Salmon Oil Follow-Up

Thanks to everyone who has commented in regards to my post on Salmon Oil and other fish oil alternatives. This post is in response to some of those comments.

Question: Is Salmon Oil bad?
Answer: Absolutely not. Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and other salmon oils are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Question: Can your pet develop a resistance to fish oil supplementation?
Answer: Yes. Similar to prolonged exposure to certain grains or proteins in a pet's diet, resistance and sensitivity can occur with prolonged exposure to the same source of Omega 3 Fatty acids or any form of supplementation.

Question: What is the ideal source of Omega 3 Fatty acids?
Answer: A non-predator fish source that minimizes the potential intake of harmful toxins.

Question: What other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids can I use to minimize the development of supplement sensitivity?
Answer: Most high quality foods have a source of fish oil in them, try supplementing your pet with a fish oil or other Omega 3 oil that compliments the one in the food. Some examples are Sardine/Anchovy oil, Flaxseed Oil, Salmon Oil and Sunflower Oil. Most quality foods have flaxseed, sunflower or salmon oil in them so sardine/anchovy oil is usually a great compliment to their diet.

Salmon Oil Alternative?

For years Salmon Oil has been considered the flagship of fish oil supplements for dogs and cats. Although it is a great source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, it is not the best source. At Nature's Pet, we recommend a fish oil from sources other than predator fish. Predator fish such as Salmon can often times collect more toxins and unnecessary items during their lifetime. Also, excessive use of salmon oil can make your pet smell like a fish (a very unpleasant potential side effect).

A great alternative that contains high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and is purified in a manner that almost eliminates the odor is Sea Pet. This fish oil is sourced from sardines and anchovies, and it has an EPA level twice as high as traditional salmon oils. Another great benefit is the cost, Sea Pet retails for 25-40% less than the more common salmon oils.

For those of you not familiar with the benefits of fish oil supplementation, I've included a list of great benefits.

-Natural anti-inflammatory
-Reduces shedding
-Helps condition skin & coat
-Appetite enhancer if applied on top of food
-One of the best sources of fat available (fat is the most efficient energy source for dogs)

(This list is not all-inclusive).

REMEMBER: The balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids is very important, so you should find a supplement that is high in Omega 3 but not necessarily Omega 6. This is another reason a sardine/anchovy based oil like Sea Pet is a superior choice to traditional salmon oils. Check with your local independent retailer for more information.