Last Updated on 02/03/2023 by K9 Oil Supplements
Fish Oil For Dogs : Fish Oil Alone May Not Be Enough
Fish oil for dogs is one the most misunderstood supplements for dogs available. Not only are there really low grades of fish oil for dogs on the market, unfortunately some pet parents just do not understand the proper dosage. This is when you hear stories of fish oil overdose and the like.
A proper, all natural and wild caught (versus farm raised) fish oil for dogs is a source of two key fatty acids: EPA and DHA. However, our K9 Oil Supplements also include ETA, GLA and SDA for a more complete solution versus fish oil for dogs alone.
First off, DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid) from fish oil for dogs is not an anti-inflammatory fat. It mainly protects the brain and nervous system. EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid, an Omega 3 fatty acid) from fish oil for dogs is in fact an important anti-inflammatory fat. These two fatty acids are common in proper fish oil.
However, ETA (EicosaTetraenoic Acid, a polyunsaturated Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid) is not found in fish oil for dogs and is an important precursor to EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid) which has anti-inflammatory benefits of its own and it too is not found in fish oil for dogs. And while your dog can convert ETA to EPA, your dog can not convert EPA to ETA. So most commercially processed fish oils for sogs alone are an incomplete source of anti-inflammatory fats.
Enter wild caught salmon oil that is processed with the additional intention of ETA (EicosaTetraenoic Acid). EicosaTetraenoic Acid is an omega-3 and 6 fatty acid that is found in the flesh of wild caught (versus farm raised) cold-water salmon.
Another item that is missing in fish oil for dogs is GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid). It is yet another anti-inflammatory fat that has benefits for your dog. However, GLA comes exclusively from plants and does not come from fish at all. So once again, fish oil for dogs alone is missing another component.
GLA is an omega-6 fat. It is a key anti-inflammatory fat that also helps regulate hormones. It is also linked to healthy skin and coats. But this important fat does not come from fish sources. Certain plants are rich in minerals, including zinc, manganese, and can be extracted properly with the intent of utilizing such compounds.
Certain plants also contain SDA (SteariDonic Acid, a polyunsaturated Omega 3 fatty acid), which can be converted to ETA and EPA. SDA is a shorter long-chain omega-3 fatty acid composed of 18 carbons, making it a precursor to longer long-chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
By now, hopefully, we have demonstrated a bit more about why a “proper formulation” is critical.
See our product ingredients to learn why our formula is a complete solution.
Keep in mind that unfortunately, a lot of dogs eat kibble or meats from animals that were fed on grains and starchy foods. A lot of dogs eat processed pet foods.
The issue with foods that are too rich in omega-6 fats is that it results in feeding your dog higher amounts of omega-6 fats that could lead to an increase in inflammation. This excess inflammation potentially puts your dog at risk.
Omegas are sensitive to heat, hence processed pet foods render the good stuff out before it is even put in the container!
Your dog needs proper omega-3 fats to help balance out those excess omega-6 fats to reduce harmful inflammation. Just like humans utilize supplements to overcome the same issues, so can your pets. Our pet supplements are designed as an easy to use pet food topper with clear and simple dosage instructions.
Once more in case you missed it, see our product ingredients to learn why our formula is a complete solution.
Yes, we have heard of fish oil for dogs alternatives such as Algal oil. However, we do not think it is the best choice because not all brands contain EPA, while the majority only contain DHA. Which is less nutrients than fish oil for dogs has to begin with.
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