Too Much Salmon Oil For Dogs. How Much is Too Much?

When it comes to taking care of our pets, we always want the best for them. Their health is a top priority. So when it comes to buying their food, medicines, and supplements, we should get high-quality products. (Remember to consult your local veterinarian before starting your dog on any new diets and supplements.)

Recently, new research has shown that fish oil is one of the best supplements we can give to our beloved pets. Fish oil has been proven to support their heart health, promote a silky coat of fur, reduce itchy and flaky skin, and relieve allergies and joint pain. It can even strengthen their immune system against diseases and even canine cancer.

What is the Fatty Acids Found in Salmon Oil For Dogs?

There are several benefits from taking fish oil because it contains good fats that are essentially healthy for your dog's body and brain. Like humans, there are good fats - like in avocados - that we need to have in our diet. We can't produce Omega-3 fatty acids on our own, and neither can our dogs, so they must get this from their diet.

There are four types of dietary fats: trans fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in polyunsaturated fats. These Omega-3s are essential because they help with hormone production that regulates blood flow and prevents inflammation. The most common sources of Omega-3 are fish, shellfish, plant and nut oils, and flaxseed.

Dogs must have a healthy dose of Omega-3 fatty acids because they help balance out Omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in processed foods and grains. Since dog food manufacturers use meat from corn-fed animals and refined oils, which are high in Omega-6, dogs often have a high level of Omega-6 fatty acids. If this happens, your dog will have too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3. These two should be balanced for your dog to be happy and healthy.

Is Salmon Oil Good For Dogs?

Your dog will surely benefit from the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements, like salmon oil, cod oil, etc. Depending on your pet's health, fish oil supplements may become part of their long-term diet. Otherwise, they can still provide a temporary nutritional boost to improve their health.

The two main ingredients in fish oil for dogs are the components that provide Omega-3s, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - both of which are fatty acids that makeup Omega-3. Naturally, DHA and EPA are bonded to glycerol. Together the molecule is called a triglyceride, one of the most common types of fat. Fish oil is considered a triglyceride.

Below we will list down the six main benefits of fish oil for dogs.

#1. Protects the heart.

Fish oil in a dog's diet has been found to reduce their heart's vulnerability to developing an irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation. It can even act as an anti-coagulant and prevent blood clots from forming in dogs (and cats) with heart disease.

#2. Provides support for allergies like having dry, flaky skin.

Many dogs have skin conditions, resulting in unhealthy skin. Giving fish oil to pets with allergies may reduce their itching, promote healthy skin, and even help with wound healing - especially if your dog likes to scratch at the itchy dry skin.

#3. Helps slow down the progression of kidney diseases.

When pets get older, they become more prone to kidney disease. Fish oil can help with this by lowering your dog's blood pressure, decrease protein loss in their urine, and reduce the production of inflammatory substances that aggravate their failing kidneys.

This was studied among 146 cats with kidney disease - those cats that were given Omega-3 supplements lived a median of 17 months compared to the seven months of those who were not supplemented.

#4. Supports arthritic joints.

Fish oils can decrease the production of potent prostaglandins that stimulate joint inflammation. Arthritic dogs and cats are given fish oil for healing and comfort in the joints, making them more agile! It also reduces the pain and discomfort from arthritis. This enables them to walk, run, and play more. Increased physical activity is always better for our aging pets.

#5. Supports healthy cognitive functions.

Studies have found that supplementing puppies with DHA increased their ability to learn and retain certain skills versus those who did not receive additional DHA.

However, older pets with cognitive dysfunctions can also benefit from fish oil by having improved recognition of family members and even other dogs!

#6. Anti-inflammatory and supports healthier blood triglyceride levels.

Lastly, Omega-3s have very important anti-inflammatory properties. Dogs' fish oil may decrease harmful triglyceride levels, which is critical among pets with heart disease, pancreatitis, and bowel problems.

There are certainly many health benefits should you start to give your dog fish oil or salmon oil. But you might be wondering how much EPA and DHA should be in your dog's diet.

How Much Salmon Oil is Too Much?

When it comes to supplementing dosage, we definitely recommend consulting with a trusted veterinarian. Set an appointment to ask how much fish oil is appropriate for your dog, given their health history, age, weight, size, and any conditions they have.

If you want to check an online reference, take a look at this article. The recommended dosage of fish oil daily is 75 to 100 mg/kg total EPA/DHA. Keep in mind that there is an upper limit on the health benefits of Omega-3. Overdosing can lead to harmful effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, altered platelet function (which can lead to reduced blood clotting), delayed wound healing, weight gain, altered immune function, and more. Do not give more than the recommended amount!

It is important to know your pet's weight because this is the baseline for their recommended daily dose. When taken at the right dosage, fatty acids have relatively few side effects. But the most common one is diarrhea, particularly at higher doses - so this applies to bigger dogs. Professionals recommend gradually increasing your dog's daily dose until they reach the recommended dosage for their weight. Again, this is the time for you to consult with a trusted veterinarian near you.

What is a Good Salmon Oil Choice for My Dog?

EPA and DHA are naturally found in fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies. This is perfect because your dog will surely enjoy these tasty treats. You can choose to feed your dog fish like sardines, anchovies, or salmon or use foods that have these as additives.

Other than that, any fish oil would benefit your dog as there are many Omega-3 supplements and treats available today. They can come in liquid form or soft gels.

However, animals do not readily convert flaxseed to the active forms of EPA and DHA. So you may want to consider fish oils over flaxseed as a source of Omega-3.

How Should I Store My Dogs Salmon Oil Supplement?

You might be wondering how to store the fish oil for dogs properly. Fish oils are highly prone to oxidation, so you should store them away from light and keep them exposed to air. The formula should also contain adequate levels of Vitamin E or other antioxidants as preservatives. Check the label because if preservatives are not added, the product must be kept refrigerated 24/7.

There are many processed ingredients in today's dog foods, so fish oils may be perfect for improving your dog's dietary needs. To know more about fish oils and its benefits for cats and dogs, you may check our products for Salmon Oil or Fish Oil for Dogs.