Cod liver oil

What is cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is an oil that is extracted from the liver of fish such as cod or haddock. It usually comes from cod, a young codfish. This is why it is also called cod liver oil. Cod liver oil has a yellowish to brownish color and a characteristic fishy smell and taste.

Cod liver oil is an old household remedy that has been used for centuries to treat or prevent various ailments. It contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D, which are important for many bodily functions.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself and must therefore be obtained from food. They have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and cell-protecting properties. They are mainly found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for eyesight, skin health, fertility and the immune system. It is mainly found in animal foods such as liver, eggs and dairy products.

Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for bone and dental health, muscle and nerve function and the immune system. It is produced by the body in the skin under the influence of sunlight, but can also be obtained from food. It is mainly found in fatty fish, eggs or fortified foods.

What are the benefits of cod liver oil for dogs?

Cod liver oil for dogs can have various benefits for your four-legged friend's health. Here are some of them:

• Strengthening the immune system: cod liver oil can strengthen your dog's defenses and protect him from infections. This is due to the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D it contains, which support the immune system.
• Improving the condition of the skin and coat: Cod liver oil can ensure a soft and shiny coat and alleviate skin problems such as dandruff, itching or eczema. This is due to the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A it contains, which strengthen the skin barrier and inhibit inflammatory reactions.
• Promoting bone and joint health: Cod liver oil can promote your dog's bone and joint health and prevent or alleviate conditions such as osteoarthritis or rickets. This is due to the vitamin D it contains, which improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine and regulates bone metabolism.
• Supporting eyesight: Cod liver oil can support your dog's eyesight and prevent or alleviate eye diseases such as cataracts or night blindness. This is due to the vitamin A it contains, which is important for the formation of the visual pigment in the retina.
• Stimulating the appetite: Cod liver oil can stimulate your dog's appetite and help him with anorexia or weight loss. This is due to the vitamin A it contains, which protects the mucous membranes in the digestive tract and stimulates the taste buds.

What are the disadvantages of cod liver oil for dogs?

Cod liver oil for dogs is not without risks. Here are some possible disadvantages you should be aware of:

• Overdose: Cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, which can lead to symptoms of poisoning if overdosed. Symptoms of vitamin A poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, skin changes, bone deformities or liver damage. Symptoms of vitamin D poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, increased urination, kidney stones, kidney failure or cardiac arrhythmia.
• Interactions: Cod liver oil can interact with other medications or dietary supplements and strengthen or weaken their effect. For example, cod liver oil can influence blood clotting and increase or decrease the effect of blood-thinning medication such as warfarin. Cod liver oil can also impair the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E or K.
• Quality: Cod liver oil can have different qualities depending on its origin and processing. For example, cod liver oil can come from fish that are contaminated with heavy metals or other harmful substances. Cod liver oil can also become rancid and lose its nutrients due to improper storage or heating.

How do you dose cod liver oil for dogs correctly?

Cod liver oil for dogs should always be dosed in consultation with a vet to avoid overdosing or interactions. The correct dosage depends on various factors, such as your dog's weight, age, state of health and diet.

As a guideline, one teaspoon (5 ml) of cod liver oil contains around 4500 IU of vitamin A and 450 IU of vitamin D. A dog should not consume more than 100 IU of vitamin A and 10 IU of vitamin D per kilogram of body weight per day. This means that a 10 kg dog should not receive more than half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of cod liver oil per day.

Cod liver oil for dogs is available in various forms, such as oil, capsules or tablets. You can give your dog cod liver oil directly into his mouth or mix it into his food. Make sure that your dog always has enough water available.