Fish oils: Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements

I always feel like one of those “snake oil peddlers” of old when I talk about the “wonders” of Omega 3 fatty acids, as if it’s the “cure-all” for everything under the sun, but I do indeed like this supplement. A lot. Fish oil is the most commonly recommended supplement for both dogs and people. Fish oil is a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

Omega 3 fatty acids are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, as opposed to omega 6 fatty acids which tend to be pro-inflammatory. The typical American diet for people is high in omega 6 fatty acids and low in omega 3 fatty acids. Because both fatty acids compete to be metabolized in the body, decreasing your intake of omega 6 fatty acids and increasing your intake of omega 3 fatty acids is helpful. However, no one is certain of exactly what the proper ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids is. Currently its recommended that it be < 2.5:1.

Other benefits of omega 3 fatty acids include increased blood flow characteristics helping those with heart disease or at risk for stroke. Fish oil may help reduce side effects from chemotherapy. Fish oil may be helpful in inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation. Fish oil may lower triglyceride levels, and “bad” cholesterol. Fish oil may help protect the gastrointestinal tract from damage and side effects of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (those drugs often used for pain control.) Fish oil helps with skin disorders and allergies as well.

Fish oil derived from cold water fish (salmon, mackeral, sardine, anchovy, or herring) is preferred as it results in higher levels of EPA and DHA. Dosing is based on the amounts of EPA and DHA, as well as the pet’s condition and risk factors. Plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids have to be metabolized into EPA and DHA and so tend not to work as well as the fish sources. It may take 4-6 months to see improvement with fish oil so I often recommend it be used year-round.

With so meny benefits and very little risk, who can dispute the “wonders” of my fish oil tonic!

Fish Oil Supplements for Dogs Provide Health Benefits

Slurp!

Salmon oil, and sardine-anchovy fish oil are natural sources of beneficial omega-3 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to offer health benefits.

We offer fish oils by Iceland Pure, which are pharmaceutical grade in terms of purity and scent. Some of their benefits include:

• healthy, skiny coat


• soothing dry and irritated skin


• anti-inflammatory effects


• improved immunity


• heart health and endurance


• digestive health


• joint lubrication


• aids with anxiety and behavioral issues


• improved renal function


• aids in growth and reproduction

These claims have been backed up by various scientific studies, and a partial list of references is presented below:

Healthy coat and skin:

• Mooney MA, Vaughn DM, Reinhart GA, Powers RD, Wright JC, Hoffman CE, Swaim SF, Baker HJ. Evaluation of the effects of omega-3 fatty acid-containing diets on the inflammatory stage of wound healing in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 1998 Jul;59(7):859-63.

This study examined the effects of dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids on the biochemical component of the inflammatory stage of wound healing, and concluded that it can be manipulated by diet, and that omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diets can be used to control inflammation associated with dermatologic conditions.

• Harvey RG. A blinded, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of borage seed oil and fish oil in the management of canine atopy. Vet Rec. 1999 Apr 10;144(15):405-7.

This blinded, placebo-controlled study used 21 dogs to measure the effects of supplementary oils (borage seed oil and fish oil in combination), and found that the dogs that received the supplements showed significant improvement for the skin conditions erythema and self-excoriation.

Improved immunity:

• Filburn CR, Griffin D. Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: characterization and potential benefits. Vet Ther. 2005 Spring;6(1):29-42.

This study confirmed that dietary supplementation in dogs with a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon oil) increases plasma and red blood cell levels of these fatty acids.

• Kearns RJ, Hayek MG, Turek JJ, Meydani M, Burr JR, Greene RJ, Marshall CA, Adams SM, Borgert RC, Reinhart GA. Effect of age, breed and dietary omega-6 (n-6): omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio on immune function, eicosanoid production, and lipid peroxidation in young and aged dogs.Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 1999 Aug 2;69(2-4):165-83.

The focus of this study was to examine the influence of age and diet on various parameters of immune function in young and old Fox Terriers and Labrador Retrievers. In summary, this study indicates that feeding a diet containing an (n-6):(n-3) fatty acid ratio of 5:1 had a positive, rather than a negative, effect on the immune response of young or geriatric dogs.

• Bauer JE. Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Dec 1;231(11):1657-61.

This study found that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and other marine sources appear to be capable of modifying inflammatory and immune responses in dogs. Information is provided on the capacity of dogs to metabolize omega-3 fatty acids and the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on skin and coat, inflammatory responses, and neurologic development in puppies.

