Salmon oil - should I add it to my dog’s food?
I’m a firm believer in not adding the kitchen sink to your dog’s diet and only adding extras that will benefit your dog.
I am passionate about adding Omega 3 to dogs’ diets as this is massively important to supporting their bodies.
I haven’t always been a fan of salmon oil for dogs, as there’s a vast difference in quality in the market. And quality does matter - read on to learn why…
Plus discover the best salmon oil for dogs and why it makes such a difference.
Why the quality of salmon oil matters:
While cold-pressed salmon oil offers numerous benefits for dogs, it's essential to choose a high-quality product to ensure safety and efficacy. Low-quality or improperly processed salmon oil may become rancid over time, leading to a decline in nutritional value and potential health risks for your dog.
Rancid oils can produce harmful free radicals that may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and digestive upset in dogs.
By selecting a reputable brand of salmon oil that uses high-quality, sustainably sourced salmon and employs proper processing techniques, you can ensure that your dog receives a pure, potent, and safe supplement.
Which is why my go-to is Green and Wild Salmon Oil.
I also advocate buying in low quantities as oil is affected by light and heat so has around a 12-week shelf life for open.
Understanding Cold-Pressed Salmon Oil:
Cold-pressed salmon oil is derived from the fatty tissues of salmon, a nutrient-rich fish abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Unlike heat-processed oils, cold-pressed salmon oil is extracted at low temperatures, preserving its nutritional integrity and ensuring maximum potency.
Benefits of Cold-Pressed Salmon Oil for Dogs:
1. Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat:
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat in dogs. Cold-pressed salmon oil is a rich source of EPA and DHA, which help nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms of dryness, itching, and flakiness.
2. Supports Joint Health and Mobility:
EPA and DHA have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit dogs with joint issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or mobility issues. By reducing inflammation and promoting joint lubrication, cold-pressed salmon oil may help alleviate pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with these conditions, improving mobility and enhancing your dog's quality of life, particularly in senior or active dogs. It's also great for puppies as by reducing inflammation during the growing stage you are promoting healthy joints.
3. Boosts Heart Health:
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to support cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting optimal heart function. Cold-pressed salmon oil can help maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and circulation in dogs, reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular problems and supporting overall heart health.
4. Enhances Cognitive Function and Immune System:
EPA and DHA play a crucial role in brain development, cognitive function, and immune system support in dogs. Supplementation with cold-pressed salmon oil can support brain health, memory, and learning in puppies and senior dogs alike. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have immune-boosting properties that help strengthen your dog's immune system and enhance their ability to fight off infections and diseases.
How to add salmon oil to your dog’s diet:
Adding cold-pressed salmon oil to your dog's diet is easy and convenient. You can simply drizzle it over your dog's regular food or mix it into their meals. Shout out if you need help with amounts.
Why not choose the cheap alternatives?
The Green and wild salmon oil is around £13 for 500ml, yes there are cheaper alternatives out there. Some are as cheap as a couple of £££. Whilst I like a bargain this is one time it is truly not worth it.
Heat processing, such as boiling or cooking, can degrade the nutritional quality of salmon oil by exposing it to high temperatures, which can denature proteins and degrade fatty acids.
This can result in a reduction in the potency and effectiveness of the oil, as well as the loss of essential nutrients. In contrast, cold-pressed salmon oil is extracted using gentle mechanical pressure at low temperatures, preserving its nutritional integrity and ensuring maximum potency.
Cold-pressed salmon oil retains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients, making it a superior choice for supplementing your dog's diet. The gentle extraction process of cold-pressed salmon oil maintains the integrity of its essential fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are prone to degradation when exposed to heat.
These omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting your dog's overall health, from promoting healthy skin and coat to supporting joint health, heart health, and cognitive function.
Additionally, heat processing may introduce harmful compounds or contaminants into the oil, compromising its safety and quality. In contrast, cold-pressed extraction methods minimize the risk of contamination and ensure a pure, clean product that is safe for your dog to consume.
Overall, choosing cold-pressed salmon oil over heat-processed alternatives ensures that your dog receives the highest quality and most potent supplement to support their health and well-being.
Conclusion:
Cold-pressed salmon oil is a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids and numerous health benefits for dogs. From promoting healthy skin and coat to supporting joint health, heart health, cognitive function, and immune system function, salmon oil offers a holistic approach to canine wellness. By incorporating cold-pressed salmon oil into your dog's diet, you can provide them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive and lead a happy, healthy life.
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