Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Dog Food Recipes

Omega-3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids found most commonly in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines.  They are often referred to as essential fatty acids and are considered one of the most important substances for good health and well-being for humans as well as for our pets. If you are thinking of using Omega 3 acids in your dog food recipes doing a few minutes of research can pay off immensely when it comes to your dog’s health.

There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Many products on the market claim to promote health through the use of Omega-3 fatty acids, but contain only a-linolenic acid (ALA), and not EPA or DHA.  Among the three DHA is the most important nutrient to be consumed by dogs.  Animal research indicates DHA and EPA are important for healthy brain development in puppies and is important in developing brain cells as well as retinal functions that allow puppies to see.  In mature dogs DHA has a natural anti-inflammatory ability that helps stop and turn off cancer cells and helps prevent kidney disease.

Omega-3 is among the most commonly used pet supplement in all of veterinary medicine.  Adding Omega 3 fish oil supplements with other dog food ingredients helps to improve a range of health conditions.  They decrease platelet aggregation through the thinning of the blood which can cause wounds to bleed longer before heeling.  Fish oil for dogs is also exceptionally good for healing those hairless dry, itchy irritated areas and encourage the hair to grow back.  However dogs with bleeding disorders should not take omega-3 fish oil without veterinarian approval.

Dry dog food products could be a major source of degenerative conditions in your pet. Dogs are carnivorous animals and need essential nutrients that are not found in dry or canned foods.  Dogs as well as cats need a set ratio of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health.  Dog owners should be cautious when buying Omega 3 supplements without prior knowledge of the manufacturer.  Some supplements may not contain the labeled amount of fish oil.  Pets need a supplement high in Omega 3 with no added Omega 6.  When selecting fish oil for dogs look for a 2:1 ratio of DHA to EPA with a recommended minimum of 250mg of DHA per tablet or soft gel caps.

Supplementing your dog food recipes with Omega-3 fatty acid supplements will support overall wellness, but just adding fish oils to your dog’s food can result in decreased levels of vitamin E.  It is therefore recommended to use fish oil supplements they have extra vitamin E added to them.  Omega 3 fish oil supplements rich in EPA and DHA has improved the survival rates for all dogs.  you can also use fish oil meant for humans as long as you choose the correct dosage. In the long run dog food nutrition can be enhanced through the use of Omega-3 fatty acids.