Fish oil is the fat or oil that is derived from fish tissue. It is one of the most consumed dietary supplements that come from oily fishes like anchovies, tuna, herrings, and mackerel.
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that provide a number of health benefits for you. Besides, this oil is also quite beneficial for your dog.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are quite important for your dog’s health. They can improve the skin condition, boost their energy level, balance the components of omega-6 fatty acids, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This article looks into the benefits of fish oil for dogs, recommended doses, and possible side effects if overdosed.
Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs
Here are some of the benefits your dog may get from fish oil:
1. Fish Oil Can Reduce Inflammation in Dogs.
Like humans, inflammation is a major problem for dogs. Fish oil can be an effective treatment for dog’s inflammation, thanks to omega-3 fatty acids.
A 2007 study was published in the Journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association. It shows omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil could improve the inflammatory response in dogs.
If included in foods, fish oil can reduce many inflammatory problems such as arthritis, skin inflammation, and other inflammatory problems of your pet.
2. It May Treat Arthritis.
Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, fish oil is often recommended if your puppy is suffering from arthritis or any other joint problems.
Research published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition demonstrates the efficacy of omega-3 in helping dogs with osteoarthritis.
In this trial, the dogs received a veterinary therapeutic diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the fish origin for 13 weeks.
The result shows omega-3 rich diet could improve the dogs’ locomotor disability and their performance in daily activities.
3. Fish Oil Can Improve Dog’s Skin and Coat Health.
Fish oil is quite useful for puppies in improving their skin and coat.
A study published in 2014 evaluates the effects of fatty acids on 48 dogs of a different breed, gender, and age suffering from canine atopic dermatitis (CAD).
The dogs were given either a formulation containing fatty acids and essential oils or a placebo for eight weeks.
The result shows that the topical preparation made with fatty acids and essential oil effectively and safely reduced the signs of CAD.
Adding fish oil into your pet’s diet may reduce the dryness of their skin.
4. It May Boost Cognitive Functions and Immunity.
The DHA in fish oil can help improve the cognitive function, as well as the immune system of your puppy.
In a study published in the Journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association, 48 Beagle puppies were given either low-DHA, moderate DHA, or high-DHA foods.
The result shows that dogs that received foods with high-DHA had significant improvement in cognitive learning, memory, as well as the immune system than the low-DHA and moderate DHA group.
Besides, puppies from the high-DHA group had higher anti-rabies antibodies after vaccination than compared to the other groups.
5. Fish Oil May Treat Allergies in Dogs.
Experts say omega-3 fatty acids are essential for dogs that suffer from allergies.
As fish oil can reduce skin inflammation and some other skin problems, it may also effectively reduce the itching due to allergies.
If you see your little friend suffering from allergy, try to add fish oil into their regular diet.
Recommended Doses of Fish Oil for Dogs
If you want to include fish oil in your pet’s diet, you must know the correct doses of it.
The ideal doses of fish oil depend on several factors such as the age, weight, and health status of your puppy.
The packaging may include the recommended doses, but it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the correct amount for your dog.
If you have trouble feeding your pet the fish oil tablet, you can also try the liquid form by adding them into their regular food.
Precautions While Including Fish Oil to Your Dog’s Diet
Fish oil is usually safe for both human and dogs. but a wrong dosage may cause some unwanted side effects to your little friend. Things you need to be careful about while you’re feeding your puppy with fish oil:
- Don’t feed your dog with fish oil more than the recommended doses. It may cause health problems like diarrhea, delayed wound healing, blood-clotting abnormalities, and vitamin E deficiency.
- While purchasing fish oil for your dogs, make sure it comes in a dark bottle, have purity standards, and fully discloses the ingredients and the sourcing.
- Store the fish oil in a cold and dry place. Make sure they don’t smell rancid.
- Always check with your vet to make sure you’re giving fish oil to your puppy in an optimal dose.
- Don’t give your dog fish oil if it’s on anti-inflammatory medication.
Conclusion
As a pet owner, it’s your duty to ensure your puppy gets the required nutrition from its regular diet.
Many pet foods are now formulated with fish oil due to the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on canine health.
You can feed your puppy with dog food that has fish oil in it, or you can add fish oil in their regular food.
Always purchase the fish oil from a reputed seller. Make sure you get the best quality fish oil or supplement for your furry little friend.
Read Next: Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? Things You Must Know
