There’s no denying it: our pets know what they want in life. Especially in their food bowl! And when offered salmon oil, few refuse.
Among all the dietary supplements available for cats and dogs, salmon oil is perhaps the most important. Indeed, this completely natural product offers numerous benefits that can change your pet's life. Provided it is used wisely!
So, what are its benefits for pets? And most importantly: how should it be used as part of a health regimen?
Follow the guide: BF Petfood will teach you everything you need to know!
Salmon oil: what is it?
Before going into details, it's important to understand what we're talking about. Between its benefits and natural composition, salmon oil has more than one trick up its sleeve!
It is simply the oil extracted from a salmon fillet, using cold pressing. This extraction process respects the flesh, uses no excessive heat, and preserves all the polyunsaturated fatty acids: the long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA.
Even if you're not yet familiar with these essential fatty acids, trust us: they are excellent components for the health of cats and dogs! Although, of course, they should be used sparingly and under the right conditions.
Indeed, for our dogs and cats, these two molecules are real nutritional gems. Their bodies cannot produce them in large quantities, but they have a constant need for them to:
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Renew cell membranes
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Maintain coat health
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Lubricate joints
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Support brain function
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Improve digestion
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Reduce stress
All that and more!
Where certain vegetable oils, vitamins, or dietary supplements require complex metabolic conversions (conversions that our felines, especially, perform very poorly), salmon oil is consumed in a form directly assimilable by the body.
And this is precisely why the benefits of salmon oil are so numerous!
What are the benefits of salmon oil for cats and dogs?
Physical, mental health, skin care... Discover the 7 key benefits of salmon oil.
And remember that this list is not exhaustive: one benefit can hide another!
1 - Skin care for a shiny coat
Adding a few drops of salmon oil to your dog or cat's kibble can make all the difference in their skin hydration, and thus their coat.
The omega-3s in salmon oil soothe small inflammations that make skin dry and irritated. If your dog or cat suffers from redness and itchy patches, you've just found your best ally to bring them some relief!
After a course of less than 1 month, the fur thickens, regains its natural luster, and the coat colors suddenly appear more intense.
You'll notice it from the first stroke: the fur glides between your fingers without snagging, proof that the skin barrier is well-nourished. To the great delight of your pet!
2 - Caring for your pets' joints
Cats and dogs can have quite sensitive joints. This is especially true for athletic dog breeds, who love to run.
After a few years, joints may not be as well-lubricated as before, leading to blockages and pain. And that's precisely where the EPA and DHA fatty acids we mentioned earlier come into play!
They infiltrate these tissues and temper local inflammation. As a result: collagen degrades slower, and the joint remains flexible longer.
Little by little, the dog who hesitated to jump out of the car or the cat who gave up on the tops of wardrobes regain the vigor of their younger years (to our great delight).
3 - Improving the cardiac health of your 4-legged companions
Omega-3s also have a colossal impact on the cardiac health of felines. Their presence stabilizes the membrane of myocardial cells and helps the rhythm remain flexible: neither too slow nor too hurried, even when emotions run high in our pets.
Now, having a more stable heart rate simply allows our animals to be in better health. They can run faster, longer, and no longer have that form of lethargy that can affect some dogs and cats.
4 - Promoting hydration and kidney function
Often, cats suffer from kidney failure (especially males).
By supporting blood circulation within the nephrons, salmon oil helps preserve this vital filter. Biochemical markers (especially SDMA, to name just one) are then impacted and allow the kidneys to function better.
5 - Improving the immune system of your pets
The great thing about salmon oil is that it's a product suitable for all ages and all breeds. In puppies as well as kittens, DHA has a colossal impact on neurons and the retina.
Even in adulthood, this intake nourishes brain plasticity, improving vision and intellectual acuity.
This means you can give it to them as soon as they start eating kibble or wet food!
6 - Regulating their stress!
Even if they are safe, our pets can sometimes suffer from excessive stress. In case of change, moving, or even when they have to get in the car. And here again, salmon oil is a valuable ally!
Because they participate in serotonin production, omega-3s gently act on emotional balance.
The dog that panicked during thunderstorms starts to simply lift its head, then goes back to sleep. The anxious cat during a move explores its new territory faster.
Again, we're not talking about an instant miracle. But rather an emotional foundation that stabilizes, offering the animal that feeling of being comfortable in its own skin, which allows it to feel secure.
7 - Helping them fight against the cold
Finally, as its name suggests, salmon oil... is composed of oil. Which means it is rich in fats and nutrients.
Of course, it must therefore be given in measured quantities. But it also means that this dietary supplement can help your pet fight against the cold! If your dog spends time outdoors in winter, a short course of salmon oil can be a good idea. Its nutritional richness will allow it to generate enough energy to protect itself from the cold.
How to choose salmon oil?
Among all the choices available to you in stores, make sure to choose good quality salmon oil!
For this, prefer an amber or opaque plastic bottle, to prevent the salmon oil from being damaged by heat or sunlight.
Then, study the composition of the salmon oil: check the EPA and DHA content, expressed in milligrams per milliliter.
Always choose a transparent brand that clearly states the quantities!
How to dose the salmon oil you give to your pet?
As salmon oil is quite fatty, it should not be overused. Especially if your pet is overweight: do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice if this is the case.
In most cases, you will simply need to adjust the quantities of salmon oil to your pet's weight:
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If it weighs less than 5 kg: ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) per day
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If it weighs between 5 and 10 kg: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per day
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If it weighs between 10 and 20 kg: 2 teaspoons (10 mL) per day
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If it weighs between 10 and 50 kg: 3 teaspoons (15 mL) per day
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If it weighs more than 50 kg: 4 teaspoons (20 mL) per day
Mix the prescribed quantities with wet food or kibble, and you're done! You'll see: in a few seconds, your pet will smell the salmon oil and will be eager to eat.
BF Petfood's tip:
Don't forget that salmon oil should be given in courses. It is generally recommended that pet owners do not give it for more than 1 month.
For example, you can give a course during particularly harsh times, such as winter or a stressful period.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your vet for advice!
Give your pet salmon oil courses for their well-being!
Salmon oil for cats and dogs opens the door to a more peaceful and healthier daily life. Provided you choose the right salmon oil and give it correctly to your four-legged companion.
At BF Petfood, we only choose natural products, made in France and designed for your pet's health. This way, you are guaranteed to take care of them with natural and quality components!
