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Is fish oil or coconut oil better for dogs?
When thinking of healthy dietary fat for your dog, you might want to start a given preference to fish oil and coconut oil.
These oils have various benefits and unique structure. Once digested, it undergoes metabolized reaction and then uses by the body system in different ways.
So, if these oils are beneficial to your dog body system, what can we associate the functions of both the fish oil and coconut oil in the body system?
How can your four-legged pet benefit from them? What is the usage principle? Should you use one or combine both of the oils?
To accurately answer this question, we need to have a basic understanding of these oils.
We will walk you through the different structures of these oils and their benefit.
What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a long-chain fatty with 18 carbon atoms contained in the chain.
The fact that fish oil has eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) and docosahexaenoic, DHA -omega-3 fatty acid makes it possible to regulate the immune system,
supports cognitive action including the nervous system, reduces inflammation, and also contributes to coat and skin smoothness, kidney heart, and joint health.
Since the dog body system does not generate omega-3 fatty acids, which is an essential fatty acid,
how can we naturally get this fatty acid?
Omega-3 are extracted from cold-water fish, plant and nut oil, and shellfish.
Aside from the functions it offers, it also helps balance omega-6 fatty acids, which are common in processed dog’s food and most grains.
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid. Unlike fish oil, it is very stable and not prone to oxidation. This is because of its single carbon bond.
The primary medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are caprylic acid, lauric acid, and capric acid.
Because it contains medium-chain fatty acids and not the long-chain fatty acid, it is easily broken into various substances in the body. This makes it possible for the oil to offer different functions.
Coconut offers help in combating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa infections. Aside from its primary function, it can also be used to improve skin health and metabolism.
Guess you now have a little understanding of the science and structure of each of these oils. With the overview, you can conclude that these oils are different from each other.
This means that they offer various functions in your dog system and provides a unique health benefit.
Let’s have a look at the different functions and benefits of these oils.
What are the Benefits of fish oil for dogs?
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Aside from the omega-3 fatty acid also contains EPA and DHA, which are also essential fatty acids.
These fatty acids are converted into Prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance regulating cardiovascular function and cell activity.
The EPA and DHA in the oil have a primary function, which includes improving brain functions and eye health.
DHA single-handedly helps in creating a neutral transmitter, which is an integral part of the brain functions. You can say DHA is a building block of tissues in the brain and the eye’s retina.
Other benefits of Fish oil include the prevention of skin disorder and the reduction of allergies.
In summary, the benefit of fish oil includes
- Protection against heart disease and cancer
- Regulate cell activity and cardiovascular function
- Improve brain function and eye health
- DHA helps in forming neural transmitters. For example, Phosphatidylserine.
- Protect against osteoarthritis, a condition mostly associated with senior pets.
Benefits of coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the most naturally found healthier foods. If you are looking for an oil with a remarkable and unique nutritional profile, coconut oil is your best bet.
Thanks to the medium-chain fatty acid present in the oil.
These medium-chain fatty acids have strong anti-microbial properties; you can probably take a guess, right?
It is perfect for combating diseases and infections caused by fungi, yeast, parasites, and bacteria. It also helps with metabolism and serves as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Outside the body, coconut oil helps keeps your dog’s skin and coat healthy, protect their skin against parasites such as ticks and flea, etc. when it comes to injury, you don’t need to worry too much.
Coconut oil accelerates the healing process of injuries such as insect bites, wounds, and cut.
In summary, the significant benefits of coconut oil include
- Prevent and fight disease and infection
- Responsible for providing energy
- It maintains your dog’s healthy weight.
- Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- It also supports the brain and nervous system, immune system, digestive tract, and cellular function.
- It boosts the rate of metabolism.
- It keeps your pet’s skin and coat healthy and protects it from parasites.
- Lastly, it promotes the rapid healing of wounds and cuts.
Fish oil or coconut oil, which one is better for your dog?
At the genesis of this article, we have looked at the chemistry and structure behind these oils. We then explore the benefits these oils have to offer.
Now it is time to clear your doubt as regards which should you use between the fish oil and coconut oil.
So, which of these oils should you feed your dog?
It depends; the fact is that fish oil is better for certain conditions, and coconut oil is better for others.
Should you feed them both oils?
Definitely a Yes .
The same way you alternate your protein diets for your dog, it is a good idea also to rotate these oils for your dog.
By doing this, your dog benefits from the benefits they have to offer.
“fish oil and coconut oil are two different oils and are not similar in terms of function.” The only similarity is the fact that they are both oils.
As mentioned, fish or salmon oil contain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are long-chain fatty acids.
These make it easier for absorption. In terms of functions, they are mostly suitable for cardiovascular and cell activities.
Though Coconut oil contains saturated fat, it still comes yet handy. Unlike other saturated fats, coconut oil is more comfortable to digest.
You don’t need to worry about the issues with easy digestion.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral components.
Since these two oils serve different purposes and diverse functions, we advise alternating salmon oil and coconut oil for your dog diet.
What should I know before using these oils?
When you introduce a fish oil or coconut oil to your dog’s diet, make sure to buy high-quality oils.
Don’t forget to contact your veterinary before apply any of these oils.
Bulldog is explicitly known to have a lot of health issues.
You don’t want to apply a supplement to your dog’s diet and trigger your pet’s allergies. Aside from these facts, your veterinarian knows what’s best for your dog.
Dosage is one important to know before administering a product.
Ask veterinarian, if the dosage is not on the product.
Though most products will have an instruction of use, if it doesn’t, contact your veterinarian or an expert in the field.
In conclusion, we believe every bulldog’s owner should incorporate the use of quality fish oil into their pet’s diet as well as coconut oils which comes in handy when treating dry skin and hot spots to mention but few.
Your pet’s needs every food that keeps them healthy.