wild salmon contains more healthy fatty acids compared to farmed salmon, ensuring your pup gets the best nutrition possible. Our salmon oil for dogs comes in a convenient pump bottle so you can just add a squirt on top of your dog’s food to add flavor and supplement nutrition.
Our Omega-3 Fish Oil for dogs contains sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring that are sustainably caught in the pristine waters off Iceland. Best of all, it’s easy to give it to your pup since you just add the oil to your dog’s food. You can also stock up with our Omega-3 Fish Oil 3-Pack, Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil 3-Pack, or Omega Salmon Chews 3-pack so you always have these healthy nutrients on hand.
