Omega-3 is one of the essential fatty acids for humans as well as dogs, cats, and horses, along with Omega-6. Omega-3 must be obtained through the diet. However, many dogs do not receive enough Omega-3 through their food. The Omega-3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular are of great importance for a healthy animal body.
Omega-3 fatty acids end up in fish and shellfish via the food chain. The best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish species such as tuna, herring, and mackerel. However, most dogs eat little to no fatty fish. It is high in calories and is often not purified. This is certainly undesirable for dogs with mobility issues. Some vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, are also rich in Omega-3. However, vegetable oils primarily contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA must still be converted into EPA and DHA. And dogs convert only 10% of the ALA into EPA and DHA. Therefore, your dog receives too little EPA and DHA if he or she has to rely solely on the vegetable oil offered over their food.
Omega 3 for your dog!
Because your dog benefits from Omega 3 but does not receive enough through their diet—which is certainly the case with heavier dogs—it is of great importance that EPA and DHA are added to or supplemented in their pure form. In conventional pet food, these Omega 3 fatty acids are either absent or absent in the correct ratio. And feeding more food is, of course, not an option. Just like humans, dogs often consume too little easily absorbable Omega 3 and too much Omega 6. An excess of Omega 6, in turn, results in the Omega 3 fatty acids being converted into EPA and DHA even less effectively. Dry food contains a lot of Omega 6. By adding Omega 3, the correct ratio is restored. Fish oil, which is rich in Omega 3, offers a solution as a supplement for your dog.
Omega-3 is mentioned in many nutrition tips as a supplement for your pet. Omega-3 is beneficial for the brain, among other things. It is especially important for pregnant dogs. Omega-3 can easily be added to your dog's diet via fish oil.
Are you considering salmon oil for your dog? Wild fish oil is a better alternative. Most salmon oil is made from farmed salmon that are sometimes fed contaminated concentrated feed and antibiotics, which is undesirable for your dog. Moreover, a higher dosage often needs to be administered. Arctic Blue I would be happy to tell you more about the benefits of fish oil and what to look out for when purchasing (the right) fish oil for your dog .
