Primrose oil + fish oil supplement vs coconut oil?

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Just curious. I currently give my two doodles 3 tsps of Health Extension Skin & Coat omega fatty acid supplement with dinner. Recently, Coconut Oil has been a big topic of discussion. What are thoughts on one over the other. The benefits of one over the other? Or, do I add coconut oil to the mix? I will add, their coats have really improved. So glossy and soft. So much less shedding too.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Dogs aren't able to convert and use oils internally from plant sources- coconut, flax seed, etc. like humans can. Karen will jump in and give you the specifics. Primrose, even though it's a plant source, is a different kind that can be utilized by dogs. That and fish oil are the best!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lori covered it pretty well. The most beneficial form of Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs are DHA and EPA, both of which are only found in animals sources and richest in fish. The Omega 3 fatty acid found in plant sources is ALA, which humans can convert and utilize but dogs, not so much. Evening Primrose oil contains a beneficial form of fatty acid called GLA, which dogs can convert and which has been shown in clinical studies to have anti-inflammatory properties. 

There is no known benefit to dogs in taking cocnut oil internally, and it may even contribute to inflammation: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

Fish oil can cause diarrhea in some dogs. In those cases, EPO is a good alternative, or you can give both, especially for dogs with skin or allergy issues.

I strongly prefer human soft gel capsules to products made for dogs, they are better regulated and usually cheaper. Capsules also have the added benefit over liquids and pumps of having less fishy odor and they allow the fatty acids to make it past the stomach acid to the small intestine. 

I would not use coconut oil at all. 

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Interesting. There are so many articles out there promoting coconut oil and dogs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, there is a lot of hype about coconut oil, mostly thanks to Dr. Oz. But it's mostly sales pitches. There is not much scientific evidence that it's really even beneficial for humans.

[Christina]

been giving my dog one 1000mg omega 3 fish oil ( human cvs brand) just wanted to confirm this is an appropriate doses.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, it's fine. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can't even find any information on that Health Extension product. 

Any type of oils added to the diet are going to make the coats softer and shinier. As far as reducing shedding, I don't know how that would be possible from a scientific standpoint, other than perhaps if the hair isn't as dry, you don't have as much breakage and therefore less dead hair falling off the dog. 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Karen- I had looked it up out of curiosity- it is a Vets Choice product. It doesn't list any mg amounts EPO, DHA or EPA in it. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I couldn't find it anywhere other than ebay or maybe Amazon and couldn't find ingredients or fatty acid content at all. 

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

The bottle I have says it contains 2000 mg of Primrose Oil and 1000 mg of Fish Oil. I purchase it at my local pet supply store which seems to have a very good reputation. One other question. If they are already on a Salmon food, is there such a thing as too much OFA?

And thanks so much for the much appreciated input.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wouldn't worry about too much Omega 3 unless the dog has loose stools. 

2000 mg of EPO is a LOT, though. I have to assume that when it's given as a liquid, not as much is absorbed as when you give capsules. JD's dermatologist originally recommended the EPO capsules to me for his allergies, and gave me a dosage of 500-1500 mg per day. 

EPO can lower the seizure threshold in dogs who are prone to seizure disorders, so that would be my only concern about giving that much of it.