What Is Dha In Dog Food

The Omega 3s That I Recommend You Buy For Your Dog

Highly recommended Vegetology Omega 3 capsules

These capsules complement our JUST BE KIND supplement perfectly. They contain a very high level of EPA compared to other Algae oils so benefitting our dogs even more. They also contain plant-based Vit D3 from lichen which is ideal for a healthy immune system in our dogs.

As a company, Vegetology are very reasonably priced and the capsules work out to be very cost-effective with their 3 for 2 offer. They arrive very promptly too with no postage costs!

The recommended dose for your dog is 1 capsule every other day for an average 25kg dog if being fed a dry or tinned plant-based diet. If your dog suffers from arthritis or an allergic skin conditions, they would benefit from 1 2 capsules a day for a 25kg dog. If arthritis or skin allergies are an issue, it is best to give the capsules separate to the main meal for maximum absorption of the Omega 3s without them having to compete with the Omega 6s from the oil in the main food.

For small dogs, you can cut a tiny hole in the top of the capsule, make a small saucer with some foil to keep the capsule upright, and pour a small amount of the contents of the capsule onto a small treat daily, so 1 capsule should last 3-4 days for a small dog under 10kgs which makes these particular capsules very cost-effective!

There are so many reasons why I think that oil sourced from algae will become the preferred method of Omega 3 supplementation for both us and our pets in the future.

Support The Potential Of Your Litters

While improved nutrition is unable to overcome sub-optimal genetics and/or training programs, its a variable we can readily control. You can help support the genetic potential of your litters through the supply of quality nutrition.

The ADVANCE range of dry growth diets for puppies and kittens have been formulated with Omega 3 DHA and Choline to support healthy brain and vision development to encourage learning. ADVANCE dry products are proudly made in the Central Tablelands in NSW and offer a 100% money back guarantee.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to our Breeder Services team, please contact us.

Sportsmans Pride Professional Formula 30/20

Sportsmans Pride is a dog food line geared towards canine athletes and is billed as supportive of the endurance and energy requirements of working dogs and active pups.

While that sounds good, we need to take a look at the recent recall of one of its products and the ingredients it contains.

On June 3, 2021, the FDA issued an alert regarding one lot of Professional Formula 30/20. Sunshine Mills, Inc., which manufactures Sportsmans Pride and the brands Sprout, Intimidator, and FRM Gold Select , issued a voluntary recall of this recipe for potential salmonella contamination.

But looking past the recall alert, wed have to say that this recipe doesnt meet our standards either. The main ingredient in this food is chicken byproduct meal, a rather dubious ingredient with regards to quality.

Chicken byproduct can mean any leftover part of the chicken, and not just its organs. With quality recipes, manufacturers generally state chicken liver, chicken heart, and so on.

When a manufacturer lists byproduct only, that means its probably a combination of a lot of unsavory things that wont sound as good when listed down and specified.

Lastly, this food uses more carbs than protein to supply the energy needs of dogs because there are three grain and corn ingredients within the first five slots.

The potential for contamination was noted after a sample of 5 lb. Sprout Sporting Dog Food product was collected and tested positive for salmonella during routine surveillance.

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Epa And Dha For Dogs: What Are They And What Are The Benefits

James Watts December 18, 2012Nutrition22,461 Views

In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of premium pet food products containing EPA and DHA for dogs. EPA and DHA are simply omega-3 fatty acids already proving popular as a human supplement.

The importance of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, in our own diets has been subject of much research, with evidence suggesting that these fatty acids are indeed beneficial. The pet food market has a general tendency to follow the successes of the human food and supplement market, so it was only a matter of time before we began to see products emerging containing EPA and DHA for dogs.

What Are Omega Fatty Acids

These polyunsaturated fats aid many biological processes and are known as essential fats for the diet because your pets body cant make them on its own, notes Dr. Liff.

Essential fatty acids are biologically active fats that function as antioxidants, scavengingand thus eliminatingfree radicals, which are noxious by-products of cellular destruction, furthers Jeffrey Levy, DVM, a veterinarian in New York City. The two most common fatty acids to consider are omega-3s and omega-6s .

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Maintaining An Ideal Ratio Between Omega

Omega-3 fatty acids are important. Additionally, it is important that a certain dietary ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is maintained. Imbalances between the two can also lead to health problems for your pet.¹

In general, commercial dog food is high in omega-6 and rather low in omega-3.¹ If you are not already adding fish or omega-3 supplements to the diet of your dog, it is safe to assume that the balance between the two fatty acids is not ideal. Consequently, omega-3 should be added.

