Vitamins for Skin/Coat Health

SheltieChe said:
hmm, omega -3 can be plant based or animal based. I am wondering if it has to be animals based for dogs? Anyway I love VP for my dogs, they are healthy and their coat look great. I think VP with all those inclusions of enzymes etc is best single product one can find on the present market. I do not give it daily though, few days on , then skip, etc. As with everything else, it is opportunistic diet for us.
Justicemom said:
I don't know. Never thought about it. I suppose a good plant source could be use. Although I think EPA and DHA concentrations are now being thought of as more important than overall Omega 3 levels. Those are naturally higher in fish than plants in general, save microalgae. Fish being an easier source than mircoalgae, I suppose.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


It does make a difference whether the omega 3 fatty acid is plant (ALA) or animal (EPA) derived.

ALAs (alpha linolenic acids) are relatively short chain fatty acids and their bioavailability is poor when compared to the long chain omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Additionally, ALA must be converted to EPA before it can be of optimal use and canines are not well endowed with the enzymes necessary for this conversion.

So basically when you give ALAs their body has to work to convert it to EPAs (and this process is limited by the metabolizing enzymes present in the canine). So giving more ALA doesn't equal more EPA....it is limited by the rate of conversion. Additionally you have to worry about dogs having senstivities to flax or soy (two common sources of ALAs).

So for me and my pups it has just worked best to cut the crap and go straight for the EPAs in distilled, concentrated fish oil! :smile2:
 
A few years ago, Daisy had some hair loss and skin inflammation due to a flea allergy and yeast infection. My vet recommended a liquid supplement called Optima 365, which contains salmon oil. This stuff is like a miracle. I squirt about a teaspoonful over her dinner every day (she LOVES the taste). Daisy now has a full, shiny coat, and her skin has no flaking or redness. She also sheds very little except during "coat-blowing" season.

I was one of those people who thought if you're feeding a well-balanced, premium-brand dog food, you don't need a supplement. But I was wrong. The Optima 365 really does make a difference, and I highly recommend it to anyone whose dog is having skin or coat problems (there is also a version for cats).

But don't buy it from your vet. You can get it online for half the price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top