When dog owners think of salmon oil for their pup, the first thing that often comes to mind is a shiny and soft fur coat. But what if we told you salmon oil is far more than just an aesthetic miracle? Salmon oil is a true internal powerhouse supplement – one that supports your dog’s joints, brain, heart, and immune system.
At Carson & Bear, we believe in giving our furry friends the best possible life and that starts with understanding what’s happening inside their bodies. Let’s explore the lesser known but incredibly important ways salmon oil promotes overall canine wellness. From anti-inflammatory properties to cognitive function, let’s go beyond the shine of Carson & Bear Salmon Oil.
What Is Salmon Oil?
Salmon oil is derived from the fatty tissues of salmon, a cold-water fish known for its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, primarily EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids are essential because neither human nor dogs can produce them on their own – they must be obtained through diet.
Fish oil provides omega-3s in their most biologically active form, meaning your dog’s body can absorb and use them more efficiently.
The Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs
- Joint Health & Mobility: Fighting Inflammation at the Source
One of the most powerful effects of salmon oil is its anti-inflammatory properties – a game changer for dogs dealing with joint stiffness, mobility issues, and arthritis.
Why does this matter? The root of many joint problems in dogs, is chronic inflammation. Particularly in aging breeds or those prone to hip dysplasia or ligament injuries. EPA, one of the primary omega-3s in salmon oil, reduces the production of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, helping to ease pain.
- Cognitive Support: DHA for Puppies and Senior Dogs
Omega-3s – especially DHA, are crucial for brain development and cognitive maintenance. This makes salmon oil an excellent supplement for both puppies and senior dogs.
For growing puppies: DHA supports the development of the brain and nervous system, helping puppies learn faster, retain commands better, and become more responsive to training.
For senior dogs: as dogs age they may experience a cognitive decline similar to dementia in humans. DHA can help to preserve the brain and slow the progression of cognitive decline.
- Heart Health
Heart disease affects thousands of dogs every year, especially seniors and breeds with known predispositions like Cavaliers and Dobermans. So how does salmon oil help heart health? The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil help lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, and support a normal heart rhythm. They also help to reduce inflammation in blood vessels to improve blood flow. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, found that dogs with heart failure who were given omega-3s had better cardiac output and reduced arrhythmias, compared to those without supplementation.
- Immune System Support
Think about what your dog licks and picks up just while on their morning walk, that’s a lot of bacteria. Your dog’s immune system is working tirelessly to fend off infections and repair tissue damage. Omega-3s regulate the immune response by promoting a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals in the body and brain. This not only boosts resistance to illness, but also helps with chronic conditions like food allergies, skin inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. There has been research in Veterinary Immunology showing that omega-3 fatty acids enhance the function of white blood cells in dogs, helping them fight off harmful pathogens more effectively.
Choosing the Right Salmon Oil
Quality matters when it comes to what you feed your dog. Here are some things to look for in a salmon oil:
- Wild-caught salmon
- Third-party testing for purity and heavy metal safety
- High levels of EPA and DHA
It’s important to AVOID products with artificial additives, synthetic preservatives, or unclear sourcing. At Carson & Bear, we are a trusted brand offering sustainably sourced and 100% natural salmon oil.
How to Incorporate Salmon Oil into Your Dog’s Diet
Salmon oil is incredibly easy to add into the routine! Most dogs love the taste, it’s liquid gold!
- Start slow: Introduce it gradually over 3-5 days to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea.
- Daily dosing: Follow label recommendations based on your dog’s weight.
- Storage: Keep it refrigerated and sealed to prevent oxidation.
Pro tip: Drizzle it over dry kibble or mix it into their wet food. Even picky eaters like Carson can’t resist!
Why Consistency Matters
One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is inconsistency when it comes to incorporating supplements. Think of salmon oil like brushing your dog’s teeth – it makes a noticeable difference when it becomes part of your dog’s daily routine.
While some benefits like a glossier coat or reduced itching can show up in just a couple of weeks, internal health changes take some time. Supporting joints, improving mental clarity, and reinforcing the immune system are slow processes that make a noticeable difference when used consistently.
Safety Considerations: When to Talk to Your Vet
While salmon oil is safe for most dogs, there are situations where veterinary input is essential:
- Dogs with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners
- Dogs with pancreatitis or a sensitivity to fats
- Dogs currently on other supplements or medications
* Always check with your vet before adding new supplements to your dog’s routine. *
Real Health Starts Inside
From smoother joints and sharper minds to stronger hearts and resilient immune systems, salmon oil offers whole-body support that is trusted by vets.
At Carson & Bear, we believe that a healthy dog is a happy dog – and that means caring for them from the inside out. So the next time you add a splash of Carson & Bear Salmon Oil to your pup’s bowl, know you’re fueling their bodies and minds.
As a bonus, this means a shinier and thicker coat with less shedding! For more information on the external benefits of salmon oil, check out our blog post: “The Shiny Coat Secret: Unlocking Your Dog’s Best Look with Salmon Oil.”
References
- Animal Medical Center of Chicago. (2018). Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats: Six Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.animalmedicalcenterofchicago.com/fish-oil-for-dogs-and-cats-six-benefits/
- My Pet Nutritionist. (2024). The Ins and Outs of Salmon Oil. Retrieved from https://mypetnutritionist.com/post/the-ins-and-outs-of-salmon-oil/
- Improve Veterinary Practice. (2024). The use of fish oil supplements in small animal veterinary practice. Retrieved from https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/fish-oil-supplements
- Pub Med (1998). Nutritional alterations and the effect of fish oil supplementation in dogs with heart failure. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9857337/
