We only want the best for our dogs – starting with high-quality food through to perhaps one or the other sensible dietary supplement.
Some animal and vegetable oils are now at the top of the list. What about fish oil, for example?
In the following guide we tell you everything you need to know Fish oil for dogs: effects, dosage and use.
What is fish oil for dogs and what are its effects?
Fish oil is an oil obtained by pressing fish, whose tissues are naturally rich in fat.
Like salmon oil, fish oil has certain ingredients that are supposed to make it particularly healthy.
Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat.
In fact, fish oil has a very high proportion of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid/EPA.
This unsaturated fatty acid has, among other things, a positive effect on the heart and joints of the dog.
Omega fatty acids are important for dogs because they belong to the so-called essential fatty acids.
This means that they cannot be produced by the dog itself and therefore have to be ingested through food or fish oil.
Fats also play an important role in vitamin absorption. Because vitamins need an accompanying fat in order to be able to be utilized at all.
Vitamins A and E, in turn, protect against free radicals, have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the important immune system.
In addition, fish oil is credited with having a long-term beneficial effect on nervous system function.
Prevention or alleviation of joint problems such as arthrosis should also be possible with fish oil.
In addition, fish oil is said to function as a natural appetite stimulant, which is particularly useful for picky dogs or when changing food slowly.
Good to know
The fish from which the fish oil is extracted include tuna, salmon, herring and mackerel.
Reading tip: Would you like to learn more about «Safflower oil for dogs: effects, dosage & side effects»? Then be sure to read our article on this topic and discover how Distelol can support dogs in their natural care.
Dosage and use of fish oil for dogs
Proper dosage and use of fish oil for dogs depends on the factors age, size and weight of the fur nose away.
Because these determine the daily requirement for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The guideline for fish oil is 0.3 grams per 10 kilograms of body weight.
For example, if your dog weighs 18 kilograms, it gets 0.54 grams of fish oil mixed into its food every day.
If your fur nose weighs 3.5 kilograms, the dosage is 0.105 grams of fish oil.
You can mix this amount directly with the dog food as an oil. It does not matter whether it is high-quality dry or wet food.
In fact, it may be that your furry friend likes the dry food even better than usual.
Fish oil is also available in capsule form. Here you have the choice of putting the capsule in the food or giving it to your dog as a kind of treat if he accepts it.
Are There Any Risks and Side Effects of Using Fish Oil for Dogs?
Generally, there are no side effects from using fish oil for dogs. Whether and which side effects occur always depends on the individual dog.
Since this is a dietary supplement and thus a kind of change in diet, some dogs may experience diarrhea and vomiting.
These things should subside after a few days though.
Oily skin and fur can also be a result, as well as dog breath that smells extremely fishy.
You should pay attention to this when buying fish oil for dogs
Have you decided to try fish oil for your dog? Then please pay attention to these important things when buying:
- pay attention to a particularly high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA
- the fish oil should be of organic quality and contain no artificial additives
- the fish oil should come from fish that have been fished sustainably
- the fish oil should have been obtained by cold pressing
Please also note that fish oil can be a strain on the dog’s body in the long term – just like food that consists largely of fish.
The reason: Due to the pollution of the seas, many toxins are deposited in the fish.
Especially with tuna, it has been suspected for some time that this has a high level of mercury, which has a consistent effect on dog health.
Should you be looking for a vegetable oil alternative for a dog because you want to be on the safe side?
Then coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, walnut oil and hemp oil are suitable.
Should it be fish oil? Then you can make sure when buying that the fish used is cod or cod.
Can I use human fish oil for my dog?
Yes – whether you also use fish oil for humans for your dog depends on the ingredients.
In some cases, fish oil contains sweeteners, flavors and other additives for us two-legged friends.
Strictly speaking, these have no place in our organism, but definitely nothing in a very sensitive dog stomach.
Conclusion
Fish oil for dogs is a useful dietary supplement that provides your furry friend with important omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
Fish oil supports a shiny coat, a strong immune system, strong nerves and joints, and healthy heart function.
The amount to be given depends on the dog’s age, size and weight.
Although there are usually no side effects to fish oil, some dogs may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and fishy breath.
It is important that you pay attention to organic quality and a high omega-3 content when buying.
Do you know a particularly great fish oil that you can recommend, or other tips? Then we would be happy if you share them with us in the comments. 😊