Salmon oil is finding its way into everyday consumption in both dogs and humans. More and more pet parents are using salmon oil for their pets and report excellent benefits. But the key question is, how do pet parents best use salmon oil for dogs?.
It is one of the best places to get omega-3s, and it can help dogs get better or stay healthy. What would you give your dog? Fish oil pills or salmon oil? Of course, the salmon oil.
Salmon oil has become an increasingly popular supplement for dogs in recent years. As pet owners learn more about the many benefits salmon oil can provide, they often wonder – how often should I be giving it to my dog? Here is a complete guide on the recommended frequency of salmon oil for dogs
What is Salmon Oil?
Salmon, usually salmon caught in the Pacific Ocean, is used to make salmon oil. There are a lot of omega-3 fatty acids in it, like EPA and DHA, which are good for dogs’ health in many ways. When you eat salmon oil, it can help with joint pain, skin and coat health, brain development, heart health, and more. It can come in liquid form or soft gel capsules.
Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs
There are many proven benefits that come from supplementing your dog’s diet with salmon oil on a regular basis
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Improves skin and coat health – Omega-3s nourish the skin and give the coat a healthy shine. They can also help with dry, itchy skin.
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Supports joint health – The anti-inflammatory effects help reduce pain and stiffness from arthritis.
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Boosts brain health – DHA promotes healthy brain development, especially for puppies. EPA may help prevent cognitive decline in senior dogs.
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Supports heart health – Omega-3s reduce inflammation, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
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Aids vision – DHA is an important structural component of the retina and promotes ocular health.
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Strengthens the immune system – Omega-3s help regulate the immune response.
How Often Should I Give Salmon Oil?
Every day is the best way to get the most out of salmon oil. It’s important to be consistent so that the fatty acids can build up in your dog’s body and be used. The general guideline is:
- Small dogs: 1 teaspoon per day
- Medium dogs: 1-2 teaspoons per day
- Large dogs: 2-3 teaspoons per day
- Giant dogs: 3-4 teaspoons per day
Of course, always follow the dosage recommendations on the specific product you purchase as well. It’s important not to exceed the recommended daily amount.
When first starting salmon oil, begin with a smaller amount and monitor your dog for any digestive upset. Then gradually increase to the full dosage over 2-4 weeks. This allows their system to adjust.
Tips for Giving Salmon Oil
Here are some tips to give salmon oil easily and effectively:
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Mix into food – Stir liquid oil into your dog’s regular kibble or wet food. This masks any fishy taste.
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Hide in treats – Place capsules inside treats like pieces of hot dog to encourage your dog to swallow it.
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Use fish-flavored foods – The fishy smell blends in with foods like fish-flavored kibble.
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Follow with a “chaser” – Give a treat right after oil capsules to help your dog get it down easier.
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Refrigerate – Keep liquid oil refrigerated to maintain freshness once opened. Discard any unused portion after 3 months.
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Give with meals – Salmon oil can be given along with breakfast and dinner. Split up the daily amount.
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Make it delicious – Top everyday foods with the oil to make it more enticing. Most dogs love the taste!
Signs Your Dog May Need More Salmon Oil
Pay attention for these signs that your dog may benefit from an increased dose of salmon oil:
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Dry, flaky, itchy skin and dandruff
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Excessive shedding
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Hot spots and skin infections
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Lethargy, difficulty rising, and stiffness
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Increased trembling or pacing in senior dogs
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Cloudy eyes or vision loss
If these symptoms persist despite giving salmon oil daily, consult your vet about temporarily increasing the dosage. This provides an extra boost when needed.
Potential Side Effects
When given properly, salmon oil is very safe for most dogs. However, there are a couple side effects to be aware of:
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Fishy breath – The oil can cause fish-flavored burps or breath. Brushing teeth helps reduce this.
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Digestive upset – Diarrhea or vomiting may occur if too much is given at once. Start with small amounts.
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Weight gain – Salmon oil is high in calories. Adjust food portions if weight gain occurs.
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Increased bleeding – Very high doses may prolong bleeding time. Consult your vet if your dog has a clotting disorder.
Choosing a Quality Salmon Oil
With so many salmon oil products on the market, it can be tricky discerning quality. Here’s what to look for in a salmon oil supplement:
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Wild-caught – Farmed salmon contain fewer omega-3s. Alaskan salmon is an excellent option.
