What if you could support your dog’s heart, joints, skin, and maybe even keep your dog’s brain sharp as he ages? You’d jump on board, right?
The great news is you can! You can reap all those benefits–and even more–by adding omega-3s in your dog’s diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs are essential, anti-inflammatory fats that your dog derives from food or supplements and that your dog’s body needs to thrive. In this post, we’ll dig into the details on omega-3s for dogs and how to include this powerful antioxidant in your dog’s food.
Understanding the Omega-3 Benefits for Dogs
Every dog parent should consider adding omega-3s to their dog’s diet or offering supplements. The benefits are tremendous, ranging from a shinier coat and allergy-fighting power to healthier organs and a potentially longer life.
There are three types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
ALA is an essential fatty acid that a dog’s body can’t make by itself, so it must get it from food. The dog’s body converts ALA into EPA and DHA, usable forms, but most ALA remains unused. It’s crucial for your dog to get EPA and DHA from food and dietary supplements.
The anti-inflammatory properties of DHA and EPA are a key piece of omega-3 benefits for dogs, so it makes sense to add those to your dog’s daily diet. The reduction in joint inflammation can provide your dog with greater mobility and less pain. In fact, the joint health benefits are so profound that some dog parents report that their dogs rely less on pain medication after starting an omega-3 regimen.
Perhaps even more significant is the impact on your dog’s heart health. Omega-3s in your dog’s diet can reduce your dog’s risk of heart disease by improving cardiovascular function, lowering triglycerides, and keeping your dog’s heart rhythm steady.
How to Include Omega-3s in Your Dog’s Diet
So, now you know the omega-3 benefits for dogs are worthwhile. But how do you get those vital omega-3s in your dog’s diet? Here are two actionable ways to add omega-3s into your dog’s regular routine, particularly those critical DHA and EPA forms.
With food: Foods high in omega-3s include fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and herring. Algae is a solid plant-based choice. Remember, though, that these plant-based options are also high in fiber and so should be added slowly and in moderation to prevent digestive upset. These foods can be added to your dog’s regular meal as a topper or as an integral ingredient in your prepared meal. While there are some concerns about mercury levels in fish like tuna and sardines, keeping these ingredients as occasional toppers–and under the direction of your vet–should be fine. Consider avoiding mackerel, which, while high in omega-3s, is also high in mercury.
As a supplement: Supplements are a great way to add in this vital nutrient because you have more control over the amount given per meal and can access the supplement manufacturer’s quality control guidelines. For dogs who are finicky eaters, a supplement can be provided as a treat or a topper, which might be more palatable than adding new ingredients. Choose a quality supplement–shoutout to Bernie’s OMG!!!! Omegas soft chews–and follow the label’s instructions for dosing. OMG! Omegas makes supplementing easier by supplying more omegas per serving than nearly any other option on the market. Bear in mind that the omega-3s are better absorbed by the body when taken with food, so if you choose to use supplements, especially if they come in an easy treat form, be sure to serve them with your dog’s regular meal.
Things to Consider When Introducing Omega-3s for Dogs
Before you start to incorporate omega-3s into your dog’s diet, consult with your vet. This is especially important if your dog has any pre-existing medical conditions or is currently taking any medications. This is true for starting any new supplement to be certain there won’t be any adverse effects. Once your vet gives you the all-clear, introduce the new supplement slowly.
If you’re starting with fresh foods, like those cold-water fatty fish options, check with your vet to ensure you can safely incorporate those foods into your dog’s current diet. Your vet may recommend adjusting the quantity of your pet’s meals to account for the variability in nutritional content. This would mean feeding less of their regular food to account for the calories they are consuming in these additions.
As can happen when making a change in diet or adding a supplement, some dogs can experience adverse side effects when first starting out. In the case of omega-3s, these are usually diarrhea or vomiting. Introduce changes slowly, and be sure you’re following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid overconsumption.
In addition, many dog parents are concerned about the potential for fishy breath–a common side effect when adding an omega-3 supplement that uses fish oil as its source of DHA and EPA. Selecting a supplement that can be frozen, taking it with food, or choosing a formulation like a soft chew is reported to prevent the smell.
Whether you’re looking for improved joint health, strengthening your dog’s heart, giving your pup a healthier coat, combating allergies, or any of the other numerous benefits, adding omega-3s to your dog’s food is a no-brainer! If you choose to go the supplement route, you’ll find options that help deliver a specific dose in a preferred format. If you choose to add fresh fish or flaxseed to your dog’s bowl, keep an eye on quality and quantity.
If you don’t currently add omega-3s into your dog’s diet rotation, we encourage you to explore your options!
