Fish Oil for Dogs
Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs

Fish oil for dogs is rich in essential fatty acids. This page looks at the numerous benefits of essential fatty acids for dogs and why it is important to supplement your dog with fish oil.

Many dog parents may have already been giving fish oil supplements to their dogs for a shinier, softer coat. However, fish oil for dogs has much more benefits to dogs than just giving them a shinier coat. In fact, it has been found that it is essential to supplement our dogs with fish oil or other sources of fatty acids because animals can only produce some fatty acids, but not all.

What are Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are some types of polyunsaturated fats. Two main classes that are of particular importance to our dogs are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids include:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Omega-6 fatty acids include:

Linoleic acid (LA)
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
Arachidonic acid (AA)

Animals are incapable of converting one type of fatty acids to another, e.g. from Omega-6's to Omega-3's. Research shows that an optimal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed for maximum positive benefits. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1 in the dog's daily diet.

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Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil for Dogs

Many dog parents are unsure as to which fatty acid (Omega-3's or Omega-6's) and which source of fatty acids (e.g. flaxseed oil or fish oil) is better for their dogs.

A lot of processed dog food tend to be high in Omega-6's and low in Omega-3's. If you feed your dog processed food, therefore, there is a high chance that he needs Omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Fish oil, such as salmon oil and cod liver oil, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).

Flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, and soybean oil are also rich in Omega-3 (but in the inactive form of ALA).

Special enzymes are required to convert the inactive ALA into EPA and DHA, which are the active forms. Some animals, especially carnivores like dogs, do not have the required enzymes to do the conversion. Thus, the fatty acids in fish oil are more readily available for use in a dog's body.

Recent research has found that fish oil for dogs is anti-inflammatory, and is therefore more beneficial to dogs with inflammatory diseases, such as allergies, arthritis, kidney and heart disease, and cancer.

On the other hand, flaxseed oil does not seem to be as beneficial to dogs with inflammatory diseases although it is effective in improving the skin and coat conditions of dogs. Flaxseed also has anti-cancerous properties. In addition, flaxseed is a source of soluble fiber which can help counter tendencies to constipation.

In view of the above, it can be concluded that fish oil is the preferred fatty acid supplement for dogs with inflammatory diseases. Flaxseed oil can be used to improve skin and coat conditions, and to counter constipation and perhaps inhibit cancer growth.

Dog parents should therefore choose an appropriate fatty acid source according to the health conditions and needs of their dog.

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The Many Benefits of Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil for Dogs

Fatty acid sources, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil, are beneficial to all dogs, but in particular they are especially valuable to dogs with the following health problems:

Inflammatory Diseases: Dogs with inflammatory diseases such as canine osteoarthritis can see improvement in their conditions upon being given Omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary supplement. One study has found that about 80% of the dogs in the study showed improved joint function after being supplemented with Omega-3 fatty acids. It has also been found that by supplementing a dog with Omega-3 fatty acids, the use of NSAIDs can be decreased.
Allergies: The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acid can also help dogs with allergies such as canine atopy. Studies show that adding large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to an atopic dog's diet can decrease inflammation and itchiness in the dog.
Kidney Disease: The anti-inflammatory action of Omega-3's may reduce kidney inflammation and improve blood flow to the kidneys. Therefore, dogs with kidney problems can benefit from Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil since the fatty acids can slow down the progression of kidney disease.
Heart Disease: Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent certain cardiovascular problems in dogs, such as high blood pressure, and ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rapid heart rhythms).
Dry Skin and Hair: Dogs with dry skin and dull, brittle hair can greatly benefit from fatty acids, especially flaxseed oil or hempseed oil as well as borage oil which is rich in Omega-6's. Linoleic acid (LA) in Omega-6's is essential for healthy skin and hair coat.
Cancers: Flaxseed has anti-cancerous properties. In addition, it has been found that Omega-3 fatty acids boost the immune system, and can protect dog cancer patients against cancer cachexia (weight loss and muscle atrophy caused by cancer).

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Natural Products of Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil for Dogs

Only Natural Pet Salmon Oil: This 100% pure fish oil contains a potent, highly digestible source of essential fatty acids and is loaded with the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. The fish oil has undergone a natural purification process that can remove virtually all toxins and heavy metals in the oil.
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet: If oil is too messy or your dog does not like the taste, try this salmon oil in capsule form.
Ultra Oil for Pets Skin and Coat Supplement: If your dog has dry, itchy skin and not so glossy hair coat, this hempseed oil is good for him. Hempseed oil is similar in nature to flaxseed oil and is effective in promoting healthy and shiny hair coat.