As humans, we all have certain health and nutrition needs. Well, your pets have them too, especially when it comes to omega-3s EPA and DHA.
Like humans, dogs can’t produce omega-3s on their own. They must get them from their diet. The omega-3s they need — referred to as EPA and DHA — are specifically found in cold water fish like salmon or anchovies, and are made by certain kinds of algae. These important nutrients have been shown to benefit your dog’s heart, brain, joints and immune system, as well as their skin and coat.
Like humans, dogs can’t produce omega-3s on their own. They must get them from their diet. The omega-3s they need — referred to as EPA and DHA — are specifically found in cold water fish like salmon or anchovies, and are made by certain kinds of algae. These important nutrients have been shown to benefit your dog’s heart, brain, joints and immune system, as well as their skin and coat.
How can your dog get more omega-3s in their diet?
Fish
Before you decide how you are going to get more omega-3s in your pet’s diet, find out how much the actually need by giving them an Omega-3 Index test and asking your veterinarian before adding supplements to your pet’s diet.
A Simple Test Can Help You Determine How Much Omega-3 Your Dog Needs
Measuring important fats like omega-3s can help dogs maintain a diet that delivers a healthy amount of these nutrients. Studies show omega-3s can provide a range of health benefits for dogs.
Routine testing, consultation with your veterinarian, and changing the amount of EPA and DHA in your dog’s diet should be used to determine the appropriate dose of EPA and DHA needed to maintain an optimal Omega-3 Index.
It will take 3-4 months for your dog’s Omega-3 Index to reach a new level and we recommend re-testing at that time. Once your dog has achieved the desirable Omega-3 Index, it is advised to re-check their values every six to 12 months.
Research Shows Omega-3s Provide Several Benefits for Pets
Increasing omega-3 blood levels reduced dog stiffness and joint pain
Increasing blood levels of omega-3 EPA and DHA and omega-6 arachidonic acid helped reduce urine stones in cats
Review: Omega-3s can support heart, skin and fur, kidney, and joint health in dogs and cats
Aggressive dogs had lower omega-3 blood levels than normal dogs
Coming Soon
Are you a Veterinarian?
Learn more about how to bring the power of testing to your patients. A few drops of blood will tell you a lot about their nutritional status and how that relates to their health.