Heart health and endurance

• Laurent G, Moe G, Hu X, Holub B, Leong-Poi H, Trogadis J, Connelly K, Courtman D, Strauss BH, Dorian P. Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce atrial vulnerability in a novel canine pacing model. Cardiovasc Res. 2008 Jan;77(1):89-97. Epub 2007 Sep 20.

This study assessed the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on abnormal heart rhythm vulnerability and concluded that the supplements did reduce that vulnerability.

• Sarrazin J, Comeau G, Daleau P, et al. Reduced incidence of vagally induced atrial fibrillation and expression levels of connexins by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(15):1505-12.

This study assessed whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prevent vagally induced atrial fibrillation (AF) (abnormal heart rhythm) and influence atrial tissue expression levels of connexins (CXs), and founded that oral treatment with fish oils increased atrial n-3 PUFA levels and reduced vulnerability to induction of AF due to the antiarrhythmic effects of fish oils.

• Smith CE, Freeman LM, Rush JE, Cunningham SM, Biourge V. Omega-3 fatty acids in Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Mar-Apr; 21(2):265-73.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, in dogs with spontaneously occurring arrhythmia. It found that after six weeks, supplementation with fish oil, but not flax oil, did reduce arrhythmia in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and that it could be useful in treating this common disease.

• Billman GE, Kang JX, Leaf A. Prevention of sudden cardiac death by dietary pure omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs. Circulation. 1999 May 11;99(18):2452-7.

This study tested the effects of purified omega-3 fatty acids and concluded that they prevented ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation in its dog model of sudden cardiac death.

• Freeman L, Rush J, Kehayias J. et al. Nutritional alterations and the effects of fish oil supplementation in dogs with heart failure. J Vet Intern Med 1998;12:440-448.

The purposes of this study were to characterize nutritional and cytokine alterations in dogs with heart failure and to test the ability of fish oil to reduce cytokines and improve clinical outcome, and it found that fish oil supplementation decreased IL-1 concentrations and improved cachexia, which are associatred with canine heart failure.

Nutritional benefits

• Kelley R, Lepine A. Improving puppy trainability through nutrition. Proceedings from Iams Clinical Nutrition Symposium 2005,Seville, Spain.

This paper looked at how the inclusion of omega-3 DHA increases puppy trainability, and hence, improves the strength of the owner-pet bond, and better integration of the pet into the household.

Joint lubrication

• Hansen RA, Harris MA, Pluhar GE, Motta T, Brevard S, Ogilvie GK, Fettman MJ, Allen KG. Fish oil decreases matrix metalloproteinases in knee synovia of dogs with inflammatory joint disease. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 May 23.

This study found that dietary fish oil may exert beneficial effects on inflamed joint disease in canines.

• Hall JA, Henry LR, Jha S, Skinner MM, Jewell DE, Wander RC. Dietary (n-3) fatty acids alter plasma fatty acids and leukotriene B synthesis by stimulated neutrophils from healthy geriatric Beagles. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2005 Nov;73(5):335-41.

This study found that that foods enriched in omega-3 (n-3) FA from fish oil may have value in the treatment of canine inflammatory diseases.

Behavior issues

• Re S, Zanoletti M, Emanuele E. Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status. Vet Res Commun 2008;32:225-230.

This study investigated whether polyunsatured fatty acid status could be altered in the plasma of pathologically aggressive dogs. The results suggest that low omega-3 fatty acids may adversely impact behaviour in dogs, resulting in greater propensity to aggression. However, whether omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may be useful to reduce aggressive behaviour in the dog deserves further investigation.

Improved renal function

• Brown SA, Brown CA, Crowell WA, Barsanti JA, Kang CW, Allen T, Cowell C, Finco DR. Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in early renal insufficiency in dogs. J Lab Clin Med. 2000 Mar;135(3):275-86.

This study looked at the effects of dietary supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the progression of kidney disease in dogs. It found that supplementation with omega-6 PUFAs hastens the decline of kidney function, and that omega-3 PUFAs are reno-protective.

• Plantinga E, Everts H, Kastelein A, et al. Retrospective study of the survival of cats with acquired chronic renal insufficiency offered different commercial diets. Vet Rec. 2005;157(7):185-7.

A retrospective study was carried out on the efficacy of seven commercial diets designed to be fed to cats with chronic renal failure. It found that the most effective diet had a particularly high content of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid.

Growth and reproduction

• Wright AS, Bauer JE, Bigley KE, Lees GE, Waldron MK. Maternal Dietary Fatty Acids Modify Canine Puppy Plasma Lipoprotein Distributions during the Suckling Period. J Nutr. 2004 Aug;134(8 Suppl):2106S-2109S.

