Disclaimer: Before you think about giving your dog omega-3, it's important to contact your vet first so they can tell you if it’s right for your pet. We at Healthy Dogma can't give you specific dosage advice for your dog. Consider this article as a starting point for your research, but your vet is the best resource for your dog's specific needs.
Fats are super important for a healthy dog, helping keep their skin and coat in good shape. On top of that, they support the way a dog's body works, including their eyesight and how well they learn. And of course, fat makes food more delicious.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a special type of fat that dogs need. They're called “essential” because dogs can't make them on their own, so they have to get them from their food. This article will cover everything you should know about Omega-3 for dogs and how they can benefit your pet.
The Story Behind Omega-3
Back in the early 1900s, scientists discovered that fats did more than just provide energy, they also carried important vitamins. That's when they realized that certain fats, like omega-6, were essential because people got sick without them. Then, in the 1980s, a girl's health improved dramatically when she got enough of the omega-3 fat ALA in her diet, which made people take notice of omega-3.
People have been using fish oil as medicine for centuries. Researchers later noticed that Eskimos who ate a lot of fish had fewer heart problems. This was thought to be due to the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, found in fish oil.
The great thing is that after a ton of research, scientists have learned that omega-3 can be really good for both humans and pets! They can help the heart, brain, and even lower inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids might also help with arthritis, blood pressure, kidney issues, and how well we think.
What Exactly Are Omega 3s?
Omega-3s are a type of fat called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and they're important for how the body works. Both omega-3s and omega-6s are essential PUFAs, meaning dogs need to get them from their food. Other PUFAs, like omega-7s and omega-9s, can be made by the body itself. The numbers (3, 6, 7, 9) just refer to where a certain part is located in the fat's structure.
Important omega-3s include EPA, DHA, and ALA. Omega-6s include linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). You might recognize AA because it's involved in how some pain medications work. When AA is broken down, it makes “inflammatory” substances. But when omega-3s are broken down, they create different substances that are less inflammatory.
So, if you increase the amount of omega-3s in the body, it can replace AA in cells and reduce the production of those inflammatory substances. It's worth noting that omega-6s are still essential, so dogs still need them. Keep in mind that the goal of giving omega-3 supplements is to balance the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 and the best ratio isn't known for sure.
The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in a Dog's Diet
For dogs to stay healthy, essential fatty acids (EFAs) are a must-have in their diet. They're involved in many processes throughout the body. For example, they help muscles work right, protect liver cells, keep joints strong, and have vibrant skin and coat. They're also used to create important substances and help puppies develop healthy brains, immune systems, and eyes. EFAs even help keep skin hydrated and control skin cell growth.
Without enough essential fatty acids, dogs can develop health issues like skin problems, allergies, digestive upset, heart problems, and eye issues.
Fish and seafood are usually the best places to find Omega-3 for dogs, especially DHA and EPA. Fish that live in cold water and need a lot of fat to stay warm are often rich in omega-3s. Some good examples are:
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Mackerel
You can also find plant-based omega-3s called ALA in flaxseed and canola oil. While ALA can be good for your dog, EPA and DHA are the omega-3s that are generally considered more beneficial.
If you have a nursing dog, she needs enough omega-3s to pass them along to her puppies in her milk. As we mentioned earlier, omega-3s are super important for puppies' developing brains and eyes.
When choosing healthy dog food, make sure the fish oil in the dog's food comes from those sources. Check the labels on your pet food, if you see ingredients like trout, salmon meal, or salmon oil (also labeled as "fish oil") for dogs, that's a good sign your dog is getting omega-3s.
Are Omega-3 and Fish Oil the Same Thing?
While Omega-3 and fish oil are often used interchangeably, they aren't exactly the same thing. Omega-3 is the nutrient itself, and fish oil is simply one place you can find that nutrient.
Therefore, fish oil isn't omega-3 itself, but it's a fantastic source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Fish get these omega-3s by consuming phytoplankton that have eaten microalgae – the original source. So, if your dog's diet doesn't regularly include fish or seafood, fish oil is a convenient and effective way to boost their omega-3 intake.
How Much Fish Oil Does Your Dog Need?
It's important to know that there's a limit to how much omega-3 is good for your dog. Too much of anything can be a bad thing! To stay on the safe side, tell your vet you're thinking about giving your dog omega-3 supplements. That way, they can tell you the right amount to avoid giving too much, which can cause diarrhea, slow wound healing, vomiting, problems with blood clotting, weight gain, and changes in their immune system.
We can't stress this enough, always talk to your vet before giving your dog any kind of vitamins and supplements. Don't just rely on fish oil dosage charts or general advice you read online. Your dog's health is worth taking the time to get advice from a vet who knows your dog and their specific health needs.
Can Fish Oil Hurt Your Dog?
Knowing that a lack of fatty acids is harmful and fish oil can be helpful, you might wonder if there are any downsides to giving your dog fish oil.
Most dog owners avoid fish oil because they're worried about dietary issues, toxins and tummy troubles. These are all valid concerns, and it's a decision every dog owner needs to make for themselves.
Healthy Dogma offers Skin & Coat PetMix to alleviate all these concerns and give you peace of mind about your dog's fish oil source. It's made with human-grade ingredients and the right amount of fish oil, so you can relax knowing you're giving your dog a healthy and delicious meal that is all-natural and free of artificial ingredients.
Our Skin & Coat PetMix includes fish oil, along with other nutritious ingredients such as whole egg, flax meal, banana, sweet potato, quinoa, coconut flakes, kelp, broccoli, apple, blueberry, spinach, and ginger. It's guaranteed to contain:
- Crude Protein: at least 17.6%
- Crude Fiber: at least 15.4%
- Crude Fat: at least 6.5%
- Moisture: no more than 7%
Learn more about Skin & Coat PetMix™
