The Importance of Omega Oils in dog food.
Omegas for Dogs – the benefits of fats!
Omega fatty acids, or as we know them, omegas, are essential fatty acids and we are going to focus on the top two – Omega-3 and Omega-6. There is in fact, a third omega .. Omega-9. However, studies have shown that increased amounts of this fatty acid can decrease the efficacy of the Omega-3 and Omega 6.
We want to focus on the benefits of both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplements. These additions to your furry friend’s diet can help with:
- Arthritis
- Skin irritations (itchy and hot spots)
- Dull coat (shedding)
- Heart
- Allergies
- Autoimmune deficiencies, heart issues
We all want our pups to have a healthy coat of fur (shiny, smooth), minimize shedding, improve cognitive behavior (brain development), and facilitate the aging process so supplementing their everyday diet with Omegas sounds like a good (and really easy) decision to make!
What are the benefits of Omega-3s and Omega-6s
Below is a little break down on each of their benefits:
Omega-3
- Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is normally found in your furry pet’s diet (dog food). However, you can supplement their diet with actual Omega 3 supplements (fish oil, for example)
- It can help with certain canine diseases such as dermatitis, heart or kidney disease, bone diseases and gastrointestinal diseases (but it is not to be considered a cure – simply a supplement to “help out”)
- The benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are to help with your pup’s fur, for example: silkier and healthier coats, less shedding, help reduce skin irritations (itching or hot spots) and even reduce the number of ear infections. There are other great benefits to providing your pooch with Omega 3 .. such as stronger nails and a boosted immune system!
Omega-6
- Omega 6 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is pretty much considered to be the most important of the 3 fatty acids.
- Although this omega is also found in your furry pet’s diet (dog food), it is also good to provide a supplement of it as well.
- That being said, it is also wise to verify the amount of Omega-6 and Omega 3 your give your dog as too much of one and not enough of the other as it could lead to low grade inflammation diseases (diabetes, obesity ..)
- This omega is beneficial to your dog’s skin health. It works with the water barrier of the skin.
- This omega is mostly found in the form of oils or plant and animal fats (hemp seed oil)
Here are some of the omegas that we at Doodle Dogs highly recommend, and have available both in our actual stores and on our virtual store:
Thrive Hemp Seed Oil
- Perfect ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids (your dog can not produce these fatty acids and needs them in his/her diet)
- 100% hemp seed oil
- Organic
- Cold pressed
- 100% Canadian
- Improves the shine of the skin & coat and reduces shedding
- Natural anti-inflammatory
- Strengthens the immune system
- Supports a healthy heart and organ function
Baie Run – Canine Omega Oil
- Canine Omega3 is a pure and potent human grade fish oil
- An ideal supplement for the optimal health and well-being of dogs of all ages and breeds
- Sourced from sustainable fisheries and processed right here in Canada!
- Does not have that “bad fishy” smell
- Every lot of product is tested for purity and potency. You can visit purecheck.net to see the results for the product in your bottle!
Bonnie & Clyde Omega 3 Fish Oil
- Great source of Omega 3 fatty acid for your furry friend
- Made with sustainably caught, wild sardines, anchovies, and mackerel
- Packed with sunflower-based, natural source vitamin E
- No GMOs, no gluten, no artificial flavors, or preservatives
- Supports your pet’s skin, coat, join and heart health
- Each batch is tested and certified for purity, potency, and freshness
- Virtually odorless! No more nose pinching – just a lot of smiling!
FRESH OMEGAS?
Consider frozen/fresh sardines, Primal mussel toppers, fresh sardine toppers, fresh salmon meat, fresh herring.. and more. All available in the fresh section of our stores - just throw in the bowl for a fresh impact.
Fun Activity Time : Video Blog
We at Doodle Dogs really care about our pets – and yours.
So, we encourage you (really, we do) to watch this amazing blog video by Rodney Habib* on “Why don’t dogs live forever?”: Why Don't Dogs Live Forever?
Rodney Habib’s video will explain the necessities of a proper diet for the well being and mental state of your furry friends. He provides great examples of a dog in Australia that lived to be and a man who had 2 cats that lived to the ages of 34 and 38, respectively. Simply, wow!
Why did these animals live so long ? Because their owners provided them with a proper diet comprised of nutrients and supplements, and in one case, calorie restrictions. He touches on “canine nutrigenomics” – a new science correlation between diet and how it affects canine DNA.
This video is really worth watching and listening to. It is packed-full of information, tiny pushes, feel-good stories and great findings. For example, did you know that by feeding our pups’ leafy vegetables, 3 times a week, we could help reduce canine cancers by 90%!
So much to learn and absorb but truly, the best 15 minutes you will dedicate to your dog’s health!
Happy listening 😊
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*Rodney Habib: Rodney Habib is an internet celebrity known for his blogging, video making, and animal activism. Habib is the founder Planet Paws, the most liked and visited pet health page on Facebook. You can read more on him at Planet Paws: About Rodney