Plant Based OilsPlant based oils are a healthy addition to the diet. As they are a fat, albeit a healthy fat, be careful feeding if you have a dog prone to gaining weight. Again (I'm sure you see a theme here), there is no 'dosing' chart for oils but a small drizzle over the food should be sufficient. Aim to feed 3 times a week, on alternate days (or follow the feeding guidelines on the supplement you buy). Oils should be organic and cold pressed where possible. Plant oils present less of a risk for pancreatitis as the fats don't oxidise like those in fish oils.
I am a huge fan of Proflax® [www.proflax.co.uk] oils, which contain adaptogenic herbs in a cold pressed, UK sourced flaxseed oil. You could use these products in place of herbs and oils. |
Fish Based OilsFish oils, such as salmon oil, are very popular. However, they are very prone to oxidation as they are frequently exposed to heat, light and air, which causes them to become rancid. Avoiding exposure of these factors is nearly impossible due to the packaging and storage of most fish oils. Fish liver oils should be avoided due to their high vitamin A and D levels, which are toxic in high doses.
Oily fish, either tinned or raw, would be a better source of omega 3 fatty acids than fish oils. If this isn't an option, there are fish oil alternatives, such as:
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