The present study was conducted to investigate cholesterol-lowering changes during suckling and early adolescence of puppies born to bitches that were fed diets that varied only in fatty acid composition and were otherwise identical. The results showed decreased total plasma cholesterol and all LP cholesterol fractions in puppies whose mothers were fed the menhaden fish oil diets.

• Heinemann KM, Bauer JE. Docosahexaenoic acid and neurologic development in animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Mar 1;228(5):700-5, 655.

This paper found that feeding dams a diet enriched with DHA during gestation and lactation has been associated with improvements in neurologic development of their puppies. Also, feeding diets or supplements containing DHA may improve memory or learning in young dogs.

7 Useful Supplements for Pets

You may have a vitamin regimen for yourself, but did you know that pets can also benefit from multivitamins and specific supplements? Pets on homemade diets especially will likely need several supplements. Here are 7 options that can help your pet feel their best.

1. Fatty acids and vitamin B

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, found in fish oil, and vitamin B, are great for giving your pet a healthy skin and coat. Dull and flaky skin is often lacking in the proper oils, which these supplements will remedy. Fish oil for dogs and cats also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can ease discomfort such as arthritis pain, and some studies are even showing that fish oil can slow the growth of cancer!

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A, found naturally in many protein sources like liver and dairy, is important for your pet’s vision. A lack of vitamin A can lead to problems like night blindness. Since most pet foods will have enough vitamin A, and too much can lead to coat and bone issues, talk to your vet about whether your pet would benefit for added vitamin A. Pets on a homemade diet may need it.

3. Glucosamine and Chondroitin

The supplements glucosamine and chondroitin are believed to be helpful for pets suffering from arthritis, just as they can be helpful for humans. These supplements, which come from the shells of shellfish and animal cartilage, can reduce arthritis pain in dogs and cats. Don’t expect an immediate change, though — these supplements work slowly over time to ease discomfort and to slow the progress of arthritis.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants can be useful for working dogs or very active dogs. Most multivitamins include antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to help prevent muscle damage, so they’re great for dogs under physical stress.

5. Probiotics

These supplements can help boost micro bacteria (“good” bacteria) in your pet’s digestive tract, and can aid digestion. Yucca schidigera or Zinc acetate can also help decrease the odor of pet gassiness — could be a good choice if company is coming over!

6. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil can help with pet constipation, but it should only ever be given mixed in with food. Simply giving the oil to your pet to swallow can cause aspiration pneumonia, a serious lung infection.

7. Milk Thistle Extract

This extract can be given to pets with liver disease, since it helps the liver to recover from imbalances. Be aware though that the full implications of long-term use haven’t been tested, so it’s not for healthy dogs or cats as a preventative. If your pet develops liver problems, ask your vet if it can be helpful.

Categories: Pet Health Bites |
Tags: arthritis, Cat, Dog, general health, grooming, lifestyle, pet meds, pet supplements, skin health |
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Fish Oil Tablets & Supplements

Buy Fish Oil Tablets and Fish Oil Supplements from Australia’s Pharmacy Online. Heart health Fish oil continues to be shown to help you promote healthy blood flow. Furthermore, it will help to maintain normal blood pressure and assist in keeping with recommended blood triglyceride ranges.

These crucial Omega-3 fatty acids have also been connected to a reduce threat of cardiovascular disease and abnormal heart rhythms. Brain performance Fish oil continues to be strongly connected to improved cognitive performance and lowering the rate of age-related cognitive decrease.

Two research published inside the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition documented that regular intake of omega-3-rich foodstuff could slow age-related cognitive drop. Joint wellness Omega-3 fatty acid EPA continues to be proven to aid with irritation and arthritis soreness.

Dogs, oil supplements and nausea

Liam spots his lunch on the counter.

Liam has a long and luxurious coat, but it takes a significant amount of work from me to keep him looking good. Allergies can cause his brown face to turn red, hives can make him dig at his skin and low-quality dog foods can make his fur simply fall out. To help keep him a bit healthier, I add a fish oil supplement to his food. Until just recently, I had thought I was doing something wonderful that Liam would thank me for.

Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and these substances can increase oil production in the skin. This can make a dog a bit less itchy, and it can also help the coat stay thick and shiny. Also, some studies suggest that fish oils can reduce yeasts, so pugs like Liam might get fewer infections in their facial folds when they’re taking in these substances.

Apparently, however, some sensitive dogs can get nauseated from fish oils. Last week, Liam became one of these dogs. While he never vomited and his appetite was good, he left puddles and puddles of drool everywhere he went and he just seemed to feel terrible. When I stopped giving the fish oil, the problem went away.

