Whether you have an aging dog showing signs of degenerative arthritis or a dog with an injury involving the joint, your canine friend is probably experiencing the inflammation and discomfort associated with various joint problems.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil have demonstrated an ability to help reduce inflammation.
As a result, fish oil supplements for dogs are an important part of the diet to manage joint health.
How Does Fish Oil Help With Joint Problems?
Fish oil is a major source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids for people and animals.
Omega 3 fatty acids are not produced naturally by the body, so they must be included in the diet.
The three main omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
EPA is an important part of cell wall membranes. When injury occurs, EPA is released and works with DHA in the body to decrease production of inflammatory substances created by enzymes and other molecules in the joint. This reduces the pain, swelling and heat of inflammation and helps to prevent further damage to the joint.
In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, omega 3 fatty acids are also essential to maintain healthy brain, heart, skin and other organs in the body. Therefore, it is important to find good fish oil supplements for dogs.
What are Good Sources for Dog Fish Oil?
If you are looking for the best fish oil for your dog, there are many good products available. Fish oil is the best source of the omega 3 fatty acids that are essential in the diet. Cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines have the highest concentrations of EPA and DHA.
You will want to consider the source and purity of the ingredients when evaluating the dog fish oil to find the best supplement for your dog. Purified fish oil is important to ensure that any potential toxins present in the fish are eliminated.
Barker Labs Unscented Salmon Oil
One excellent source of essential omega 3 fatty acids is salmon oil for dogs. Salmon are an oily fish that have a high concentration of EPA and DHA in their system.
Barker Labs Salmon Oil is one of the best fish oil supplements for dogs.
It is a pure liquid sourced from 100% sustainably harvested salmon (from Norway) that can be put straight onto your pets food. Customers report that their dogs love the taste of the oil and it comes in a special plastic free bottle.
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet
- WHY OMEGA-3 PET - This Nordic Naturals pet product is made with the same exceptional quality oil as...
- PROACTIVE PROTECTION FOR YOUR PUP - Research shows that the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA in fish...
- YOUR PETS DESERVE THE BEST - All of our omega-3 fish oils are in the triglyceride molecular form...
- PURITY GUARANTEED - Every batch of Nordic Naturals fish oil is crafted from fresh, wild-caught,...
- ETHICAL INNOVATION - Nordic Naturals has always been at the forefront of sustainable & ethical...
Other fish oil pills for dogs are derived from oily fish besides salmon. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet is another excellent soft gel fish oil supplement for dogs.
The capsule can be given directly to your dog or split open to pour over food.
The fish oil in Nordic Naturals comes from wild anchovies and sardines and is highly purified. These fish are harvested from the South Pacific Ocean near Peru and the fisheries are ranked highly for sustainability.
How Do I Give Fish Oil to My Dog?
Fish oil supplements are available in pills, chews, or as a liquid. Chews can be given as a treat and are often flavored to appeal to your dog.
Soft gel pills can be given directly or broken open to pour the contents over food. If you prefer to give the pill directly, you can either give the pill straight or hide it in food such as peanut butter or cheese.
If you choose to use liquid fish oil for dogs, you can squirt the proper dose directly in your dog’s mouth using an oral medicine dropper, or you can pour it over your dog’s food.
Dose of Fish Oil to Give a Dog
Each supplement described includes dosing information with the packaging. Using the recommended fish oil dosage for dogs is safe and not known to have interactions with anti-inflammatory or pain relieving drugs.
Because EPA needs to be incorporated into the cellular membrane, it will take several weeks to see positive results. Once the supplement yields results, you may be able to reduce the use of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications.
When you follow package instructions, you will be giving an appropriate dose for dogs.
This will ensure your dog is receiving an effective level of fish oil without risk of an overdose.
Too much fish oil may have adverse effects such as decreased immune activity and interference with blood clotting. On rare occasions, excessive doses of fish oil or other fatty acids can lead to pancreatitis.
Omega 3 for Dogs
Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are a necessary nutrient in a dog’s diet. Supplementation with a good source of fish oil helps to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with joint injuries or degenerative arthritis. In addition, it helps promote healthy hair, skin, heart and more.
Fish oil supplements are available in soft chews, soft gel pills, or liquid form. When looking for a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, you will want to check the source of fish oil.
Oily fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel and sardines have the highest concentration of EPA and DHA.
Once you know the source of the fish oil, make sure it is purified to remove any harmful toxins. The will ensure the supplement is safe when you follow dosage instructions included in the packaging.
More on Dogs:
- Benefits of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM for Dogs
- Duralactin and other Natural Anti-Inflammatories for Dogs
- What Are The Best Fatty Acid Supplements For Dogs
A lover of animals, peace and quiet, and reading. When Fern is not working she will be engrossed in a Fiction book or drooling over the idea of going out for dinner.
Fern is strangely fond of Vampire movies.
