Something’s Fishy!

Why Dogs and Cats Need Omega 3 Supplements

If you’re the type of pet owner who scoffs at giving your furry friends supplements, think again, say the majority of veterinarians.  In fact, Omega 3 fatty acids are among the most commonly used nutritional supplements recommended for pets.

Fish oil helps keep your dogs and cats healthy! Veterinarians first used omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil to treat canine and feline allergies, but now recommend it for conditions ranging from kidney disease to arthritis and high cholesterol.

Adding fish oil to your pet’s food provides anti-inflammatory effects, can help relieve itching and scratching and allergy related skin conditions.

The reason for supplementation is that many pet foods contain primarily Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils resulting in a highly unbalanced ratio of Omega-6s to Omega-3s. Research has shown that a ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 of 5:1 to 10:1 is optimal for dogs and cats and therefore supplementing with a high quality Omega-3 fish oil supports pet health.

While the pet begins benefiting quickly from fish oil supplementation, you may not notice a difference for 3-4 months. The pet’s body will change from the inside out—first the individual cells, then tissues, then organs. Gradually you’ll notice the coat and skin become more radiant. When you see this, you’ll know the internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, and brain, are also experiencing improved health.

There is a stunning variety of fish oil supplements available for dogs and cats. Because there are quality-control issues about the amount of heavy metals some of those supplements may contain, be sure to ask your veterinarian which brand of fish oil he recommends for your pets.