Finding the Right Omega 3 For Dogs
If you're worried about your dog's nutrition, here's the scoop on omega 3 for dogs!
If you're like me, the phrase omega 3 for dogs might not have jumped immediately into your mind when you got your pet. Don't get me wrong: I love my little monster on four legs, and I only want what's best for him, nutritionally and otherwise. But it honestly never occurred to me that, just like people, dogs might gain omega 3 benefits, too.
In reality, the omega 3 dogs consume in nature is probably a lot higher than even the healthiest human diet, since it consists of so much fresh game (ie, only fresh game -- with the occasional gross where-did-you-find-that thrown in for good measure). So it shouldn't really come as a shock that omega 3 for dogs is just as important as it is for humans.
How much omega 3 dogs need
Deciding how much omega 3 dogs need varies by breed, health, and naturally, size. The last two are the most important. Smaller dogs should get about 250 mg of omega oils twice weekly, and larger dogs should get between 500 and 700 mg, again twice a week.
If your vet recommends that you try omega 3 dog food, or omega 3's to improve a condition such as itchy skin or dry fur, you can give them up to twice that amount. As always, it's not a good idea to give too much of anything to your pet, and that includes omega 3 oils.
Finding omega 3 dog food
Of course, getting omega 3's into your dog is another story altogether. You have a few options, and the best bet is always to try them out and see what works for you.
1. Omega 3 dog food
Some dog foods market themselves as containing omega 3's. That's fine, but you need to check the dosage to make sure your dog is getting enough. Also check where the omega 3's are coming from. Some pricier dog foods, for example, include salmon as an ingredient, which will definitely give you high quality omega 3 for dogs.
2. Omega 3 supplements
You can actually give your dog regular supplements, as long as you practice the same quality control you do for your own supplements. Of course, if you've ever tried to get a pill down a dog's throat, you'll know that your best bet is to mix the oil with something tasty.
3. Omega 3 for dogs
You can actually buy special omega 3 supplements specifically designed for pets. Again, as with any supplement, you'll want to be diligent about the purity of the oils. Also, make sure you compare prices -- sometimes, pet products are exactly the same as their human counterparts, but twice as expensive.
Want to keep your dog healthy? Omega 3 benefits include relief from itching, arthritis, dry skin and fur, and heart conditions. If you love your pet, check out omega 3 for dogs today.
