Adding Salmon Oil To Make Your Dog Eat Their Food

Is your cockapoo a picky eater have you tried everything you can to get it to eat a meal and will adding salmon oil be the answer. Before you rush out and buy some to try for yourself there are a few things that you should know. 

Information about salmon oil

Salmon oil can encourage your picky cockapoo to eat, but ensure that you buy one specifically for dogs, which has the natural taste and flavour they may love (salmon oil, the same as fresh fish, should never smell fishy as this means that it has gone rancid).

However, before you use it there are some do’s and don’ts as if given or treated incorrectly it can become detrimental to your beloved dog’s health. 

Salmon oil must be stored correctly as when exposed to light or air oxidation can occur,  and render the oil unusable and it could actually damage your pet’s health if given for any period. Please read all instructions carefully for both dosage and storage. 

Make sure that you know the correct dosage, don’t be tempted to just add without measuring. The dosage required should be worked out by the weight of the dog, but again instructions will be provided by the manufacturer of the salmon oil. If you have any concerns talk to your vet before administering.

 Salmon oil contains a high level of Omega-3 fatty acid such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) this is where the health benefits are. But, just like all products on the market there are good and bad, try to avoid cheap and budget fish oil and choose from a reputable supplier. 

You can find some pet foods that already have fish oils and omega 3 fatty acid in them, so to avoid giving too much please read the ingredients listed on the packaging of the pet food you are using. 

Possible Health Benefits

There are a lot of health benefits that are claimed to be received for both humans and dogs, we use the words ‘possible and claimed’ because some are scientifically proven others are not so hard and fast. 

A lot of research is still being done due to the increase in popularity of salmon oil in recent years.

Shiny and soft coat

Salmon oil can help give your dog that wonderful shiny and silky soft coat that you have always wanted, as it aids in the production of the natural oils giving a balance in the moisture of the skin and healthy skin gives a healthy coat. 

This also means that it will help in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis and skin allergies that your cockapoo might have. 

Reduce inflammation

It is known that the Omega fatty acids are a natural way of decreasing inflammation and helping to keep it under control,  thus aiding in easing conditions such as arthritis, a good way to help an elderly cockapoo stay that little more supple and agile. 

Please note here that if your cockapoo, or any dog, is on any treatment for arthritis from the vet consult them before administering fish oil of any form to them.

Boost the immune system

Salmon oil will boost your pets immune system which in turn helps to fight off illnesses and keep them in tip-top condition. 

Brainpower

Yes, it’s true, the omega 3 fatty acids give the nutrients that help the brain function and maintain the cognitive function needed, which although good for dogs of all ages, is especially good for the development of puppies and young dogs. This is why fish has been called brain food for a long time.  

What can the side effects be

We have pointed just some of the health benefits of giving your dog salmon oil not just the fact that salmon oil may be good to get your cockapoo to eat, but there can be side effects, especially when you first start administering it. 

Although these are not really too worrying they will cause your cockapoo discomfort. As with anything new to their diet, it is recommended that you introduce salmon oil gradually as this can help avoid some of the side effects. 

Diarrhoea

Giving salmon oil to your dog may cause diarrhoea or loose stools, especially when you first give it, this applies to any form of fish oil. 

Bad breath

Some salmon oil will make your dogs breath smell like fish breath, but if this is a problem purchase an unscented product. It is worth stating here that fresh salmon oil should not smell fishy unless sold as such to entice a dog or cat to eat.

Otherwise, it is a sign that it is rancid and although won’t make your dog sick like eating a piece of rancid chicken may do, it could be detrimental to their health and definitely won’t have any of the health benefits. 

The best advice I can give here is, smell your oil when new and if it has no fishy smell then it should never have a fishy smell. 

Weight gain

Take into consideration that salmon oil has a high level of calories which will give your dog extra unwanted weight, especially if on a high dosage. Remedy this with exercise and all will be fine.