Bringing a dog home isn’t just about having a furry companion who will be by your side during both happy and trying times. You will make many endearing moments with your dog, and this is certainly the best part of owning a dog as a pet. However, you need to remember that you aren’t just a pet owner, but a parent to a living creature. Your dog’s health should be your number one priority.
Golden retrievers are on every dog lover’s “My Favorite Dog Breeds” list. They are healthy and playful with amazing energy and good looks. Typically, a retriever would be around for 12 to 14 years. However, you need to focus on their diet to make sure that they remain healthy throughout their life span. Unfortunately, very few diet products for dogs are enriched with nutrients, making it necessary to turn to certain supplements. If you are looking for supplements to add to your dog’s diet, you should know that the best ones are fish oils.
What are Fish Oils?
As the name suggests, fish oils are extracted from fish and are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids – something your dog needs to be healthy. Usually, fish oil refers to two beneficial fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish like tuna, herring, sardines, salmon, halibut, mackerel, cod, flounder, pollock, and anchovies are the top sources of fish oil.
Why Do I Need to Give Fish Oil to My Golden Retriever?
This question is frequently asked, which comes as no surprise as it is also the most important one. After all, you need to be aware of the science behind your Golden retriever’s well-being.
It has been scientifically proven that EPA and DHA offer numerous benefits for all dogs, including golden retrievers. Including fish oils in your dog’s diet might be the best decision you would take about their health care. Some key benefits of using the best fish oil for golden retrievers are:
- It improves your dog’s immune system by enhancing the activity of B-lymphocytes and increasing the production of antibodies. They also promote the production of cytokines, which help your golden retriever fight against infections, inflammation, and even cancer.
- Dogs that take fish oil supplements are not at the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Fish oils boost brain function and canine cognition, which would make obedience training easier.
- Fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very effective in keeping your golden retriever’s skin healthy and coat shiny.
- It aids with the treatment and prevention of arthritis and other joint problems in bigger breeds of dogs like golden retrievers.
- It improves a dog’s metabolism and slows down the aging process.
Choosing the Best Fish Oil for Golden Retrievers
Going through all these advantages must have pumped you up and gotten you thinking about adding fish oil to your retriever’s diet.
For starters, you should choose a product with a high concentration of EPA and DHA. It should be free of odor and rich in flavor so that your retriever would love having it. You need to make sure it’s gluten-free as dogs have certain food allergies, and gluten isn’t exactly beneficial for them. Having additional vitamins is always a plus! A dispenser pump will surely be a great feature to have as you don’t want to pour too much or too little oil. Now the question is: out of the wide range of products in the market, which one is the best fish oil for golden retrievers?
Like always, we are all set to help you find the right fish oil supplement for your beloved pet. Here are our top 3 recommendations. Go through the reviews to find the best fish oil for golden retrievers.
#1 Zesty Paws’ Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is a number 1 bestseller, and we aren’t surprised. Considering the premium quality of this product, it holds the number-one spot on our list of recommendations too. Zesty Paws is a trusted brand focused on concocting the most beneficial formulas for your furry friend’s health. Your golden retriever’s mealtime will surely become more delicious and more nutritious with the Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. It comes in a 32 oz bottle with a dispenser pump to help you add it easily to the dog’s food bowl. It is an all-natural fish oil supplement packed with rich Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA! As a pet parent, you might not like the look of capsules, raw treats, or soft chews. However, all you need to do is add a couple of pumps of this amazing oil and Bon Appétit! That extra flavor and moisture in the food would do miracles for your retriever’s health, and they’ll be cleaning the food bowl in no time! It is an ideal product if your dog is shedding or has skin problems. It can help your golden retriever by giving them a healthy-looking skin, a sleek and shiny golden coat of fur, better immune system and cardiovascular health, and healthier overall hip and joints.
#2 Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Dog & Cat Supplement
Paws & Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil contains Omega-3 and is well-suited for dogs of all ages. It is 100% natural. The Wild Salmon caught off the coast of Alaska is the source of the fish oil, which is prepared in an FDA-registered facility. It also contains essential Omega-6 fatty acids. It is pure and free from GMOs and toxins. It packs healthy nutrients and antioxidants like selenium, astaxanthin, plus vitamins D, B12, and more. This salmon oil is found to help your dog with dry, flaky skin, allergies, joint problems, shedding coats, and inflammation. It comes in a 32 oz bottle with a dispenser pump, which means you don’t have to try and open your pet’s mouth and force them to swallow pills. The flip-top cap and pump make the entire process easier, tastier, and mess-free. One major change a lot of satisfied customers observed in their pets after adding Paws and Pals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil to their golden retriever’s diet is that their dogs stopped itching and scratching right away. Since it prevents inflammation, their skin felt more moisturized and healthy. Also, the pets talking this oil are reported to have grown less stiff and more active.
#3 Omegease Omega-Rich Fish Oil
From the house of Omegease, Omega-Rich Fish Oil is made in the USA and is 100% natural and pure. This formula is specially enriched with Omega 3, 6, and 9 for dogs and cats. It is GMO-free and contains no additives, fillers, or toxins. This product supports the immune health, cardiovascular system, and improves joint conditions caused by inflammation in dogs. Your dog will also develop a glossier coat and smoother skin. The main source of this oil is small, non-predatory fish from the icy, pristine North Atlantic, including sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies, which is particularly helpful because large, predatory fish often contain harmful mercury and other unwanted chemicals. The fish oil is molecularly distilled, which ensures that no traces of heavy metals remain. Unlike many fish oils, this oil does not have the awful fish smell; however, your golden retriever would love its fish flavor. Dispense the oil directly to your dog’s food by using the BPA-free, drip-proof pump bottle.
Our Final Thoughts
Give your golden retriever 1 to 2 teaspoons of fish oil daily to fulfill the daily 300 ml requirement of EDA. Start today and see the difference in your furry pal’s health yourself!