Understanding the Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

Fish oil for dogs is a supplement rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for dogs and must be obtained through their diet.

Fish oil, containing EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids can support heart health, skin health, and joint lubrication.

The dog’s body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own; they must be added to the diet. Dog fish oil supplements are available in various product forms, such as capsules, liquids, and chews. The main benefits of fish oil are listed below:

1. Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat

One of the most well-known benefits of fish oil is its ability to improve skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which can alleviate itching, dryness, flaky skin and dandruff in dogs with allergies and other skin conditions.

2. Supports Joint Health

As dogs age, they may experience joint stiffness and discomfort due to arthritis or other joint-related issues. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help support joint health, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility.

3. Enhances Cognitive Function

DHA, a key component of fish oil, is essential for brain health. In puppies, DHA supports cognitive development, while in older dogs, it helps maintain mental sharpness and cognitive function.

4. Boosts Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for protecting your dog from illnesses and infections. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help strengthen the immune system by reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

5. Promotes Heart Health

Fish oil supports cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, managing arrhythmias, improving circulation, and potentially even preventing blood clots. These benefits help maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart disease in dogs.

6. Regulates Digestion

The omega fats in fish oil reduce gut inflammation and balance the microbiome, supporting better nutrient absorption and regulating bowel movements, which is beneficial for dogs with certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Plus, the healthy omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help balance out omega-6 fatty acids in a dog’s diet.

7. Protects Kidney Function

Fish oil’s omegas can help slow the progression of kidney disease in dogs. It is also believed to protect against acute kidney injury, and its anti-inflammatory properties support overall kidney wellness and function.

The Benefits of CBD for Dogs

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural hemp extract. CBD oil works through the dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a regulatory mechanism that regulates various bodily functions, including mood, pain, inflammation, appetite, allergies, immune response, etc.

CBD for dogs is extracted from hemp plants (preferably organic). There are full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate formulas. Vets recommend full spectrum CBD as it has maximum benefits to your dog’s health.

The use of CBD in veterinary medicine is relatively new and is undergoing extensive research. Here is a short explanation of what the science says about the benefits of CBD for dogs.

1. Promotes Relaxation

CBD for pets supports a relaxed demeanor in everyday situations. For example, it can help dogs maintain calmness during grooming, fireworks, travel, or separation.

2. Boosts Joints and Mobility

Cannabidiol has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and regular CBD oil use in dogs helps maintain joint comfort after normal daily activity. A Cornell University College study showed that dogs with joint problems show decreased pain and increased mobility when supplemented with CBD.

3. Supports a Healthy Immune System

CBD can help support the immune system by promoting balance within the body. By interacting with ECS receptors, CBD modulates the immune response and promotes overall immune system wellness.

4. Optimizes Digestive Function

CBD can also support digestive health by promoting a balanced gut environment and enhancing general digestion. Daily CBD use can help maintain normal stool quality.

5. Maintain Skin & Coat Condition

Cannabidiol for dogs supports normal skin moisture and coat condition, which help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Dogs with allergies, in addition to their mainstream treatments, benefit from CBD supplements made for pets.

The Synergistic Benefits of Combining Fish Oil and CBD

When combined, fish oil and pure CBD can offer a powerful one-two punch for your dog. Using dog fish oil alongside CBD oils can make a big difference.

The fats in fish oil can improve the bioavailability of CBD, enabling more efficient absorption and utilization of cannabinoids in dogs. Also, fish oil provides essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that work with CBD’s cannabinoids and terpenes to modulate inflammation.

Here is a quick overview of the veterinary research-backed synergistic benefits of combining dog fish oil with CBD oils.

1. Enhanced Joint Support

The omegas in fish oil support joint lubrication and reduce inflammation. The cannabinoids in CBD oils for dogs support healthy joints and mobility as part of a normal, active lifestyle. Together, fish and CBD oil can be useful for dogs with joint-related, mobility problems.

2. Improved Skin and Coat Conditions

Fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acids nourish the skin and coat, providing a foundational coat shine and reducing skin flakes and dryness. CBD supports normal skin moisture and coat condition. Together, they can keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat looking shiny and soft.

3. Balanced Immune Function

A healthy immune system is essential for preventing illness and supporting overall health. Dog fish oil enhances the dog’s immune defense, and CBD promotes overall immune system health, potentially calming overactive immune responses.

