Salmon Oil for Dogs: Best Science-Backed Guide to Its Benefits
How many of us take a fish oil supplement every morning? Fish oils such as cod liver oil and salmon oil have been shown to benefit our skin, hair, brain and general health. Salmon oil, in particular, has a remarkable catalogue of benefits.
That's not only true for humans. Salmon oil for dogs is equally a wonder-supplement with scientifically researched benefits.
The sheer range of benefits of salmon oil for dogs is staggering. Many would say the benefits are on par with raw homemade dog food and baked dog food with coconut oil and MCT oil.
From healthier coats to higher cognition, salmon oil contains compounds critical to supporting a long and healthy lifespan.
Learn more about the benefits of salmon for dogs in this science-backed guide. We'll also recommend the best salmon oil for dogs currently available. (Hint: it’s not what you expect.)
Benefits of salmon oil for dogs
Diet alone is the most important element to keeping your four-legged friend in tip-top condition. Just like why ash is in dog food to provide minerals, we can use other ingredients to benefit our dogs in a similar way.
Salmon oil is a way to naturally give them an added boost—particularly during a dog's first year as well as when they're entering their golden years. Of particular interest: salmon oil is rich in omega-3s.
Below we've included five science-backed benefits of salmon oil for dogs:
#1: Improves cognition
Omega-3s have a reputation for their brain-boosting properties in humans. Now we're learning the same is true for our dogs. Inside salmon oil, there are two primary types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
It's DHA that's getting most of the attention, however.
Researchers in one study administered Beagle puppies DHA into their food for their first year of their ife. The results were nothing short of extraordinary. Puppies receiving high-DHA food were better at task learning, visual contrast discrimination and early psychomotor performance [*].
To cut out the jargon: their brains were healthier and smarter. Put them in a maze, and they'd find their way out more quickly.
DHA was supercharging their development!
Other studies have confirmed improved memory and learning in young dogs too [*].
#2: Strengthens heart health
Sadly, heart disease is all-too-common in dogs, affecting 11% of canines. What can be done?
Once again, salmon oil might hold the answer.
The heart benefits of salmon oil in dogs are numerous. The omega-3s in salmon oil can regulate abnormal heart rhythms, increase survival of dogs with heart failure, reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and more [*].
Indeed, we may have only just scratched the surface of salmon oil's positive effects on heart health.
#3: Boosts immune system
Immune dysfunction takes many forms. Weakened immune systems predispose dogs to disease. And painful autoimmune diseases turn the body's defenses on itself.
Already, scientists have demonstrated the benefits of fish oil-derived fatty acids for immune health. In this study they were found to regulate the immune system in older dogs [*].
In people, omega-3s significantly reduce pain in those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis – a degenerative autoimmune disease [*]. Other autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and lupus have also been shown to benefit from omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties [*].
Given the similarities in how these diseases function in humans and dogs, it's likely that similar benefits will be seen in dogs.
#4: Maintains skin and shiny coats
A clear sign of a dog's well-being is a shiny, glossy coat and healthy underlying skin. That's exactly what salmon oil has been shown to benefit.
Improvement of a dog's skin and coat is notable after only 28 days of supplementation with ALA—a precursor of EPA [*]. Moreover, EPA and DHA may be viable treatments for dogs suffering from skin conditions like canine atopic dermatitis [*].
Further research is needed, however, to determine the dosages and strength of the effect.
#5: Supports joint health
Due to generations of selective breeding, joint problems are common in dogs. Certain breeds such as German Shepherds are at greater risk of hip dysplasia, where the hip develops abnormally in the socket.
Salmon oil could herald a potential treatment.
Fish oil high in EPA and DHA reduces lameness and slows the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs [*]. A similar study backed those results. There, researchers found fish oil omega-3 fatty acids improved weight-bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis [*].
Finally, dogs fed with a high omega-3 diet for six months were better able to walk and play compared to a control [*].
The best salmon oil for dogs
The benefits of salmon oil for dogs couldn't be clearer. From brains to bones, salmon oil supports healthier, fitter, more able dogs.
But with so many types on the market, what's the best salmon oil for dogs?
The answer: wild caught Alaskan salmon oil, which is substantially higher in omega-3 than farm raised salmon oil.
In addition to that, a product with hand selected fish will mean your dog receives the highest nutritional quality. And equally as important: you want to feed your dog a salmon oil that's cold pressed, which means it has minimal processing to retain all the nutrients.
That's why we recommend Perfect Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, which is made to these high standards.
Some owners often wonder if it's safe for dogs to eat salmon oil daily. The short answer is yes! Feeding it daily is the best way to maximize the benefits you dog can receive from it.
Conclusion
If you've been wondering what to add to your homemade dog food to boost its flavor and nutrition at the same time, now you know! Salmon is an all-around health superfood.
And it's delicious too!
Including salmon oil in your dog's diet daily can benefit their skin, hair, brain and heart health. Just be sure to use a cold pressed wild caught Alaskan salmon oil to ensure the highest omega-3 quality.
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