Tuna oil

What is tuna oil and how does it work?

Tuna oil is an oil extracted from the fatty tissue of tuna. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are essential for the body, i.e. they cannot be produced by the body itself and must be obtained from food.

Omega-3 fatty acids have many positive effects on the health of dogs. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and protect the cells from oxidative stress. They are also important for the development and function of the brain, eyes and nerves.

What are the benefits of tuna oil for dogs?

Tuna oil can help with various ailments that are common in dogs. For example, it can:

• Improve skin and coat health. Tuna oil can soothe dry, flaky or itchy skin and make the coat shiny and supple. It can also reduce skin allergies or eczema.
• Promote joint health. Tuna oil can reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and increase mobility. It can also prevent or delay osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint diseases.
• Support the cardiovascular system. Tuna oil can lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. It can also treat cardiac arrhythmia or heart failure.
• Improve brain and nerve function. Tuna oil can boost cognitive performance, enhance memory and learning, and improve mood. It can also prevent or alleviate neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's.

What are the disadvantages of tuna oil for dogs?

Tuna oil is not without risks for dogs. There are some disadvantages that you should consider before giving it to your dog. For example, it can:

• Affect blood clotting. Tuna oil can inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the tendency to bleed. This can lead to bleeding or hematomas, especially in dogs that are on blood-thinning medication or have had surgery.
• Reduce the vitamin E supply. Tuna oil can increase the need for vitamin E, as it is an antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of omega-3 fatty acids. If you give your dog too much tuna oil without giving him additional vitamin E, a deficiency can occur. This can lead to muscle weakness, hair loss or immune deficiency.
• Disrupt thyroid function. Tuna oil can inhibit the absorption of iodine, which is necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones. If your dog gets too little iodine, it can develop hypothyroidism. This can lead to weight gain, tiredness or sensitivity to cold.
• Contain heavy metals or other harmful substances. Tuna oil can be contaminated with mercury, lead, PCBs or other harmful substances that accumulate in the fatty tissue of tuna. These can damage the health of dogs, especially in long-term or high doses. You should therefore only buy high-quality tuna oil that has been tested for harmful substances.

How much tuna oil should I give my dog?

The optimal dosage of tuna oil for dogs depends on various factors, such as your dog's weight, age, health and diet. You should also follow the manufacturer's and your vet's instructions.

As a guide, you can use the following formula: Give your dog about 20 mg EPA and 12 mg DHA per kilogram of body weight per day. This corresponds to about half a teaspoon of tuna oil per 10 kg of body weight.

You should not give the tuna oil all at once, but spread it throughout the day. It is best to mix it into your dog's food. Make sure that the tuna oil is fresh and has no rancid odors or tastes. Store it in a cool, dark place and close it tightly after use.