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Human-grade – Products made for human consumption often have higher purity standards.
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3rd party testing – Independent lab testing verifies purity and omega-3 content.
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Natural preservatives – Avoid unnecessary additives. Look for vitamin E instead.
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Reputable brand – Companies like Zesty Paws, PetHonesty, and Grizzly Pet Products are known for their integrity.
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Container – Opaque, airtight containers prevent oxidation and rancidity.
The Bottom Line
Salmon oil is a nutritional powerhouse that provides valuable omegas and supports whole-body health in dogs. To reap the rewards, it should be given every single day according to your dog’s weight. Aim for consistency, find a quality product, and monitor your dog for positive effects. By making salmon oil a daily habit, you can optimize your dog’s health and give them the best chance to live a long, happy life.
What is Salmon Oil for Dogs?
Salmon oil is one of the best supplements on the market for both humans and dogs. Many people use salmon oil because they lack some nutrients in their diet.
It consists of healthy fish fats – omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs are not the biggest fish fans, so salmon oil supplementation can only improve their overall health.
Salmon oil consists of the following omegas:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
- ALA (alpha lipoic acid)
Dogs can’t make any of the nutrients that salmon does, which is another reason to start giving your pet this tasty supplement.
We understand that experimenting with your pet’s diet can be risky and challenging. But this is not the case with salmon oil for dogs.
Brilliant Salmon Oil is a good brand to look for. Your pet will love every bite of the food with the oil on top.
Top tip: Be aware of the label’s ingredients when choosing a reputable brand. If the content of DHA and EPA is hidden, that’s not the best choice for your pet.
Also, ensure to consult with your veterinarian about the safety of salmon oil for your pet. Some dogs are not the best candidates for supplements, no matter the benefits of it.
Side note: Always consult with a professional before adding any supplement. The veterinarian can help you identify the correct dose for your pup.
In general, salmon oil has a delicious fresh taste that almost all dogs like.
Shiny coat and moisturized skin
Most pet parents notice shiny coats on their pets only after 2-4 weeks of using it. According to studies, similar results are visible – better skin and coat are visible after 28 days.
Brilliant’s customers report that their pet’s coat combs out easier, and they notice less dead fur.
Because omegas add one extra layer to the skin, it reduces the chances of itchiness and dryness. This leads to a shinier coat.
Additionally, salmon oil can improve the overall skin integrity, and you can notice softer paws on your buddy.
Having a healthy coat is especially important during spring. Fleas and ticks love dirty coats, and they can harm your dog’s health.
Sometimes, using anti-flea collars is not enough. Therefore, grooming and maintaining a clean coat is extremely important!
Don’t give your Pets Fish Oil UNLESS you are doing these 5 Things
FAQ
Can dogs have salmon oil every day?
How long does it take for salmon oil to help dogs?
Are there any side effects to salmon oil in dogs?
Is it okay to give my dog fish oil everyday?
When can I give my Dog Salmon oil?
You can start giving salmon oil to your pup after they have fully weaned. This is around eight weeks of age. However, it is recommended to let a vet decide if your puppy is ready for supplements. How do You Store Salmon Oil for Dogs?
What is a healthy amount of salmon to consume per month?
This will depend on what type of salmon you consume. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend eating salmon more than twice a week due to several types of contaminants present in the fish (if it is salmon from aquaculture, this number increases to once a month). Compared to aquaculture, wild salmon has lower levels of PCBs and better nutrients, however, its price comes to cost almost twice as much, in addition to being more difficult to find this product on the market. Consuming canned salmon is also a good tip – this is because, for the most part, it is of wild origin (apparently, farmed salmon does not keep well when canned).
How much salmon oil should I give my Dog?
“For example, the dose needed for kidneys is one-fifth the dose needed for joint health.” It’s super important to follow the directions on the packaging and the advice of your veterinarian since too much salmon oil can actually be bad for your dog. You’ll have to strike the right balance of how much to give him.
Can I give my Pet salmon oil?
For example, salmon oil supports the anti-inflammatory and wound healing responses in the body, however, if too much oil is given, it can actually slow wound healing. Like anything else, as long as you keep to our recommended doses your pet will be fine and will benefit greatly from the oil.