Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs

You’ve heard that fish oil has great health benefits for humans, and now you’re wondering: What are the benefits of salmon oil for dogs?

While you’d never feed your dog straight salmon because there could be bones in it, you’re curious about if it’s healthy for pups in another form. It turns out there are many benefits of salmon oil for dogs, and you may want to start supplementing your dog’s diet with it to make him healthier and prolong his life.

What Is Salmon Oil?

Salmon oil is an oil that comes from salmon, and it contains omega-3 fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), as well as omega-6 fatty acids. Usually, salmon oil will come in a liquid or pill form.

Benefits of Fish Oil

Salmon oil can help with your dog’s overall health. Here are the specific ways in which it can improve your pup’s life.

It Can Increase Cognitive Function

DHA can increase your dog’s cognitive function as well as aid your puppy’s development. In one study, puppies who received DHA supplementation during breeding and the early stages of their life performed better on cognitive tests than puppies that were not given the supplement.

It Gives Them Healthy Skin

If your dog has a skin condition or allergies, salmon oil can help. For example, if your pup has itchy skin or dry skin, you can give him salmon oil, which assists in building a protective barrier of strong cells. This stops a reaction from happening on your dog’s skin when your dog comes into contact with allergens. Salmon oil is especially useful for Golden Retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers, which have skin allergies and conditions. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids give your dog a shiny coat, and they can help cut back on shedding. 

It Helps With Their Immune System

The anti-inflammatory properties of long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids treat autoimmune and inflammatory issues as well. They can minimize hip and joint discomfort, which is especially helpful for older dogs, and aid immune responses from T-cells to various triggers.

It Fights Against Cancer

Among the health benefits of salmon oil is its cancer-fighting properties. Salmon oil can not only prevent cancer but can also help slow the spread of cancer and assist with cancer-causing conditions like cachexia.

It Lowers Blood Triglyceride Levels

If there are harmful levels of triglyceride in your dog’s body, then giving him salmon oil could help improve his heart health. Salmon oil could be beneficial if he has inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or heart disease.

It Slows Down Kidney Disease

If your dog’s kidneys are failing, salmon oil may be able to decrease undesired protein loss in urine, lower your dog’s blood pressure, and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory substances that have a negative impact on the kidneys.

How to Give Salmon Oil Supplements to Your Dog

Before you decide to give salmon oil or any type of fish oil supplements to your dog, make sure you get in touch with his veterinarian. You can ask the vet how much salmon oil your dog needs based on how much he weighs and his overall health. Some salmon oil may come in soft gels, but typically, most of it is in liquid form. You should only give him fish oil for dogs and avoid products that are made only for humans. If your dog is having skin or coat issues, then you can also use salmon oil shampoo for dogs.

You could also give your dog certain foods to provide him with the fatty acids you need. For example, small dogs can safely eat two to three anchovies per day, and larger dogs can eat five. Anchovies also contain DHA and EPA and contain the same benefits as fish oil. In addition, you could feed your pup a few unsalted sardines per week since they will provide him with omega-3 fatty acids as well.

For a healthy snack, feed your dog Raw Freeze-Dried Salmon Dog Treats by Wholesome Pride. These minimally processed treats are made with wild Alaskan salmon oil, are 100% natural, and are made in the USA. You can use them for training your dog or rewarding him when he’s been good.

Using the Right Salmon Oil

When shopping for salmon oil, seek out ones made with wild-caught or sustainably sourced salmon, because they are typically healthier than farmed fish. The salmon oil you choose also shouldn’t contain preservatives, chemicals, and synthetic ingredients. If you don’t want to use salmon oil, a good alternative is krill oil, which also carries the same benefits since it contains fatty acids, too. You can ask your vet or other dog owners for recommendations for the best products available.

Staying Away From Too Much Salmon Oil

If you give your dog too much salmon oil, then adverse side effects to your dog’s health could occur. In high doses, your dog may vomit, get diarrhea/loose stools, have bad breath, become sleepy, feel itchy, or have skin flakes or an oily coat. To avoid these issues, always ask your vet about how much salmon oil your dog needs, and make sure you contact them right away if you notice any negative side effects.

Other Foods Containing Fatty Acids

There are other ways to give your dog the essential fatty acids he needs to be healthy and thrive. You can feed your pup flaxseed, which contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s crucial to grind the seeds beforehand so your dog can properly digest this food. Additionally, ask the vet about how much flaxseed to give your dog so you don’t accidentally feed him too much.

Some other foods that contain fatty acids include soybean, canola, rapeseed, corn, sunflower, and safflower oil. When looking for dog food, make sure that it has ingredients with fatty acids.

Incorporating Fatty Acids Into Your Dog’s Diet 

With salmon oil as well as foods with fatty acids, you can give your dog a happier and healthier life. All it takes is some oil in liquid form or a few adjustments to his diet to make him feel better and potentially prolong his life as well.

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