Enrich Your Pup’s Diet With The Best Salmon Oil for Dogs

Top Salmon Oils for Dogs - A Complete Buyer’s Guide

As a dog owner, you are naturally on the qui vive when trying out new things, especially changes in diet. Therefore, introducing dietary supplements like salmon oil can be equally tricky. If you do not have much information to go on, you can easily make a mistake. But we are here to help. Here is an all-rounded guide on the best salmon oils for dogs so that you can buy and feed your dog without any complications.

What Is Dog Salmon Oil?

Salmon oil is the good fat derived from (you guessed it) salmon which serves as a dietary supplement for your dog. Like humans, dogs do not need omega-3 acids found in salmon oil; however, they are essential for a better quality of life.

What Is the Best Salmon Oil for Dogs?

It’s no surprise that our top pick is Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Organic Salmon Oil. It’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 which gives your dog relief from itching. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Check out what Matt Saincome from Outvoice has to say. @henriettathebeagle uses Zesty Paws Salmon Oil every day for a soft and shiny coat, too.

The only thing that could convince my dog to stop itching is a product that’s also as big as her pic.twitter.com/z8b10xWkMl

— Matt Saincome (@MattSaincome) January 6, 20233

 

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A post shared by Henrietta (@henriettathebeagle)

What Are the Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs?

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of salmon oil are perhaps its most defining and effective trait. It helps bring down intestinal inflammation, lowers swelling in the joints of older dogs suffering from arthritis, and helps alleviate kidney disease.

Healthy heart

Salmon oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that have antiarrhythmic properties. Regular incorporation of salmon oil in your dog’s diet may help with cardiovascular diseases by controlling high blood pressure and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Promotes weight gain

Salmon oil is packed with calories like any fatty supplement. A tea-spoonful of salmon oil contains 40 calories therefore, regular use may encourage weight gain in underweight dogs. Salmon oil is also proven to stimulate appetite.

Improves coat and skin

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is one of the two fatty acids found in salmon oil. EPA is responsible for a healthy, shiny coat of fur on dogs. Research also shows that EPA is effective in getting rid of skin rashes and seasonal allergies in dogs. If your dog has been shedding a lot recently, adding salmon oil to its diet may be the solution.

Improves cognitive abilities

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), better known as the brain’s food, is the second fatty acid abundant in salmon oil. DHA plays a vital role in developing cognition in puppies and improves brain functions like memory and visual comprehension in dogs.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Salmon Oil for Dogs?

Bad breath

Fish oils have a pungent smell. There is no denying it. So naturally, if your dog is being fed salmon oil as a part of its diet every day, its breath is going to stink. This can easily be resolved through proper oral hygiene.

Digestive problems

It is not rare that salmon oil may cause your furry friend to experience loose stools, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. This is a telling sign that the salmon oil is not being properly digested. To avoid indigestion, just like any other food changes you make to your dog’s diet, introduce it steadily and monitor your dog’s response to it. Give it in lower doses in the beginning and then gradually move forward as your dog gets used to it. If smaller doses also cause indigestion, contact your veterinarian who will most likely advise against using it.

Weight Gain

While weight gain may be the goal of pups and under-weight or sick dogs, unnecessary weight gain can cause numerous other issues in dogs. And because weight gain is a side effect of salmon oil, it may be beneficial for some dogs only. If your dog is gaining significant weight after you have introduced salmon oil in his diet, lower the dose and contact your veterinarian.

Interaction with other drugs

Salmon oil can have adverse effects on the health of your dog if it interacts with other drugs. If your dog is on blood-thinning medications, blood clotting can be a possible hazard from the use of salmon oil. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, salmon oil should not be given to dogs who are already on anti-inflammatory drugs like dogs with arthritis. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is on any medication before introducing salmon oil.

How Do I Incorporate Salmon Oil Into My Dog’s Diet?

Even though salmon oil overdoses are unheard of, the first step is to get the dosage right. The recommended dosage is typically 75-100mg/kg. It is also imperative that you discuss this dietary change with your veterinarian and get his opinion on dosage as well.

Depending on the form of salmon oil you use, it is pretty straightforward to incorporate it in your dog’s meals. A capsule can easily be hidden inside a pie or cheese and liquid salmon oil can be used as a topping to add moisture and flavor to dry kibbles.

If you are still not aware, you mustn’t feed your dog human-grade salmon oil.

Key Aspects to Look Out for in Salmon Oil for Dogs

Source

The source of the salmon oil is paramount to the health of your dog. It is preferable to go for Salmon oil that comes from wild-caught fish. Wild-caught fish have a lower level of chemicals and toxins when compared to fish bred on a fish farm. Another defining feature in terms of nutrients varies due to the temperature of the fish. Fish from colder regions like Alaska, Norway, and Scotland are more nutritious when compared to salmon from warmer regions and fish farms.

Buy salmon oil from a reputable manufacturer where quality control and close inspection are administered for top-notch quality. Products manufactured in countries with strict regulations like the US, Canada, and Australia can be relied upon. The best salmon oils are those which come with a certificate of analysis. (CoA)

Forms

• Liquid: Liquid salmon oil for dogs is the most common and well-enjoyed by dogs. It is very easy to include it in meals as a stopper or mixing agent. It is recommended that if you go for liquid salmon oil, buy a bottle with a dispenser for convenient measuring and usage.
• Capsules: Capsules are convenient because the salmon oil is intact in gelatin so your hands won’t stink and nor will your dog’s food. If your dog enjoys salmon oil, you can give him a capsule as a little reward and if not, a capsule can easily be hidden in dog food.
• Soft Chew: Soft chew salmon oil serves as a flavorful snack for your dog. It is a mixture of other supplements and salmon oil like flaxseed oil. Some soft chews may also have filler substances so it is better to read the ingredients on the label before buying.

Nutrients

Salmon oil is known for its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Three of these are:

• Omega-3
• Omega-6
• Omega-9

These fatty acids contain the compounds EPA and DHA, which are vital for the overall health of your dog. When looking for a suitable salmon oil for your dog, go for the one with a high concentration of EPA and DHA.

Natural or synthetic

No matter how appealing cheap salmon oils are, most of them are synthetic. Salmon oil that comes from synthetic sources is nowhere near as good as the original version. Research also shows a direct relationship between the consumption of synthetic food items and cancer in dogs. There is no point in giving your dog synthetic salmon oil if it will end up posing associated health issues.

Odor

A stronger odor implies that the fatty acids are oxidized which may end up doing more harm than good. Odor is also essential to ensure your dog enjoys salmon oil. A happy dog is a healthy dog!

Budget

Salmon oils for dogs are not cheap but considering their many benefits, they are worth the investment. About 1 liter of salmon oil costs $20 to $30.