Fish Oil...Good for Dogs!

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Three Studies show Fish Oil Reduces Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Dogs

• Written By: Susan Thixton
• 3-7-2010
• Categorized in: Pet Food Ingredients, Pets

Three studies show that dogs fed fish oil (high omega-3 fatty acid) improved in mobility and showed less pain.  Believers of the power of fish oil (myself included) are not surprised, but at least now we have clinical proof.  

Read More:

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/three-studies-show-fish-o...

How many of us are giving our Doodles Fish oil?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am giving them Evening primrose oil and I don't think I should give them both. Which would you recommend?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I give fish oil but I know Karen recommends the EP oil. I don't think there should be a problem giving both. I give olive oil, too.

The fish oil, I see, does amazing on coat and eyes. As far as the mobility and pain, I can't comment to. Karen will chime in on the benefits of the EP oil.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Giving EPO here myself. Today at Sam's Club ( same as Costco's in NJ ) I saw a great price on Fish Oil.

I only used EPO because of dry winter coats but since you posted this I will continue using oils throughout the year.

I think I too, will join my pack and take a fish oil tablet myself.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I take it but I'm switching to the enteric coated which costs a little more. Needless to say my F stands for frugal so I'll finish what I have. I think the regular fish oil gives me indigestion and occasionally I have a herring-like burp (excuse my details), when I haven't eaten ant fish. Too many omega oils can decrease clotting, generally a good thing but not so sure if the dogs should be on both.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Actually, Jack's specialist recommended the fish oil first, but it gave him diarrhea, so then she recommended the EPO. The EPO has been clinically proven to work in tandem with antihistamines for an enhanced affect on itchiness & dry skin in dogs with allergies. And EPO helps dry skin in people, too. EPO is a beneficial form of Omega 6 and fish oils are primarily Omega 3 fatty acids, which are usually thought to be more important for humans, as we get less of it in our diets than Omega 6 fatty acids. I don't know about dogs, but both humans and dogs do need both types of EFAs in their diets. Dogs who are on premium kibbles are getting some EFAs in their food. For those who are eating home cooking, I think I would try to make sure they are getting both kinds of essential fatty acids in their diets.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Was giving Lucca reg fish oil but just switched to wild Alaskan salmon oil.

[Tammy & Gracie]

I give an EPO cap daily and a salmon fish oil "squirt" on most days as well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That sounds just right to me!

[Dana]

What is the recommended dosage for EPO? Mac is on Fromm's 4 Star White Fish & Potato dry kibble, so I would assume he gets a good amount of the Omega 3 fatty acids - but you know what they say when you assume - ha ha ha!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

500 mg. gelcaps, one capsule once a day for most dogs. They are sold at most grocery and drug stores, and all vitamin stores like GNC. They're human supplements.

[Dana]

When you say for most dogs - does that depend on how well the dog tolerates it (i.e. no diarrhea) or are there other factors (i.e. weight, age)?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So far I haven't heard of any dogs who didn't tolerate it, but I don't know about small puppies. All sizes of adult dogs seem to tolerate it well, better than fish oil, in fact.
But in addition to being a beneficial supplement for any dog, EPO is also used therapeutically for dogs who have allergies and skin conditions, and in those cases, the dosage is often higher. That's what I meant by '"for most dogs". My own guy takes up to three a day, as recommended by his specialist, during flare-ups.