The best way to introduce Omega 3 for dogs into our best friend’s diet is through foods rich in it, such as dog food containing Omega 3 and 6. It is important to understand that Omega 3 for dogs is essential for the proper functioning of their body, but your dog cannot produce it on its own. For this reason, they must ingest it through their diet.
For our furry companion, these fatty acids can reduce the risk of suffering from different problems and diseases. Want to know all the benefits of Omega 3 for dogs? Keep reading.
Omega 3 for dogs: benefits
A good dose of Omega 3 for dogs can have a very positive impact on our best friend’s health. Some of its most important benefits are:
- Prevention of diseases that affect the immune system, especially those that attack the hair and skin, by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
- Supplementation with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), essential for the neuronal development of puppies. It is also very important for pregnant or lactating females.
- Reduction of itching in cases of allergy. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, itching is reduced, avoiding the possibility of skin injuries caused by scratching.
- Prevention of otitis, skin infections, and cardiovascular diseases.
How do I know if my dog has an Omega 3 deficiency?
Omega 3 deficiency in dogs has visible consequences in their behavior, body, and health. Below we explain all the symptoms of Omega 3 deficiency in dogs:
- Our dog is usually more fatigued than normal or shows muscle weakness, difficulties in running, walking, etc.
- Joint pain and brittle nails.
- Poor skin and coat health. This symptom may present in many ways, from hair loss or brittle hair to scaly or seborrheic skin.
- Excessive itching due to longer healing times for wounds. Beyond the fact that these symptoms may respond to an Omega 3 deficiency in dogs, remember they are also associated with different diseases. For this reason, if you observe this symptomatology in your dog, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before supplementing their diet with Omega 3 for dogs.
When is Omega 3 supplementation recommended for dogs?
Proper supplementation with Omega 3 for dogs is beneficial in most cases, with some exceptions. Although we always recommend consulting your trusted veterinarian, we help you identify some special situations in which it might be useful to supplement the diet with Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs:
- Allergies and autoimmune diseases. Some of the dog’s exaggerated immune reactions (such as excessive itching) are reduced by Omega 3. It is also recommended to prevent the appearance of diseases such as atopy.
- Poor coat and skin condition and appearance.
- Circulatory system complications such as cardiovascular problems or high cholesterol. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 fatty acids help prevent heart problems. They also have an anticoagulant effect, as well as helping to reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood.
How to introduce Omega 3 into my dog’s diet?
Side effects of Omega 3 intake are uncommon, although it is important to note that Omega 3 supplementation increases calorie intake, which may cause our dog to gain weight. In some cases, if too high a dose of Omega 3 is offered, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or excessively greasy hair or skin may occur.
For this reason, most experts agree that the best way to introduce Omega 3 for dogs into their diet is gradually and through dry or wet foods rich in these fatty acids.
If you want to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs while giving them food that will make them jump with joy, we recommend the range of Harper and Bone meatballs for dogs. These juicy meatballs are cooked in their own juices, with natural ingredients and no grains. A source of proteins and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for dogs, these meatballs ensure a varied, balanced, and tasty diet for your best friend.