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Grilled Steak & Vegetable

This dog food is billed as providing complete nutrition for adult pups and even includes an optimal content of omega fatty acids for shiny hair.

It also proudly boasts that it is made of the finest ingredients. Looking closely at the label, however, we see a different story.

The first ingredient of the meal is ground whole grain corn. The third ingredient is also corn while the fifth is soybean meal.

So in the first five slots, you get three corn and legume ingredients, which means that this is not a meat-based dish at all. Here, the meat acts as support only and not the other way around, and there are too many grains.

The second thing we dont like about this recipe is that it uses unrecognizable animal ingredients. Were talking about the meat and bone meal.

Meat meals are usually okay provided that the animal the meat comes from is named. For example, chicken meal or lamb meal. But meat and bone meal? Which animal meat was used? Is there more than one kind of animal? And then, which parts?

Lastly, while the brand says that the recipe does not contain artificial flavors or sugar, it does contain artificial colors. There are four we could see, and theyre listed midway in the list, having more volume than the added nutrients the food contains.

Problem Ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat And Bone Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 2, Yellow 5

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Pet Food Needs Certain Inclusion Levels Of Epa And Dha

In his article, Geert van der Velden explains why pet food needs certain inclusion levels of EPA and DHA in order to achieve full health benefits. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acid involved in the physiology of mammals: the short-chain alpha-linolenic acid and the long-chain eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid . Of the three different types, only EPA and DHA are directly effective and need to be obtained through diet.

Risky Dog Food Ingredient

BHA1 is a controversial chemical preservative found in many popular dog foods.

However

Some consider this ingredient too risky for use in pet food.

Thats because

Multiple studies have linked BHA to cancer and reproductive disorders.234

While government5 regulations still allow the use of this controversial chemical in pet food because its considered safe in low doses.6

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Reducing Anxiety Depression And Hyperactivity In Dogs

If your dog suffers from anxiety, depression or hyperactivity, he or she may benefit from supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.

While the precise mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acid exerts effects on behavior is not known, they have been proven to modulate neurotransmitters and to affect neuroplasticity. In fact, fatty acids have also been found to influence the same pathways that anti-anxiety medications do, most notably fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety disorders in dogs.¹

The calming effect has also been confirmed in a study conducted on 24 anxious Labradors in 2016. There is further evidence in literature that supports using omega-3 fatty acids as a potential reliever of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in numerous species. It appears that this may hold true for dogs as well.¹

Why Take The Risk

Look. Heres the point.

Considering all the dangerous health issues linked to BHA

Why take the risk?

It seems only logical to avoid dog foods that contain BHA in the first place.

After all

There are super-safe natural preservatives already available in hundreds of quality dog foods from which to choose.

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Natural Sources Of Omega 3s

EPA and DHA can be found naturally in salmon, sardines, and anchovies, and your dog will probably find this to be a tasty treat!

In a 6 oz serving, this is how much Omega 3s your dog would get from each source:

• Anchovies, 3400 mg of EPA/DHA
• Sardines, 2800 mg of EPA/DHA
• Salmon, between 2200- 3800 mg of EPA/DHA
• NOTE: CARE does not recommend using salmon or salmon oil as a daily source of Omega 3s in dogs as it is not the most environmentally sustainable source.

Probiotics Double The Benefit

Probiotics and omega-3 fats work synergistically. EPA can increase the adhesion of probiotics to the intestinal cells and boost Bifidobacteria levels in mice. Probiotics can increase the absorption of omega-3 fats and increase their tissue amounts. They also increase the levels of EPA and DHA in the brain.

Clearly, there are a lot of healthy reasons to give your dog EPA and DHA. But it doesnt have to come from fish oil!

Lets look at other sources of EPA and DHA that will benefit your dog and the planet.

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Faqs Regarding General Dog Nutrition

• What is the best vet recommended dog food? The truth is, there is no real consensus among vets on which food is the best. This is because all dogs are different and unique. There is no one catch-all formula that would be perfect for any dog. We would, therefore, recommend searching for a well-regarded food that is high in protein and fat, and that your dog likes the taste of!
• What foods should dogs avoid? There are more foods that dogs should avoid than could ever be listed here. Some common human foods that are poisonous to dogs are chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and sweetcorn. Check with a veterinary website before you feed your dog anything that isn’t marketed as canine food.
• Is Grain Free Dog Food Really Better? Dogs have been found to have trouble digesting grains and therefore grain-free foods can help aid digestion. A grain-free diet for your dog will also mean that you are likely buying formulas with higher levels of vegetables, fiber, and proteins. This will help the development of your dog’s coat and skin, as well as provide your dog with more energy. A grain-free diet has however recently been linked to a small increase in canine heart disease.
• What dog foods are causing heart problems? The FDA has recently begun to investigate how grain-free canine formulas might increase the risk of canine heart disease. It’s still too early to come to any major conclusions, but we will keep an eye out on this story as it develops.

