Nourish Your Pooch Naturally Unveiling the Benefits of Raw Food

The Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs

If youve been ogling our specialist bottles of sustainably sourced, omega-rich Salmon Oil For Dogs, you may have wondered, What does salmon oil actually do for my dog? Though Pooch & Mutts range of nutritional dog foods are designed to keep your pup happy and healthy, salmon oil contains vital ingredients that are essential for a dogs development. In fact, for any animal, its one of the most beneficial supplements there is.

Read on for an in-depth guide on how salmon oil can benefit your dog and to learn some of the science behind salmon oils powerful, superhero ingredients.

How does salmon oil help dogs?

Salmon oil is such a marvel because of its wonder-trio of fatty acids: Omega 3, 6 and 9. These powerful ingredients are really beneficial to your dogs body and mind; they promote healthier skin and coat quality, improved heart health, and they boost immune system, brainpower and movement.

Whats the science behind salmon oil?

To dig a little deeper, Omega 3 was recognised as a molecular marvel when it was found to contain fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Really long in name and in nature, DHA and EPA are long-chain acids containing 20 or more carbon atoms, and in 1929, scientists found that they form the important structural components (1) of healthy cell membranes. In 2004, the US FDA made it official - Omega 3 and 6 were given qualified health claim status for being beneficial to normal, healthy growth.

Heres the most important bit - all mammal bodies, including humans and dogs - dont produce DHA and EPA naturally. To receive these nutrients, vital for our mental and physical development, we have to get them from food such as salmon oil.

What benefits of salmon oil will I see in my dog?

Theres a full list of benefits, as salmon oil is a veritable wonder product. After feeding it to your dog for just a couple of weeks, youll start to see a happier, livelier, and healthier-looking pup.

Salmon oil seriously makes your dog smarter - in fact, its particularly recommended for the brain development of growing puppies. Research carried out by Eukanuba found that 9 week old puppies fed on a high DHA diet became more intelligent, easier to train and had improved memory in tests which taught them how to recognise shapes that led them to a treat (3).

You can feed an older dog too, though, as cognitive development needs to be nurtured at all ages. Theres a lot for doggy-brains to hold, like house rules and how to be a functioning, well-behaved pooch in society, while a nourished brain also means theyll stay alert, energetic and reactive to their owners (or a ball, or a squirrel, or that dog across the fence).

The anti-inflammatory properties of salmon oil reduces scratching and limits shedding, making your dogs coat smoother, shinier and more lustrous than ever. Just wait for passers-by to point in the street as your pup bounds along in slow motion.

The fatty acids found in salmon oil help form a protective layer which moisturises your dogs skin and acts as a barrier to allergens and irritants. If your pooch does suffer a skin infection, Omega 3s anti-inflammatory superpowers include soothing the skin so theyll be less itchy.

In a similar vein, the healing properties of DHA and EPA will supercharge your dogs immune system, meaning his body will be naturally stronger in fighting off diseases such as kidney and liver disease and pancreatitis.

Long walks and off-the-lead runs, lets go! The Omega 3 fatty acids in salmon oil protect your dogs heart by managing cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels, meaningtheir overall stamina and cardiovascular health is improved andthey wont run out of breath as quickly.

Another cause for more runs on the beach, salmon oil keeps your dogs joints limber and lubricated sothey can move around easily - an essential aspect to a dogs continued mobility as they grow and age.

A dogs eyes indicate their overall health (you know that), and salmon oil promotes bright, clear eyes and better sight. As one of the main ways a dog communicates is through her eyes, ensuring theyre healthy and free of redness and discharge is super important to their day-to-day comfort.

When rearing a puppy theres nothing more encouraging than seeing them grow bigger and stronger. As salmon oil is a nutrient-rich source of fat, its the ideal way to induce healthy weight gain in a puppy, or an underweight adult dog, in a way that includes vital nutrition too.

How do I feed my dog salmon oil?

Administering salmon oil to your dog couldnt be easier - its got a strong fishy flavour so they love the taste. Following the guidelines for their size, just drizzle it into their regular food and mix well.

How often should I give my dog salmon oil?

For maximum benefits, feed your dog salmon oil every day. For small dogs a teaspoon a day is enough; for medium dogs, 1-2 teaspoons; for large dogs, 2-3 teaspoons; and for giant dogs, 3-4 teaspoons a day. Clear instructions are on the label of each of our Salmon Oil For Dogs bottles.

How should I store salmon oil - does it go off?

All fish oils have an expiration date; after this its quality will gradually decrease, and in the worst case it could make your dog unwell. If youve had an unopened bottle of salmon oil for a while, check the expiration date before feeding it to your dog. A fresh bottle should be good for two years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight - but use it up within 90 days once youve broken the seal, and throw it away if it smells rancid.

Can I give my dog too much salmon oil?

Short answer - yes, or you could risk any of the side effects listed below. Be sure to feed your dog the recommended daily amounts according to their size and age, as indicated on the label on the bottle

Are there any side effects of salmon oil for my dog?

Most dogs will see the many positives of salmon oil, however with any supplement, theres always a risk of side effects or allergies. If you notice your dog experiencing any of the following symptoms after taking salmon oil, its a good idea to book a visit to your vet and get them checked over, just to be safe.

Salmon oil reduces the chance of itchy or inflamed skin in the majority of cases, however if your dog is allergic, it could have the opposite effect. Keep a lookout for frantic scratching fits in your dog, or more itching than usual.

Salmon oil is very energy-dense and so its great for growing puppies or underweight dogs. If your pooch seems to be piling on the pounds (and theres no change to his exercise or diet but the salmon oil), then you may need to cut back.

