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| Health Info
» Omega 3 & Pets |
OMEGA-3
& MY PET
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Why
should I give my pet Omega
Supplementation?
There is a huge difference
in the omega 3 - omega 6
balance in commercial dog
foods and the omega 3 -
omega 6 balance in the diet
of wild carnivores. The wild
animal’s diet is composed
mostly of small animals and
birds eaten whole. This
natural diet is high in
omega 3 fatty acids and low
in omega 6s. Commercial dog
food is exactly the
opposite. Dog food contains
a lot of cereal grain which
is high in omega 6 fatty
acids and low in omega 3s.
This lack of omega 3s
affects the health of our
pets in ways that
nutritionists and
veterinarians are only
beginning to understand.
Omega 3 fatty acids are
vital for normal function of
every organ system in the
body, particularly the
immune system. A lack of
omega 3s (or relative excess
of omega 6s) contributes to
allergic and degenerative
disorders, causing joint
inflammation and arthritis,
allergy - dry itchy skin,
recurring skin infection,
recurring ear infections,
autoimmune disorders such as
inflammatory bowel disease,
and loss of mental alertness
in older dogs.
Pets that have arthritis,
immune disorders like
inflammatory bowel disease,
allergies, recurring skin
problems, or chronic kidney
disease should receive one
teaspoonful of cod liver oil
(or the equivalent) per
twenty pounds.
Flax and flax oil are good
sources of omega 3s but
unstable. Heat processing
destroys most of flaxseed’s
value. Cold-pressed flax oil
is an excellent choice, but
has a short shelf life and
must be kept continuously
under refrigeration.
Oils such as cod liver oil
derived from cold water fish
are an excellent source of
omega 3s and a more
practical way of
supplementing our pets’
diets. Deep water fish
concentrate toxins like
mercury and cancer-causing
PCBs. If we are going to use
fish oil for ourselves or
our pets, purity is an
important concern.
Fish oils oxidize easily.
Old or improperly stored
fish oil oxidizes, creating
free radicals which are
toxic. Pure, fresh fish oil
is light in color. It has
very little fishy flavor and
almost no odor. The pump
dispensers used for some
veterinary omega oil
supplements are easy to use,
but oxidize the product.
This isn’t what you want.
Once opened, fish oil should
be refrigerated and used
within three months. Wipe
away excess oil from the lip
of the bottle after each use
so you don’t accumulate
oxidized oil and contaminate
the next dose.
How can I ensure that my pet
gets enough Omega-3?
Feed a low fat commercial
diet to your pet, preferably
one formulated for dental
health. Supplement with Good
Shepherd Omega 3-V Liquid.
Simply pour over their food
and they’ll lap it up like
gravy! |
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