Omega 3 is one of the essential fatty acids for humans as well as dogs, cats and horses, together with Omega 6. Omega 3 must be absorbed through food. However, many dogs get no or insufficient Omega 3 through their food. Especially the Omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are of great importance for a healthy animal body.
Through the food chain, Omega 3 fatty acids end up in fish and shellfish. The best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are oily fish such as tuna, herring and mackerel. However, oily fish is rarely or never eaten by most dogs. It contains a lot of calories and is often not purified. This is certainly not desirable for dogs with mobility problems. Some plant-based oils, such as flaxseed oil, are also rich in Omega 3. However, plant-based oils mainly contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA still has to be converted into EPA and DHA. And dogs only convert 10% of the ALA into EPA and DHA. So your dog gets too little EPA and DHA if he or she has to rely solely on the plant-based oil offered over his food.
Omega 3 for your dog!
Because your dog benefits from Omega 3 but does not get enough of it through food, which is certainly the case with heavier dogs, it is very important that EPA and DHA are added to the food or supplemented in their pure form. In standard pet food, these Omega 3 fatty acids are not present, or not in the right ratio. And giving more food is obviously not an option. Dogs, just like humans, often get too little well-absorbable Omega 3 and too much Omega 6. An excess of Omega 6 in turn means that the Omega 3 fatty acids are converted even less well into EPA and DHA. Dry food contains a lot of Omega 6. By adding Omega 3, the right ratio is achieved again. Fish oil, which is rich in Omega 3, then offers a solution as a supplement for your dog.
Many nutrition tips mention omega 3 as something to give your pet. Omega 3 is good for the brain, among other things. Omega 3 is certainly also important for pregnant dogs. Fish oil makes it easy to add omega 3 to your dog's food.
Are you thinking about salmon oil for your dog? Wild fish oil is a better alternative. Most salmon oil is made from factory-farmed salmon, which are sometimes given contaminated concentrated feed and antibiotics, which is not desirable for your dog. In addition, a higher dose often has to be given. Arctic Blue is happy to tell you more about the benefits of fish oil and what to look out for when buying (the right) fish oil for your dog.
