Salmon and Fish oil, its benefits and its downfalls
Keeping your dog and/or cat healthy, happy, and fulfilled is a top priority for every dog owner I have ever met. Being a dog walker, almost all of my clients are concerned their dog needs more exercise and variety in their life. We all have to work to provide the life our pets deserve and exercise is a huge factor in that. Nutrition is the next important factor for our pets to live the longest life possible and I am here to help you take any guess work out of what to feed and what not to feed!
We have all heard our vets, friends, colleagues, neighbors etc. tell us to feed our pets fish oil but one of the down falls of fish oil is that stinky breath🤢. Whether its their overall breath, their burping, or just the lingering smell of fish, no one wants, or needs their home or family members to smell like low tide😖. Yuck!
A couple reasons this happens is because of a low quality fish and/or the way the companies extract the oil. PawTree’s fish oil is wild caught and not farmed which means the fish are healthier, happier and less contaminated with their own excrement (yes that’s a real thing that happens... there's a whole documentary on Netflix about big fishing companies!). They then extract their fish oil within 5-7 minutes as opposed to other manufacturers which can take up to 2 hours. The reason a fast extraction time is important is because it has a shorter amount of time it is in contact with proteins and that results in a lighter color and less fish stink on your pet and their bowls! Still not convinced your pet wont smell like the ocean at low tide? No worries they also offer their fish oil in treat form to take any of that lingering hesitation out of helping your pet feel their best!
Our pets need a supplement of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, they cannot make them on their own and must ingest them to have healthy skin, coats, heart and joints. A huge reason our pets get dandruff or itchy flaky skin is because of a deficiency in these fatty acids! So help their coats be as shiny as their personality!
Need more info, or just like the science behind nutrition? I’ve got you covered!
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fats essential for your pet’s health. Their bodies cannot produce them so they need them added into their diet. Your dog food probably has some already in there but its never enough for our pets! Kibble is great and convenient but it just simply cannot provide adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals and also be preserved to sit on a shelf. Salmon oil is a great source of two key Omega-3s (big words that you have probably seen the abbreviation for!)
Eicosepentaenoic Acid (EPA): EPA has a strong anti-inflammatory properties (1). This can be helpful for managing joint pain and inflammation.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): DHA plays a crucial role in brain development and cognitive function (2).
Some more benefits if you realllyyy need to be convinced how important salmon and fish oil is to your pet!
Immune System Boost: Omega-3s may help strengthen your pet’s immune system, making them better equipped to fight of illness (3).
Heart Health: Studies suggest Omega-3s can contribute to a healthy heart by lowering triglycerides (fat in the blood) (4).
Allergy Relief: Omega-3s have been known to have anti-itching properties which helps alleviate the symptoms of their allergies! (5)
Just because we all love a long blog that ends in a recipe, here’s a great way to show your pet some homemade love with this salmon oil sweet potato treat recipe you can make at home!
Salmon and Sweet Potato Bites
1 Cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled, not from the can)
1 Cup rolled oats
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon Pawtree Salmon oil
½ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional but beneficial vitamin A, C and K and great for their breath)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly spray with olive oil or coconut oil
In a large bowl combine mashed sweet potato, rolled oats and whole wheat flour
Mix in the applesauce, egg and salmon oil until well combined
Add in the fresh parsley if you are using it
Form dough into small balls about 1” diameter(think training treats)
Place treats on the prepared baking sheet
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch
Let treats cool completely before storing in an air tight container
Tips:
Replace whole wheat flour with brown rice flour if you pet has a wheat sensitivity
If the dough is too sticky add 1T of flour at a time until desired consistency
You can always roll dough out and use a fun cookie cutter to make your own shapes
Can store in air tight container on counter for a few days or in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Signs the treat has gone bad and should be tossed: mold growth, discoloration, stinky odor or moisture has snuck in.
Remember: consulting your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your pets diet is always a great idea.
(1) National Institutes of Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk209320/
(4) American Heart Association Https://www.heart/org/en/news/2023/07/05/are-you-getting-enough-omega-3-fatty-acids