Proper nutrition is essential for your dog's overall health. Ensuring that he or she gets the right amount of nutrients in the correct amounts is crucial. To do this, we must give our furry-4-legged friends high-quality food containing all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.
Omega-3 fatty acids have many benefits to the human and the dog's body. But, since dogs cannot produce omega-3 on their own, adding supplements to their diet is often a great idea. Here you will find everything you need for your dog's skin and coat to look silky smooth.
What are Omegas for Dogs?
Omegas or Omega Fatty Acids refer to a specific type of fat. There are three main types of omega fatty acids omega 3s, omega 6s, and omega 9s. While dogs can turn some facts into omega-9, they cannot do the same for omega-3 and omega-6. This is why it’s important to add sources of these omegas into their diet, as they are referred to by many as essential fatty acids.
The three essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids for dogs
Omega-3 can be divided into three different types ALA, EPA, and DHA:
- Alpha-linolenic (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Each of the Omega-3s mentioned above have a benefit, several studies link DHA with better cognitive function in dogs. At the same time, other studies demonstrate that DHA help lowers the levels of cholesterol in animals.
ALA comes from plant sources nutrients like seeds are a predecessor to the other two fatty acids. This means that your pup will convert ALA onto EPA and DHA. Since ALA is hard to metabolize for dogs, experts recommend taking more EPA and DHA, which are better options for dogs and come from aquatic creatures such as fish and algae. This is why Dr. Woow Skin and Coat Omega-3 contains Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, Fish Oil, and Organic Kelp, a type of algae with many nutritional benefits.
Omega-6
This type of fatty acid are easier to come by for dogs since it can be found in most dog food, and your dog probably is getting plenty of omega-6. They are usually found in animal and plant sources and are essential to keep your pup healthy.
Benefits of Omegas-3 for dogs
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Skin and Coat: One of the most commonly cited benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs is the improvement of their skin and coat health. Getting them enough Omega 3s and Omega 6s will help them with Dry, itchy skin and dull coats. It may be beneficial if your pup suffers from allergic skin disease
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Brain health: Omega-3s are very powerful, especially when it comes to DHA and EPA, as it has beneficial cognitive effects. While most dog parents believe that its best just to give Omegas to elder dogs, studies suggest that puppies can benefit as well since their brains are still developing. Omegas are also beneficial for pups with brain disorders like canine dysfunction.
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Heart health: Omegas help with inflammation reduction, which has been shown to help dogs with arrhythmia and heart failures, leading to better cardiac health.
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Joint health: The anti-inflammation powers of omegas are no joke and are a good thing for dogs that suffer from joint pain. Less inflammation in the joint area means more mobility and, most importantly, less pain for your dog's arthritis.
Adding Omega-3s Into Your Dog’s Diet
Fish oil and omega-3s take many forms in today's world, and while there are many types of food topers like Dr. Woow Skin and Coat Omega-3 soft chews (which contains Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and other fish oils) is up to you and your vet to choose which is one is best for your dog.
The most important thing is the dosage for your pup. Consult with your vet about this and ensure your dog is getting enough EPA, DHA & ALA based on their weight and size. Online there are a couple of resources like the “times 20 rule,” which consists of multiplying your weight by 20 to get the daily milligrams your pup needs. While it gives you a general idea is best to go to your vet and ask, especially if your pup has a pre-existing condition.