According to some articles I’ve read, humans who get nauseated due to fish oil have had success when they’ve frozen the capsules. Apparently, this allows the oil to hit the intestines, rather than the stomach, and this makes nausea a bit less likely. It all sounds good, but I’m not quite ready to jump on the bandwagon yet. While I like the idea of reducing nausea, I am a little worried about Liam swallowing something large and hard. Choking is a real danger with this plan.

So for now, I am giving his fish oil supplements in the middle of the day, instead of in the morning. In the morning, he also has a vitamin powder, and perhaps the two substances together are too much. Also, in the middle of the day, he probably still has a little food in his stomach from breakfast, and perhaps this little food buffer will reduce his nausea. At this point, he doesn’t seem nauseated, so my plan seems to be working.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Allergy dogs ; fish oil and garlic supplements for pets;, garlic supplements, immune system booster

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Expert: Marie – Ask the Pet Nurse – 8/28/2009

Question
I read where fish oil and garlic powder are just some of the supplements you can use to help.  I always thought that garlic was a no no for a dog.  What is the truth.   I also want to know what to say to a vet who insists that the benefits outweigh the risks of a vaccine.  Thanks so much. Answer
vaccine reactions ; garlic for dogs ; NuVET supplements:
With the questions you had, join my free Yahoo group: many answers in our group: over 450 pet owners helping each other…
see here:  Free Yahoo group-
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Hello June – Garlic is very safe in SMALL monitored amounts for dogs.  I have used garlic for years in small amounts…  Many of my clients use Garlic but all are small amounts of usage.

The NuVET Plus has garlic and brewer’s yeast in each wafer or powder supplement.
Everything is moderate dosages of herbs and vitamins.  We have had great luck with the NuVET program – it is an immune system booster and allergy Blaster.

Now, as far as fish oil – I like PURE salmon oil better.
You can use a small amount of Salmon oil per day – mixed into the food.

Vaccines: Oh, Boy – that is a CAN of WORMS….
I like to spread out vaccines and omit a few if needed.
I go by Dr. Dodd’s Vaccine list:  ( you can do a search on her)

To get NuVET wafers or powder: see here:  
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Marie Peppers LPN MA

fish oil and aple cider vinegar supplements, apple cider vinegar, cod liver oil

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Expert: Catherine Lane, Dip. CFN – 8/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have been adding fish oil to my dogs’ dry food (Origen) and a bit of Apple cider vinegar to their water. I cannot complain about their health, they look good and healthy. However I have doubts if I can do any damage to them with these supplements even though I add them in moderation. My dogs are both beagles. Thank you in advance for your reply,
Lilia
ANSWER: Hi Lilia,

Your dogs are very cute! I always like to see pictures of them here. I have no problem with the vinegar, in very small amounts if they don’t mind it; I’m not personally convinced of it’s usefulness in the diet, but I can’t see in most cases it does any harm either.
Fish oil can be an excellent supplement; if you can tall me the brand you’re using and how much, I can comment further. With higher levels it’s prudent to add a little Vitamin E as well.

There are many supplements  like to use in addition to commercial diet and fish body oil is one of them, but the brand should be one I know well and the amount is critical.There are some conditions that contraindicate additional Omega3 (bleeding disorders) but these are rare, and your vet would have advised you about diet (I assume!)

Let me know more and I can help you more precisely.
All the best, Catherine

———- FOLLOW-UP ———-

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply. I buy Norvegian Cod Liver Oil in Pharmacy or Bulk Store, liquid, different brands, whatever is available. I add about one coffee/tea spoon once a day to their food. Recently they both had their blood tests and they came out good, including liver enzymes. So I guess I can go on with it? Apple cider I add half of the tea spoon and not every day.

ANSWER: Good brand, but can you tell me the content per tsp? Look at the bottle and it will list EPA and DHA in milligrams. That`s what you can overdo, if you give me that information,  and their weights, I can help more precisely.

All the best, Catherine

———- FOLLOW-UP ———-

QUESTION: it just says vitamin A -4000IU, vitamin D3 -400 IU

Answer
That’s cod liver oil, not fish oil! And you should not be adding it to kibble at all. Vitamins A and D can be toxic in high levels. Please stop using this product and find a fish BODy oil – such as salmon oil – instead.
Going off for the night but I had to answer this asap. TOO MUCH VITAMIN! Never add cod liver oil to kibble – please.

