You do everything you possibly can to ensure the health of your pet kids. But
have you heard the top ten reasons why they should be taking fish oil? If you’re
unfamiliar with the latest science behind omega-3 supplementation for dogs and
cats, you should definitely check this out. Dr. Jane Bicks explores the health
incentives for providing a quality fish oil supplement that’s formulated just
for them.
Fish oil supplements are an ideal complement to your pet’s diet
because they supply omega-3 fatty acids, which your dog or cat’s body cannot
sufficiently produce on its own. Still in doubt? Here are the top 10 reasons why
it’s important to supplement your dog or cat’s daily intake with a quality fish
oil supplement.
1. Your Pet Will Burn Fat More Efficiently
The
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements help improve the metabolism of a dog
and cat’s body in a natural way and cause body fat to burn more quickly. (2,10)
2. Improved Development of Puppies & Kittens During Pregnancy
During
a pregnancy, supply your canine or feline mama omega-3 needs with a pure, safe
fish oil supplement. The reason is because the omega-3 fatty acid DHA helps
improve brain development, concentration, immunity and eyesight, among other
things. (1,5)
3. Slow Down Your Pet’s Aging Process
We all want to
age more slowly, right? EPA and DHA found in fish oil help slow down the aging
process by reducing inflammation and extending the longevity of cells. In this
way, omega-3s help keep your pet kids feeling younger for longer. (3)
4.
Improved Flexibility
Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of EPA
from fish oil supplements, the discomfort in your pet’s joints and muscles may
actually decrease. What you will notice is that over time, fish oil supplements
can help with stiffness to rise and help your pet be more active and enjoy walks
and games with you. (4)
5. Improved Performance in Canine Athletes
Omega-3s in fish oil supplements improve the functioning of the lungs. For
our active agility dogs, runners, Frisbee dogs, swimmers and mountain hiker
companions, fish oil will help your dog keep up with you. (14)
6. Better
Concentration & Limiting Brain Cell Deterioration
Thanks to EPA and DHA
from fish oil, your pet’s brain may age more slowly and perform optimally. The
essential fatty acids in the omega-3s contribute to sounder sleep, an essential
element in keeping concentration sharp. (6)
7. Optimized Immune System
Functioning
A daily supplement of omega-3s from fish oil supplements help
the white blood cells perform their anti-inflammatory function optimally. This
helps your pet’s defense against diseases and other ailments by strengthening
the immune system. (15)
8. Better Heart Health
The omega-3s in
fish oil supplements help keep cholesterol levels at a healthy level and help
keep this vital muscle healthy. (8,9)
9. No More Grumpy Cat
Fish
oil supplements are proven to improve mood in humans, and studies are
forthcoming about their benefits in pets! (12, 13)
10. Healthy Skin &
Shiny Coat
The benefits of omega-3s in fish oil supplements for skin
health are well documented, but did you know that omega-3s also help protect
against sunburn? (6,7)
Adding health-promoting fish oil to your pet’s
diet can be one of the best decisions you make for your companion animal. If you
want to learn more,
visit the website!
Thank you for all you do to make
the world a better place for companion animals.
Dr. Jane Bicks, Life’s
Abundance Staff Veterinarian and Product Formulator
References:
1.
Zicker SC1, Jewell DE, Yamka RM, Milgram NW. Evaluation of cognitive learning,
memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed
foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of
age. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012 Sep 1;241(5):583-94. doi: 10.2460/javma.241.5.583.
2. Xenoulis PG1, Steiner JM. Lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia in dogs.Vet
J. 2010 Jan;183(1):12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.10.011. Epub 2009 Jan 23.
3. Figueras M, Olivan M, Busquets S, López-Soriano FJ, Argilés JM. Effects
of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) treatment on insulin sensitivity in an animal
model of diabetes: improvement of the inflammatory status. Obesity (Silver
Spring). 2011 Feb;19(2):362-9. doi: 10.1038/oby.2010.194. Epub 2010 Sep 30.
4. Moreau M, Troncy E, Del Castillo JR, Bédard C, Gauvin D, Lussier B.
Effects of feeding a high omega-3 fatty acids diet in dogs with naturally
occurring osteoarthritis. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2012 Jul 14. doi:
10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01325.x
5. Bauer JE, Heinemann KM, Lees GE,
Waldron MK. Retinal functions of young dogs are improved and maternal plasma
phospholipids are altered with diets containing long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids during gestation, lactation, and after weaning. J Nutr. 2006
Jul;136(7 Suppl):1991S-1994S.
6. Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils
in companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011 Dec 1;239(11):1441-51. doi:
10.2460/javma.239.11.1441. Review.
7. Popa I, Pin D, Remoué N, Osta B,
Callejon S, Videmont E, Gatto H, Portoukalian J, Haftek M. Analysis of epidermal
lipids in normal and atopic dogs, before and after administration of an oral
omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid feed supplement. A pilot study. Vet Res Commun. 2011
Dec;35(8):501-9. doi: 10.1007/s11259-011-9493-7. Epub 2011 Jul 23. Erratum in:
Vet Res Commun. 2012 Mar;36(1):91
8. Smith CE, Freeman LM, Rush JE,
Cunningham SM, Biourge V. Omega-3 fatty acids in Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic
right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Mar-Apr;21(2):265-73.
9. Freeman LM, Rush JE, Markwell PJ.Effects of dietary modification in dogs
with early chronic valvular disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2006
Sep-Oct;20(5):1116-26.
10. Laflamme DP. Understanding and managing
obesity in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006
Nov;36(6):1283-95, vii. Review.
11. Brown SA, Brown CA, Crowell WA,
Barsanti JA, Allen T, Cowell C, Finco DR. Beneficial effects of chronic
administration of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs with renal
insufficiency. J Lab Clin Med. 1998 May;131(5):447-55.
12. Hegarty B,
Parker G. Fish oil as a management component for mood disorders – an evolving
signal. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2013 Jan;26(1):33-40. doi:
10.1097/YCO.0b013e32835ab4a7
13. Hegarty BD, Parker GB. Marine omega-3
fatty acids and mood disorders–linking the sea and the soul. ‘Food for Thought’
I. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2011 Jul;124(1):42-51. doi:
10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01703.x. Epub 2011 Apr 11. Review.
14. Wakshlag
J, Shmalberg J. Nutrition for working and service dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small
Anim Pract. 2014 Jul;44(4):719-40, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.03.008. Review.
15. Hall JA, Henry LR, Jha S, Skinner MM, Jewell DE, Wander RC. Dietary
(n-3) fatty acids alter plasma fatty acids and leukotriene B synthesis by
stimulated neutrophils from healthy geriatric Beagles. Prostaglandins Leukot
Essent Fatty Acids. 2005 Nov;73(5):335-41.
My name is Bree Weasner, and I’ve been bringing pet owners like you valuable information on pet nutrition and natural holistic alternatives to conventional pet care since 2001.