If your pooch has toilet trouble after youve introduced salmon oil to their diet, try a few days of just their regular food to see if it makes a difference.

If your dog shows the classic signs of pancreatitis - a hunched bag, sustained vomiting over hours or days, diarrhoea, lethargy and/or pain in the abdomen, take them to the vet for treatment. Salmon oil is known to reduce the chance of diseases such as this, but theres always the risk of a bad reaction.

How is salmon oil different from other oils for dogs?

Theres plenty of other oil supplements for dogs that offer similar health benefits, but salmon oil is the cream of the crop, and heres why.

Salmon oil vs other fish oils for dogs

Oils derived from other fish, such as cod liver oil, offer lots of the same benefits to dogs as salmon oil; improved coat and skin quality, a boosted immune system and decreased inflammation. However, this is mostly down to its Omega 3 content - something that salmon oil has a much higher concentration of. Salmon oil also provides superior Omega 3 absorption in a dogs body, and it has a fishier taste, which dogs love. Put simply, other fish oils are great, but salmon oil tops them in terms of concentrated goodness (and tastiness).

Salmon oil vs plant-based oils like olive, coconut and flaxseed

As a plant-based alternative to fish oils, we humans often turn to natural oils such as olive, coconut and flaxseed. For dogs, this doesnt quite work the same way. While fish oils contain the long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA found in Omega 3, plant-based oils have more of the short-chain acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Though ALA is still beneficial to dogs and puppies, theyd have to eat a whole lot of plant-based oil to receive the more potent nutrients found in smaller amounts of salmon oil.

Sold on salmon oils dog-enhancing superpowers? To see the benefits in your dog, Pooch & Mutts Salmon Oil is sustainably sourced, of the highest quality and packed full of Omega 3, 6 and 9.

If you have any other questions about Salmon Oil that we havent covered here, you can contact us via emailor leave a comment belowand well do our best to help.

Feed Your Pooch Nooch (Benefits of Nutritional Yeast for Dogs)

Nutritional yeast affectionately referred to as nooch is a popular health food amongst vegans, but its not just good for people; dogs also love it, and can benefit from a small amount added to their diet. Scroll down to learn more

Nutritional yeast being sprinkled on spaghetti.

What Is Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is primarily used as a health supplement and food flavoring. Vegans love nutritional yeast because it has flavor similar to parmesan cheese, which makes it a great substitute for cheese; and the fortified kind is an excellent source of vitamin B-12.

It has a yellow color, and is normally sold as flakes or a powder. Nutritional yeast can easily be found at health food and supplement shops. It can also be purchased online, and theres even a chance you might be able to spot it at your regular supermarket.

Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast for Dogs

Nutritional yeast can offer dogs many health benefits, including the following:

Increased Appetite

Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy flavor and aroma that dogs love. If your dog is a picky eater, or just doesnt have much of an appetite, sprinkling a small spoonful of nooch on their food can entice them to their meals. Think of it like adding salt to your food to make it more palatable by the way, dont ever add salt to your dogs food.

Vitamins and Minerals

Nutritional yeast is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of complex B vitamins, as well as selenium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium.

Antioxidants

Nutritional yeast also contains antioxidants, which can protect your pup from degenerative diseases.

Protein

Nutritional yeast can add a little extra protein to your dogs diet. Technically speaking, on a per calorie basis, nooch is one of the most protein-rich foods known to man; however, dont expect your dog to get most of their protein from it, since you are only going to give them a small amount. Just think of it as a supplement.

Anti-Anxiety

The high amount of B vitamins in nutritional yeast may also reduce your dogs anxiety.

Fortified vs. Unfortified

There are two types of nutritional yeast: fortified and unfortified. Fortified, of course, has added nutrients; whereas unfortified is just nutritional yeast in its pure, natural form.

If you want your dog to get the maximum nutritive benefits of nooch, you should by the fortified kind, as it contains B-12, selenium, and zinc; none of which are found naturally in unfortified nooch.

How to Feed Your Dog Nutritional Yeast

The best way to feed your dog nutritional yeast is to sprinkle a small amount about 1 tsp over the dry or wet food you normally feed them, as if youre seasoning their meal. Its important that you do not give them too much, as nooch is only meant to be a supplement.

Suggested Serving Size Per Day

The easiest way to calculate the exact serving size per day that is optimal for your dog is to multiple 0.09g by your dogs bodyweight in pounds. For example, if your dog weighs 50 lb 0.09 x 50 the appropriate serving size per day is 4.5g, which is about 1 tsp.

Nutritional Yeast vs. Other Yeasts

One of the most important differences between nutritional yeast and other yeasts is that nutritional yeast is inactive. You should never feed your dog an active yeast, like the kind you bake with.

That said, another type of inactive yeast thats beneficial to dogs, and similar to nutritional yeast, is brewers yeast. However, dont confuse brewers yeast with beer yeast the yeast thats actually used for making beer. You should also know that brewers yeast has a bitter flavor your dog probably wont like.

Consult Your Vet First

While its unlikely your dog should experience any negative effects from a small amount of nutritional yeast, you should still consult with your dogs vet before giving it to them to ensure it wont interfere with any medications they may be on, or any special conditions they might have.

References:

Jolinda Hackett (November 15, 2019). What is Nutritional Yeast and How Is it Used? Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-nutritional-yeast-3376833

Spunky Tails (July 12, 2019). Nutritional Yeast for Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.spunkytails.com/nutritional-yeast-for-dogs/

Hanie Elfenbein, DVM. Brewers Yeast for Dogs: Understanding the Benefits and Risks. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/brewers-yeast-dogs-understanding-benefits-and-risks