As an increasing number of individuals are advised by their physicians to incorporate fish oil supplements, such as salmon oil, into their diets, pet owners are pondering. Is salmon oil good for dogs?
Is Salmon Oil Good for Dogs?
Salmon oil contains EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids that offer some healthy benefits to pets and to people. These fatty acids have short shelf lives, and their limited stability renders them rancid quickly. For that reason, some pet food manufacturers refrain from adding the supplement to their bags of dry kibble. Therefore, you will need to provide these nutrients through supplementation, either as a liquid oil preparation or in the form of capsules.
Salmon Oil Benefits
Your dog will reap a host of salmon oil benefits to improve overall health. Many of the same benefits that humans gain from taking fish oil supplements are also applicable to your canine companion. One of the main reasons that owners are prompted to administer salmon oil to their dogs is to improve the condition of their furry friend’s skin and coat. Additional benefits of salmon oil for dogs include:
- Reduction of inflammation that can arise in dogs that suffer from allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved immune function
- Improved mental function
Salmon Oil for Dogs
You can obtain salmon oil for dogs from your veterinarian, who will be able to provide the effective therapeutic dose for your dog. The supplementation will likely be in capsule form, but bottles of the oil can also be obtained. You may also find salmon oil in a pet supply retail store. Salmon oil supplementation that is formulated for human use can be administered to dogs. If you choose to buy the human variation, bring the bottle to your veterinarian so that he or she can read the ingredient label and determine the right dose for your dog. Too little salmon oil will not provide the beneficial results. Too high of a dose will add extra calories to your dog’s diet and reduce your dog’s platelet production, which can result in increased bleeding from wounds and lacerations or during surgical or dental procedures. Be sure to remind your veterinarian of all medications that your dog is currently taking.
Salmon Oil Precautions
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for and storing salmon oil. If you plan to purchase your dog’s salmon oil from the local pharmacy or discount store, look for those that are molecularly distilled. These contain the lowest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, which are chemical contaminants that are sometimes found in fish. The purification process that reduces these contaminants also removes dioxins, furans and mercury from the oil. When you shop for salmon oil, resist the amazing sale price and the urge to stock up your pantry as you remember the product’s short shelf life. Once you get the salmon oil home, store it in an area that is dark and cool, and keep the lid of the bottle tightly closed. Each time you open the bottle, perform a sniff test. If the odor is pungent, discard the remaining product on the assumption that it has gone rancid.
Learn more about Coconut oil for dogs and Fish oil for dogs