4. Cognition and Mental Wellness

The DHA in high-quality fish oil is essential for brain structure, while CBD is shown to have potent neuroprotective properties. The combined effect supports cognition in senior dogs. Cognitive decline is a well-known problem in senior pets.

Dosage Recommendations for Fish Oil and CBD

When it comes to dosage, it’s essential to find the right balance for your dog’s size, age, and health condition.

Adding dog fish oil and CBD has health benefits, but also adds calories to the dog’s food and can have minor side effects if misused. To avoid such issues, it is critical to know how to use these supplements safely and effectively.

Fish Oil Recommended Use

How much fish oil can dogs have is a question most pet parents have. While the recommended use of fish oil for dogs varies depending on their weight, general diet, and health profile, here is a general guideline:

• Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): 200-500 mg of EPA/DHA per day
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 500-1,000 mg of EPA/DHA per day
• Large Dogs (50-100 lbs): 1,000-1,500 mg of EPA/DHA per day
• Giant Dogs (over 100 lbs): 1,500-2,000 mg of EPA/DHA per day

These dosage recommendations are the gold standard for maintenance purposes. For therapeutic effects, research suggests that some dogs may need much higher doses. Always consult with a veterinarian before adding fish oil supplements to your dog’s diet. Fish oil is safe, but it is high in fat and calories.

Fish oil is a fat that contains about 9 calories per gram. Therefore, it must be factored into the dog’s total daily food intake to avoid unnecessary weight gain. This is particularly important for obese dogs using large amounts of fish oil for joint problems.

Also, if your dog experiences digestive issues after taking fish oil, it may be best to talk to a veterinarian and find an alternative source of omegas.

In most dogs, fish oil can be used as a lifelong daily supplement to prevent issues and maintain organ and immune function.

Keep in mind that dog fish oil must be stored in dark bottles and refrigerated to prevent rancidity. It can be easily mixed into wet dog food, and the specific product will include dosing instructions on the container.

Do not expect miracles when you first start using the supplement. Fish oil can take up to a few weeks to have full effects, but gradual improvements are typically noticeable.

CBD Recommended Use

CBD recommended use depends on your dog’s size and the specific health concern you’re addressing. A common starting point is:

• Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): 2-5 mg of CBD per day
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 5-10 mg of CBD per day
• Large Dogs (50-100 lbs): 10-15 mg of CBD per day
• Giant Dogs (over 100 lbs): 15-20 mg of CBD per day

As with fish oil, start with a low CBD amount and gradually increase it until you find the optimal dose. CBD oil for dogs is not toxic, but high doses are more likely to cause side effects, such as digestive upset and sleepiness. The side effects typically resolve within several hours, but many veterinarians still recommend a gradual introduction of CBD.

CBD is well tolerated and generally safe for dogs of all ages, including puppies over 4 months old, adults, and senior pets. It can also be used in conjunction with other medications. However, it is always a good idea to consult your vet before starting any new supplement or diet regimen.

Once the veterinarian approves, choose the right CBD product. Opt for full spectrum formulas that combine CBD (cannabidiol) with other cannabinoids for full benefits.

CBD works faster when given directly in the dog’s mouth than when mixed with the dog’s food. While the CBD administration method affects how fast the supplement starts working, it takes consistent use of up to several days or weeks to see an overall improvement.

Final Thoughts

Fish oil is a popular supplement for dogs that can support heart health, skin wellness, and joint lubrication. The fats in fish oil enhance CBD’s bioavailability, ensuring a synergistic effect between the two.

Regular use of dog fish oil primarily provides essential fatty acids for wellness, while the CBD fish oil combo addresses specific issues like chronic pain and arthritis.

Always choose CBD oil for dogs that is third-party lab tested, specifically formulated for pets, and free from heavy metals and pesticides.

As for fish oil for dogs, you can just opt for products with high EPA and DHA concentrations and sourced from wild cold-water fish.

Simply put, when making purchases as dog owners, look for fish and CBD oils that feature the NASC quality seal. The National Animal Supplement Council gives such seals only to top-notch products on the market.

Combining dog fish oil with CBD oil offers a holistic approach to promoting general wellness and long term health. From joint support to immune function, these natural supplements work together excellently to achieve positive effects.

Learn more about why pet owners trust Honest Paws CBD and fish oil supplements for their dogs in this Hepper review.

Ready to boost your dog’s wellness with CBD and fish oil? Explore a wide range of high-quality CBD supplements for dogs and start your dog on the path to a long life and optimal health.