As more people begin to see their dogs as valued members of the family rather than just pets, it makes sense that there is an increased demand for nutritious dog foods and health supplements.

Unfortunately, there is also a lot of conflicting information out there, so it can be difficult to know what will help improve your dog’s health and well-being. To help clear up some of the confusion, we will explain why so many dog owners are giving krill oil and other omega-3 supplements to their dogs. From there, we will explain what benefits a krill oil supplement can have for dogs and explain why it is seen as a better alternative to other fish oil products and omega-3 products.

Why Do People Give Krill Oil to Their Dogs?

The simple explanation for why dog owners are starting to give krill oil to their dogs is quite simple – it is an excellent source of omega-3 acids. Omega-3 acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. In other words, they are healthy fats that our bodies need.

We know how healthy omega-3 fatty acids are for our human bodies, but it turns out they are just as beneficial for dogs. Since a dog’s body cannot produce omega-3 acids on its own, it needs to be absorbed through food, or in this case, a convenient krill-sourced supplement.

Numerous studies have shown a direct link between the ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids and a wide-ranging list of positive health effects. Just as with humans, the consumption of omega-3s in dogs is linked to proper brain development, increased immune system strength, healthy skin and coat, and much more.

Why Krill Oil Instead of Other Sources of Omega-3 Acids?

Krill are small crustaceans that look similar in appearance to shrimp. They live primarily along cold-water ocean coastlines in places like Canada, Alaska, and Antarctica. Most people know krill as a primary food source for a variety of whale species. As it turns out, they also have outstanding nutritional benefits for both humans and our furry friends.

The reason people are choosing krill oil as a source of omega-3 acids for themselves and their dogs has a lot to do with the fact that krill are very low on the food chain. Since krill are so low on the food chain and survive by eating phytoplankton, there is less of an issue with the bioaccumulation of harmful substances, like mercury. Not only does krill oil contain lower amounts of heavy metals, toxins, and pollutants than oil sourced from fish and other larger marine species, but it is high in omega-3s and healthy proteins.

On top of the health benefits, krill is more sustainable than many fish species supplement manufacturers use for their omega-3 fish oils.

How Can Krill Oil Help Your Dog?

Now that you know why dog owners choose to give their dogs krill oil, we can take a closer look at the specific benefits this omega-3-rich supplement can have for our canine friends.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Support a Healthy Cardiovascular System

While certain breeds have an elevated risk, all dogs are at risk of suffering from some form of heart disease, which is why heart health is so critical if you want your dog to live a long and healthy life. One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to make sure it is maintaining a healthy body weight by eating an appropriate diet and getting enough exercise. An omega 3 supplement can help!

Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to a healthy diet for your dog. More importantly, they can help protect the entire cardiovascular system by promoting healthy blood circulation and ensuring enough nutrients and oxygen flow throughout the dog’s body.

Not only can omega-3 sourced from krill help with heart health but it has also been shown to help with muscle health.

2. Krill Oil Can Be Beneficial for Your Dog’s Digestive System

If you want to make sure that your dog is absorbing the nutrients in its food, maintaining a healthy digestive system is incredibly important. Omega-3 fatty acids help support the digestive system. While the main focus should always be providing your dog with a healthy diet specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of that specific breed, krill oil supplements can help! Not only do they help dogs digest and absorb vital nutrients, but they can also help with inflammation, which is a major cause of digestive issues.

If you have any questions about what sort of food your dog should be eating, or any other questions relating to your dog’s digestive system, book an appointment with one of our qualified virtual vets today! Hello Ralphie online vets would be happy to discuss food-related questions and recommend reputable dog food brands that will provide your dog with the nutrients needed to live a happy and healthy life.

3. Krill Oil Supplements Can Improve Skin and Coat Health

Healthy fatty acids are critical for healthy skin and coats. Not only can these supplements help the coat look smoother and shinier, but they can also help reduce shedding and excessive dander issues. They even help fight dry noses and cracked skin on the pads of the dog’s paws.

In some cases, supplementing with krill oil has been shown to reduce itchiness, redness of the skin, and some hotspot issues caused by matting and chronic allergies. Oils rich in omega-3s also help with some types of joint pain, which is due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Final Words

While supplementation should never replace a healthy diet, it can be an effective and affordable way to help support your dog’s overall health. If you have any questions about krill oil for dogs or omega-3 fatty acids in general, feel free to book an appointment with a virtual vet today, and our online vets can answer any questions you have. Best of all, you can attend your appointment from the comfort of your own home!

If you have more questions about supplements for dogs, read through our CBD Oil for Pets guide. As always, if you have any questions about your pet’s health, reach out to a Hello Ralphie online vet!