Catherine

The Facts About Fish Oil Supplements

It seems there is an abundance of information about the health benefits of fish oil and many times when I suggest using it for a patient I often hear from the client “Yes, I take fish oil too for my heart or my arthritis.” Fish oil is a well accepted nutritional supplement that most veterinarians are recommending for a broad range of patients.

I think an important point that is being missed by many who take fish oil is that quality matters. It’s really all about the fishy burps. If you’ve had one you know what I mean! So why do fishy burps occur with some supplements and not when we eat fish? The answer requires us to freshen up on a little basic biochemistry. Fish oil is composed of primarily two long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Unsaturated fatty acids are highly susceptible to oxidation in the presence of oxygen which causes the oil to become rancid. Oxidized fish oil (or any unsaturated fatty acid oil for that matter) has an offensive fishy odor and taste. When we eat fish we don’t get the fishy burps because it has been refrigerated or frozen to reduce oxidation and spoilage, therefore the oils present in the fish are also fresh. The best way to tell if a fish oil is fresh is to taste it. That’s right; bite the gel capsule in half and taste the oil. The freshest fish, oil, and/or supplement will have the best health benefits. The following is some basic information regarding fish oil supplementation for companion animals. For specific doses please consult a veterinarian.

Proven Benefits:

• Improved skin and coat


• Reduced inflammation due to arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease


• Regulation of the immune system. This can work in both directions: boost immunity if low and suppress immune system if excessive.


• Improved brain function in older dogs with senility. 


• Enhanced brain and mental development in puppies and kittens.


• Lowering blood pressure (important in kidney, heart, and endocrine diseases).


• Lowering triglycerides (important in endocrine diseases and in familial affected Miniature Schnauzers).


• Promote weight loss in overweight dogs.


• Provides support in pets with cancer. 


• Provides support in pets undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Cautions:

• Fish oil is easily oxidized by exposure to oxygen, heat and light. When fish oil becomes oxidized it will develop a strong fishy and rancid odor. Rancid fish oil is not absorbed and contributes to fishy burps and fishy odor to skin and breath. To protect fish oil, store capsules or oil in the refrigerator and only buy a quantity you will use within 3 months maximum. If you notice an “off” odor the oil should be discarded.


• High doses of fish oil can interfere with platelet function and can create bleeding issues. It may be advisable to discontinue a fish oil supplement prior to surgery or dental procedures, check with your veterinarian. 


• Too much fish oil may add excess calories or increase inflammation rather than reduce inflammation in some situations.

Not all products are created equal:

• Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is molecularly distilled to remove toxins and impurities. The best companies producing fish oil are testing their finished products for the bad stuff such as PCBs, dioxins and furans, bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, yeast and mold, heavy metals (cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury), and radiation.  These companies are also diligently measuring levels of oxidation which determines freshness and fatty acid ratios which determine the potency. Thorough testing increases the cost of producing a high quality product. For this reason the best oils from a standpoint of purity, potency, and freshness will not be the least expensive but will be more effective for your pet’s health and wellness. 
  

Sources of Omega 3:

• Cold water fish are the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. These fish include sardines, cod, and anchovies. Recently krill (shrimp-like crustaceans, sole food source for whales) have been harvested to create fish oil supplements. Krill are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, but these fishing practices are not environmentally sustainable and I recommend avoiding krill oil for the health of our planet.


• Omega 3 fatty acids are also present in flax seed and several other food sources. It’s important to note that dogs and cats are not able to convert large amounts of ALA in plants to EPA and DHA. Inefficient conversion of flax oil to the useable forms of EPA and DHA is why I don’t recommend flax seed oil as a sole source of omega 3 supplementation.
  


• Many pet foods have added Omega 3 to the diets. If in the form of fish oil, the oil would be subject to rapid oxidation once the bag of kibble is opened, therefore smaller bags of food would be preferred to optimize the freshness of the added fish oils. There is also no way to know if the added fish oils are high quality or what testing is done prior to adding to the food. Flax seed oil added to food seems of little benefit to the pet since dogs and cats cannot convert it to useable forms. 


• Canned fish can be a good source of fish oil for dogs and cats. For example: one ounce of canned fish with bones (sardines, mackerel, pink salmon) averages 300 mg EPA and DHA. Cats especially may prefer canned fish rather than adding a fish oil supplement to their food. Make sure you select a fish canned in water not oil or any special sauce.


• There are many different brands of fish oil supplements available for people and animals. For myself and my own pets I have used products made by Nordic Naturals, Thorne Research, and Nutramax Laboratories. 


• Cod liver oil is another excellent source of fish oil that also contains Vitamins A and D. Cod liver oil would be useful for pets eating a home-cooked diet. For specific doses, please consult your veterinarian.