Is it DHA or DHEA that is good for puppy brain developement?

[Sally, Echo and Emmi]

Can anyone explain to me if it is DHA or DHEA that is good for puppy brain developement? Also, how do I know if it is in my dogs food? If not what do I need to buy to put it in the food? Thanks for any help!

[Cam & Oski]

I think I'm part to blame for this? In the salmon vs olive oil discussion, I made a typo. It's DHA, not DHEA, and stands for docosahexaenoic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid required for brain & eye development in puppies (an humans). It should be found in your puppy food (a lot of them will actually say that they have it). Usually it's provided in the form of salmon (either ground salmon or salmon oil) but is also found in other fish, eggs, & some organ meats. I put some salmon oil in Oski's dog food (he's 15mo) as it's also good for his skin & coat but was also supplementing his puppy food with it.

You might find this article helpful:

http://www.dogsincanada.com/they-are-what-they-eat-building-better-...

[Sally, Echo and Emmi]

Thanks for explaining! I am getting a 8 week old doodle puppy in 10 days and I want to make sure I have everything! I will be feeding Orijen but do you think also supplementing with the oil in his food is OK? To rephrase, does it hurt to add additional salmon oil to food that does contain DHA already? There is so much to know!!! Thanks for any help.

[Cam & Oski]

You know, you might want to check out the Food Group as they've had a lot of discussions on types of commercial food vs homemade as well as supplements.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup

There's also a good site for nutritional analysis of commercial dog foods:

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com

From what I've heard, Orijen is a high quality, highly nutritious grain-free dog food. In terms of supplements, if something's good, more isn't necessarily better. Omega fatty acids also increase your risk of bleeding--they have an anti-blood clotting effect so too much can be a problem besides the fact that too much oil can given your dog stomach upset or vomitting. They cover that a little bit in the DHA article I referenced above too I think.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

When we adopted Mariner our vet suggested the fish oil capsules. Mariner was blind due to a brain injury when he was about 8 weeks old. We beleive that it has contributed to his improved vision

[Sally, Echo and Emmi]

Great article, thanks for the link! I'm just trying to do the right thing as I am sure you understand. I have been lurking on this board so long waiting for my pup I feel like I know all of you and your dogs! Thanks again!

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

You might want to ask your vet about giving a high protein food to such a young puppy. I don't think one so young should have a high protein diet.

But don't necessarily just go with what the vet recommends. Do your research on feeding puppies. Maybe some of our Breeders can address this as I only rescue older puppies. Not one's so young.