In examining the trends in dog mortality rates, research shows that there has been an upward movement, and unfortunately they have rapidly begun to increase over the last two decades. Little is more tragic than the loss of the unconditional devotion of our loving pets. The worst part of all is that much of this could be avoided. It is an alarming idea that our beloved companions die young due to things which likely could have been controlled with more focus placed upon proper nutrition. Sometimes things cannot be controlled, and are due to genetic predisposition factors. However, there are many more occasions where canine complications could have been addressed by more focus upon external and controllable factors such as things in the dog’s environment, and more often than not, the type of food and nutrition is the cause.
How Can You Control These Dangerous Factors That Are Harmful?
One of the major controllable factors of that can combat the rising mortality rate that has increased in dogs is to improve their nutritional intake. Grocery store bought dog food gravely affects our dog’s growth and longevity. Our dog’s food intake, among other considerations, is a very good indicator on the dog’s length of survival. The food composition will also most often determine why some avoidable health issues have arisen.
Omega 3 Essential Nutrients Are Often The Answer
To address this issue, dog food manufacturers have just begun to try to incorporate important substances in their products. One of the essential nutritional substances that will have the greatest effect upon our pet’s longevity is the essential nutrients of Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 Fatty Acids. The greatest natural source of these essential nutrients is found in fish oils.
Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of unsaturated fats that are nutritionally important in a number of ways. Dogs, like humans, cannot produce them on their own, and therefore must obtain them from various foods, usually naturally found only in oily fish. The omega 3 fatty acids, the α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, are known to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Eicosapentaenoic acid specifically has been shown to have anti-asthma effects, improving respiratory functioning.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids Are Essential For Dogs Health
Though Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to a holistic dog growth, it is sometimes hard to satisfy such a requirement. This is because commercially manufactured dog foods do not usually follow the standard food pyramid for dogs. Sometimes, there occurs mislabeling in dog food products. The required essential substances for dog are not incorporated into the food due resource shortage, high cost, and difficulty in acquiring these resources. As a result, there will be a lack of the nutrients that are supposed to be in such foods.
How Can I Be Sure My Dog Is Getting Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
One of the reasons this happens is because dry dog food is refined, and most has undergone a number of series of processing where content tracing becomes difficult.
With this in mind, you will find that dogs will be suffering from lack of nutrients as a result of eating some store bought brands are routinely found to be nutritionally deficient and unhealthy for dogs. At the same time, there exists the likelihood of the dog to be exposed to toxins which can lead the dog to have a weakened immune system. A low immune system means exposure to diseases and illnesses.
Many Foods Claim To Have Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Some of these dry foods have been found to claim the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids. Though this is the case, not all of them will have these Omega 3 fatty acids that are in high enough in concentration to add any real value to your dogs health. You are able to get the best types of Omega 3 fatty acids for your dog by using the supplements.
There are supplements that are specifically engineered to deliver the true benefits of Omega fatty acids to our pets. High quality supplements are flavored in a favorable way that the dog will enjoy in its normal meal without even changing the meal’s natural taste.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids for a dog can be found in small amount in Flax or flax seeds. Other sources for this nutrient will be flax seed oil. This is due to the fact that they have , Alpha-linolenic Acid otherwise known as ALA. Such acid can be easily converted to EPA or DHA, which is the form of Omega 3 that the body of a pet can use to boost its immune system. A healthy immune system protects your dog from cancer causing agents, and aides in ensuring a long and healthy life.
How to Know The Omega 3 Fatty Acids Are Absorbable For your Dog
Not all supplements are engineered for your pet. For instance you will find an example of this when you see flax seeds that are milled and sold in a supermarket, they are going to lose their value when you open them to feed your dog. This is attributed to the fact that oxygen will react with them within minutes and as a result they will become useless. To be able to have the best out of omega 3 fish oils, that are not produced specifically for your dog, you would have to mill them yourself, and feed the dogs immediately so as to avoid oxidation. This can prove to be a very difficult and costly task and it requires the dog’s participation.
Can You Really Believe the Labels When They Claim To Have Omega 3?
This is just one of the reasons why pet foods that are said to be rich in omega 3 fish oils are most often truly misleading. The best way to get your dog omega 3 fish oils will be to buy the supplements specifically engineered for your dog’s absorption. At the same time, make sure that you feed your dog fresh food. By doing this, you will be ensuring that your dog gets the necessary nutrients. You will also be ensuring the dog will get a fresh and balanced diet. In the long run, your dog will be able to lead a long and healthy life aided by the use and many benefits of Omega 3 fish oil supplements.
