The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil for dogs is beneficial for dogs of all ages, but the greatest benefits may be enjoyed by older dogs. Supplementing your dog’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids is good for his heart, kidney, eyes, brain, skin, coat and immune system. Not all fish contain oils that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Cold water species such as Mackerel, Salmon, Black Cod, Tuna, Sardines and Anchovies are good sources of these fats. Most commercially available dog foods do not contain adequate amounts of omega-3’s to provide any benefits to your pet. Not only are commercial dog foods low in omega-3 fatty acids, but the majority of bagged kibble is excessively high in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are an essential part of your dog’s diet too, but these fatty acids actually counter the effects of omega-3’s.
There are two primary constituents of omega-3 fatty acids that are responsible for all of the benefits provided by fish oil. They are EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid. When given as a health maintenance supplement to healthy dogs, a combined total of 300mg of EPA and DHA per 20 pounds of body weight is recommended. Twice that amount is recommended for dogs with health conditions such as heart or kidney disease, arthritis, allergies or other anti-inflammatory conditions.
Most fish oil supplements contain one or more antioxidant ingredients to prevent spoilage. Fish oil is highly reactive with oxygen, and when oxidation occurs, the fish oil goes rancid. Common antioxidants used in fish oil for dogs supplements are rosemary extract, tocopherols (vitamin E), vitamin A and coenzyme Q10. Please note that some dogs may have a reaction to rosemary extract that can cause them to have seizures. This is not common, but it is a possibility. Fish oil supplements that do not contain an antioxidant ingredient are not recommended, but in the case of using such a product, an antioxidant product such as vitamin E should be administered with each dosage of fish oil.  It is also advisable to make sure that your dog gets plenty of foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to help keep several chronic illnesses at bay (possibly including cancer).
Some dog owners may be aware of the fact that some nuts and seeds contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds in particular contain high amounts of omega-3’s, but they come in a form that dogs cannot use. Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds are in their short-chain form, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Dogs lack a special enzyme that would allow them to convert omega-3’s in their short-chain form, to their usable long-chain form. For this reason, only fish oil is recommended as a supplement for dogs as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. For additional information on fish oil for dogs, please visit: www.efishoilfordogs.com.
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