Why Your Dog Needs Omega

• Since Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat, they serve as a source of calories for your dog.

• Growing puppies require a dietary source of the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA to help support proper development and function of the brain, the central nervous tissue and vision.
• For pregnant and lactating dogs, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for proper development of the brains and retinas of their puppies.
• Omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation, especially in the skin and joints.

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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein

First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is another special dog’s diet meant for canines with more intense food sensitivities.

The hydrolyzed proteins in this formula are made of low molecular weight peptides that can be easily absorbed in the digestive tract and are less likely to cause allergic reactions, and therefore preventing uncomfortable symptoms like skin irritations and an upset stomach.

This kibble is also fortified with a rich supply of essential nutrients like various B vitamins and amino acids, and also omega fatty acids EPA and DHA that can help control seizures and promote a healthy dog’s skin and coat.

It also has a generous fat content of 17.5% derived mostly from chicken fat. And, this formula has sufficient taurine, which is another nutrient vital to controlling seizures.

Where Are Epa And Dha Found

EPA and DHA are found in their highest levels in fish oils. Coldwater fish such as trout or salmon are a great source of these Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Flax oil is rich in ALA, but as mentioned earlier, ALA requires enzymatic processing to become active.

It is possible to purchase Fish oil supplements, which will be rich in EPA and DHA or you may find some premium diets may be enriched with Omega-3 essential fatty acids. DHA and EPA can also be synthesised from microalgae however, this is more commonly used by humans as a vegetarian alternative.

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Key Differences Between The Worst And Best Dog Foods

• The best dog food will exceed the minimum nutritional requirements Whilst all commercially available foods will reach the minimum required nutritional levels, the minimum is not enough to make your dog fully thrive.
• Protein According to Kate Barrington at Petsumer.com, the best dog food will have over 25% protein. This should be ideally from all animal sources, without using vegetable protein.
• Fat The best foods will have at least 10% fat content.
• Enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
• The first five ingredients on the label should not contain any fillers, by-products, or additives.

Influence On Breeding Outcomes

As a breeder, we understand that youre committed to improving the health of your dogs and cats, with the aim to produce offspring who epitomise their breed characteristics.

Many factors influence the outcome of breeding, and ultimately the health and temperament of the progeny. Reproductive factors include genetics, dam and sire selection, age of the dam, as well as her health, nutritional status and mothering abilities.

Non-reproductive factors include the environment into which the litter was born and raised, including the type and level of socialisation they experienced. Positive socialisation is vitally important during early puppy or kitten development. This is because the socialisation period is particularly influential in the development of a stable temperament in the adult pet. In kittens, this is generally considered to be shorter than this period is for puppies . This is not to say that positive socialisation practices should end once these ages are reached. On the contrary, they should absolutely extend throughout a pets life.

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Bonus: Best Treats And Supplements For Seizures

Aside from providing your best home buddies with the best dog food, you may also want to add some tasty and nutritious treats as well as health supplements to augment their overall wellness and also help in preventing pesky seizures.

We have come up with a shortlist of highly recommended supplements and treats that may help manage your dogs seizures.

Nutro Ultra Adult Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran

Not to be outdone is Nutro Ultra Holistic Superfood Blend, which is another super-premium dry recipe with terrific ingredients.

Its rich 25% minimum protein and abundant amino acids come from chicken as the first ingredient, plus lamb meal, and salmon meal. It also has natural flavor, chicken fat, and sunflower oil to complete a formidable ingredients list for a healthy and tasty dog meal.

But thats not all. This healthy diet also has an amazing mix of beneficial fruits and vegetables, including dried coconut, whole chia seed, dried kale, dried pumpkin, dried spinach, dried blueberries, dried apples, and dried carrots that are all great health boosters for your pups, including cognitive health.

Specially made for adult dogs, it has sufficient 14% minimum crude fat to help curb mild seizures. By the way, this recipe suited for dogs with seizures got rave reviews online from hundreds of customers.

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