Salmon Oil for Your Dog

It seems that almost everyone is starting to recommend salmon oil to dog owners who are looking for ways to keep their pet healthy. In just the past few years it has become one of the most important and popular nutritional supplements for dogs. But, how much do you know about salmon oil? Is it really safe to give your dog? What are the salmon oil benefits for dogs?

The good news is that salmon oil for dogs isn’t just some fad. It is a popular nutritional supplement because it works. It is a great, natural way to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy, shiny, and itch free. It is backed by research and it is safe to use on adult dogs and puppies. It also has many beneficial side effects.

What is Salmon Oil?

Salmon oil is a natural nutritional supplement derived from salmon. The oil is primarily harvested for the omega-3 fatty acids. Your dog could also get these fatty acids from eating salmon meat, but there are many drawbacks to giving your pet fresh salmon.

It is safer for your dog to have the salmon oil. It is easier to control the amount they are consuming, there is no risk of injury from fish bones, and there is no risk of bacterial contamination.

There are actually two different kinds of omega-3 fatty acids: long-chain and short-chain. Salmon oil has both types. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are also known as EPA and DHA. These are primarily known for their role in brain development. Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are also known as ALA. It is primarily known for its ability to fight free radicals.

Salmon is one of the best natural sources of EPA, DHA, and ALA. Salmon oil contains all of these powerful ingredients.

What are the Benefits of Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs?

The main reason most people start using salmon oil for their dogs is to help prevent or treat skin issues. The omega-e fatty acids help your dog produce the natural oils he or she needs to keep their coat smooth and shiny. It also improves skin conditions, and eliminates itching, no matter what the cause is.

But, salmon oil has many other benefits for your dog just helping with the health of their coat and skin.

These benefits include:

• Improved immune system
• Reduced inflammation in joints
• Prevents arthritis
• Helps keep digestives system healthy
• Calms overactive immune systems that lead to allergies or autoimmune diseases
• Improves cognitive function
• Stimulates brain development
• Helps in the treatment of kidney diseases
• Keeps hearts healthy
• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers triglycerides
• Helps produce collagen

Salmon oil is one of the most beneficial things you can add to your dog’s diet.

What the Research Says About Salmon Oil

Salmon oil is not just some health trend for dogs. There has been extensive research about the effects of salmon oil going back several years. The data is clear that dogs not only benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil, but that they actually need these omega-3 fatty acids to remain healthy.

Natural salmon oil gives dogs key ingredients in their diet that they often are not getting from any other source. Dogs do not produce any omega-3 fatty acids on their own. They must get all of this important nutrient from their diet.

However, most dog foods do not have adequate amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids, if they even contain any at all.

While natural salmon oil is the best way to give your dog all of the nutrients they need, it can have some negative side effects in some dogs.

You should always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.

If your dog shows any of the follow signs you should stop using salmon oil and consult with your veterinarian right away:

• Dizziness
• Loose stools
• Diarrhea
• These side effects of salmon oil are extremely rare.

Researchers have also found that salmon oil can cause some dogs to gain unwanted weight and to cause bad breath. Weight gain can be managed with a healthy diet and by working with your veterinarian. Bad breath is easily resolved by regularly cleaning your dog’s teeth.

The science behind salmon oil shows that it is the best way for most dogs to remain healthy, is part of a well-balanced diet, and will make your dog’s coat and skin clean, shiny and beautiful.

Is Salmon Oil the Best Choice?

If you are looking to specifically treat your dog’s coat or skin, you have a lot of different options. Is salmon oil good for dogs?

Other supplements and products may help your dog’s coat temporarily. But, most of these products can only be used temporarily or are only able to address a single cause of flaky, itchy skin. They also do not provide any other benefits besides dealing with the skin issues.

One popular treatment for itchy skin is coconut oil. While coconut oil is not harmful for your dog, it does not have the essential long-chain and short-chain omega-3 fatty acids that your dog gets from salmon oil.

Salmon oil is the best choice for treating skin issues because it is natural, it treats all causes of itchy and flaky skin, it works with your dog’s body making their coat and skin permanently healthy, and it provides a host of other health benefits.

Salmon oil is a super food for your dog.

What Should You Look For in Salmon Oil?

Not all salmon oil is the same. You need to be careful about what you are adding to your dog’s diet.

When looking for the right salmon oil you should look for one that:

• Comes from wild Alaskan salmon
• Is airtight
• Has a pump top
• Comes in an opaque container
• Has EPA and DHA Omega-3
• Only has natural ingredients

Salmon Oil vs Fish Oil for Dogs

The reason salmon oil should come from wild Alaskan salmon is that these fish come from clean waters that are free from high levels of pollutants often found in fish from other waters. Farm fed salmon do not have high enough ratios of omega-3 fatty acids to give the full nutritional benefit to your dog.

Having the oil come in an airtight, opaque container ensures that it has not been contaminated or damaged during the storage process. You want a pump top to make it easy to keep the salmon oil fresh and for your convenience in adding the right amounts to you dog’s diet.

Treat your dog right. Make sure you are giving them a fully balanced diet that includes salmon oil. You will notice a difference and so will they.

Vital Pet Life