You’ve most likely heard that fish oil supplements provide many lasting health benefits for humans, but you may not have known your pets can also achieve better health with the aid of a salmon oil dietary supplement. Salmon oil for dogs offers your precious canine friend quite a few diverse and advantageous benefits that will improve your animal’s overall health and well- being.
Many pet owners strongly feel that the only difference between a child and a dog is two extra legs, and they want their doggy “children” to have the best possible care, just as they would want for their human children. This means giving them nutritional food, providing the necessary shots and vaccinations, protecting them as much as possible from diseases and injury. But scooping out the daily ration of kibble isn’t enough to ensure that your pet is getting the proper amount of Omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for certain bodily functions.
Health Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs
Medical and scientific research performed by such exalted institutions as the Mayo Clinic, the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Maryland Medical Center has established that Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, slowing the decline of cognitive functions, reducing inflammation, reducing allergy symptoms and maintaining a healthy weight. It has further been determined that these important Omega-3 acids are not naturally produced by your dog’s own body and must be obtained in the form of dietary supplements such as salmon oil. In addition to the high content of Omega 3 fatty acids, salmon oil is also a good source of Vitamin E and Vitamin B-12.
Heart Health
The American Heart Association recommends that humans consume at least two meals per week that are rich in Omega-3 in order to achieve the healthiest levels of cardiovascular function. Salmon oil for dogs offers the same heart health benefits as it does for humans. It has been shown that Omega-3 helps to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and to improve HDL (good cholesterol.) In addition, the anti-oxidant, Vitamin E, that is found in salmon oil also helps to reduce inflammation in blood vessels, which is important for heart and other organ function on a cellular level. The Mayo Clinic advises that humans who take salmon oil and suffer a heart attack have a dramatically reduced risk of dying from the event due to the beneficial effects of salmon oil. Additionally, the high levels of Vitamin B-12 found in salmon oil help to make red blood cells which are important for preventing anemia and fatigue and which increase circulation and vitality.
Brain Health
Salmon oil provides several beneficial results in the brains of dogs and cats, both when they are developing puppies and kittens and when they are aging, older animals. Omega 3 DHA, which is found in salmon oil, is essential for healthy brain and eye development, which means that a salmon oil supplement for pregnant or nursing dogs and cats helps make healthier puppies and kittens. Not only does salmon oil improve vision and boosts brain development, but according to the Harvard School of Public Health, it also slows down the degeneration of cognitive function that normally is associated with aging. Salmon oil has been found to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in humans (University of Maryland Medical Center) and is proven to reduce symptoms of depression and to elevate mood in both humans and other animals, including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats who are given salmon oil supplements are smarter and happier than animals with less Omega 3 fatty acids in their bodies.
Joint Health
One of the most difficult aspects of aging for both humans and animals is pain and stiffness in the joints. Aching hips and sore knees are common factors of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and an ailment that afflicts many animals as they move through adulthood. Older pets who are beginning to show signs of stiffness and painful movements can greatly benefit from the anti-inflammatory powers of salmon oil and Omega 3. Dogs who are given a salmon oil supplement have been known to demonstrate a more active lifestyle and increased mobility. If you have an older dog who seems to have trouble climbing up steps, or who doesn’t want to run and play anymore, try adding salmon oil to his diet. You will find that in just a few short weeks your dog will be able to move and walk more easily and will become more active and mobile.
Skin Health
Just like people, dogs and cats can often have issues with dry, itchy skin, often related to allergies. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common conditions that pets suffer, which is a hypersensitivity to flea bites. Your pets can be afflicted with chronic itching that results in redness, bumps, crusts and hair loss that is unbearable for your pet and heart-breaking for the pet owner. Dog and cat skin problems can be greatly alleviated with the aid of a salmon oil supplement in their diet. Many pet owners who include salmon oil in their pet’s food quickly find that the animal’s symptoms are reduced or even eliminated in a very short time. Itchiness and redness disappear and hair grows back for a shiny, healthy coat and a much happier animal.
Healthy Body Weight
Another important issue that affects many aging dogs and cats is obesity. Animals that are less active and who still are eating the same amount (or more) of food tend to become overweight, which affects heart health, joint health and overall longevity. Salmon oil for dogs and cats has been shown to help lower body weight because Omega 3 fatty acids are not stored in the body like unhealthy fats.
Salmon oil for dogs and cats provides many health benefits that will help keep your pet healthy and happy.
