Benefits of salmon oil for your pets
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Does your pet’s coat not look great? Is their fur rough, brittle and their skin dry, flaky or even shows signs of seborrhoea? If so, your pet might not be receiving sufficient omega 3 in their diet. But these symptoms can also be related to some diseases, so if your dog or cat has them, the first step should always be to visit your veterinarian.
Omega 3 (EPA and DHA) is an essential fatty acid as your pet’s body can’t synthesize it, and as such, it must be added to their diet. When we think of omega 3, salmon normally comes to mind, and it is one of the most nutritious fish as it is rich in omega 3 oils.
Salmon can do wonders for the skin and coat of your dog. Omega 3 is also a good source of amino acids and so promotes a healthy skin (less irritations and allergies) and a shiny coat.
For elderly dogs it can also help reduce the inflammation present in their joints, relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
As well as the benefits we have mentioned before, it’s content in DHA provides optimal brain development and function which can help dogs who are ageing and is incredible for puppies whose brains are still developing. It can even help to reduce the risk of heart disease due to it’s anti inflammatory and anticoagulant effects.
Some food on the market, mostly those which are rich in fish, already offer the necessary amount of omega 3. To find out, all you need to do is check the label and see the ingredients of the food (figure 1)
If the food you use does not contain the recommended amounts, you can add supplements. Nowadays there are different options on the market (figure 2), from salmon oil, natural dehydrated salmon sticks, fresh salmon in tins or omega 3 capsules.
Even though it is only a supplement, it is still a source of calories, so we should take in to account the recommended doses to not provide an excess of fats which could cause diarrhoea or weight gain. For this reason it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian if you decide to change your pet’s diet.
