Salmon Oil vs. Fish Oil Capsules

[dbetz]

Hi All,

I have been reading about the positive health effects of salmon oil for dogs. Two months ago I found a 2 pak of 32 oz Salmon Oil at Costco for $19.99. After 1 month, I can really see a difference in Rudy's allergies, they are not as severe. Their coats are beautiful!

The problem is that Costco no longer carries it in the store - and looking other brands, they are so much more expensive (1 bottle for $19.99)

I know many of you give Fish Oil Capsules to your pups - and they are so much cheaper. Are fish oil capsules comparable to the Salmon Oil?

Thanks!
Diane

[Loladog]

The main thing that I've read is that it's important to use a product that is Pharmaceutical Grade and has gone through a Molecular Distillation Process. This is because fish can be contaminated with Dioxins and PCB's so you want a product that has been extensively tested and processed in a way that eliminates as many contaminates as possible. You also want something that has the highest amount of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids in the smallest dose possible. Unfortunately, you usually have to pay more for the safer, most concentrated formulas. Often you will find that the serving suggestion in a cheaper brand is much more than you might find in a more concentrated (more expensive) product.

The only reason I know the above is because I had to do a lot of research after Lola was diagnosed with an immune related toe nail disorder. Our vet prescribed fish or salmon oil with a minimum of 1200 mg of EPA daily. This sent me on a hunt for the most concentrated product so that I didn't have to give her tons of capsules (or teaspoons) each day. I also wanted to make sure to give her something that was as pure as possible.

The brands that I discovered are Nordic Naturals which is a human brand (although I think they might make a pet product as well). For more information, you can go to their website Nordicnaturals.com but I've found the best price for their products is at iherb.com.

You usually have to supplement Vitamin E when giving fish oil. This is something that was also recommended with Lola's nail disorder. I found a nice product called "Seapet" which makes a liquid formula with natural Vitamin E included. I only have to give 2 tsp. per day for Lola to get her vet recommended amount of EPA. You can find this at Seapet.com.

For myself, I take capsules made by Barlean's Organic Oils (barleans.com or iherb.com). They have a hint of Orange flavor and they go down easy for someone who's grossed out by fish oil.

As long as you find a nice purified product, I don't think it matters whether it's Salmon Oil or a blend of say Anchovy/Sardine. The main thing is to find a product with a good dose of EPA/DHA and is also Pharmaceutical Grade. Also, Lola will eat up either capsules or oil in her food so either way is fine with her. Good luck finding a product that works for you!

[kathysboxer]

You could also give sardines, or canned salmon. Tyson gets the sardines (cheaper) about 2 times a week. I also give him raw egg a couple times a week. His coat is shiney, no itching and overall great skin.

[Lola's mum]

Funnily enough I bought some salmon oil for my 3 last weekend, mainly for Casper but they're all having it.
I bought them the 'Grizzly Salmon Oil' from our local dog shelter, they each have 3 pumps daily.

[Valantar]

Originally Posted by Lola's mum

Funnily enough I bought some salmon oil for my 3 last weekend, mainly for Casper but they're all having it.
I bought them the 'Grizzly Salmon Oil' from our local dog shelter, they each have 3 pumps daily.

I have always given Hannah the 3v caps, but I also bought the Grizzly Salmon Oil last week. I haven't started any of them on it yet - I am switching food first. Do yours seem to like the taste? I have heard good things about this brand.

[boxermomATL]

Thanks for starting a discussion about this. I've had a lot of confusion regarding salmon vs. fish oil.

[Lola's mum]

Originally Posted by Valantar

I have always given Hannah the 3v caps, but I also bought the Grizzly Salmon Oil last week. I haven't started any of them on it yet - I am switching food first. Do yours seem to like the taste? I have heard good things about this brand.

They love the taste of it they really do. I however didn't. Yes I was silly enough to try a bit, don't know why guess I just wanted to know what they liked about it so much
I give theirs in with their breakfast and at dinner time they look as if to say ok where's the fishy stuff mum.

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I use just the regular fish oil capsules from costco for both of my dogs and have always had great results. They help my allergy boy's allergies my arthritis girl's arthritis inflammation and give both wonderful shiny thick soft coats. I've been very happy with just the regular fish oil capsules and paid less than $10 for a HUGE 400+ capsule bottle.

Good luck.

[rezak]

I've been using an oil that includes fish. It's call Bio Fats by Biologic Vets. A bit expensive thou

[JaspersFam]

Originally Posted by BxrMommieNAZ

I've been very happy with just the regular fish oil capsules and paid less than $10 for a HUGE 400+ capsule bottle.

Good luck.

ugh.. i paid like sixteen bucks at PetsMart for a bottle of fish oil... once i run out i think i will be going to costco