Supplements like our fish oil and kelp provide much-needed Omega-3s and other nutrients to your pet’s diet. They are easy to add to your routine and can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life.
We should note that while supplements are a wonderful addition to your pet’s diet, they are not a substitute for essential health care like grooming, exercise, and routine veterinarian care.
Let’s learn more about why you should make Life Line’s fish oil and kelp supplements a part of your pet’s diet.
A Boost of Omega-3s
A boost of Omega-3s is likely necessary for your pet. While many pet foods include Omega-3s, both the quality and quantity are something to examine.
But first, let’s clarify the differences between Omega-3s and Omega-6s.
Omega-3 fatty acids provide eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which are anti-inflammatory agents. DHA is a crucial part of a pet’s diet, especially for puppies and senior dogs. EPA and DHA are found in fish oil.
Omega-6s are also essential fatty acids that provide a variety of benefits, including bone health and metabolism. Omega-6s are found in ingredients like corn, soybean, and canola oils.
The trouble with Omega-6s is that they increase inflammation, which is why the amount of Omega-3s and Omega-6s that our pets consume should be, at a minimum, balanced. There is a greater benefit when pets consume more Omega-3s than Omega-6s.
The problem with pet food, specifically dry kibble, is that it doesn’t balance these two essential nutrients, leaving your pet at risk for joint pain, itchy skin, and even cancer.
The dose of Omega-3 is dependent on your pet’s weight. According to the American Kennel Club, “Current recommendations suggest choosing supplements that provide approximately 25 mg/kg body weight of DHA and 40 mg/kg body weight of EPA per day.”
Cognitive Development
Supplements can also improve your pet’s cognitive function. Supplements like fish oil and kelp contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a powerful omega 3 that is beneficial for pets.
A 2007 study by Iams entitled, “For Smarter More Trainable Puppies: Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Puppy Trainability,” notes, “DHA is a major structural component of the brain…it plays a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and retinal function.” It found that puppies who received DHA supplements consistently outperformed puppies who did not.
Read the full article here. A similar article was published in 2012 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, you can read it here.
Pet owners should also know that the American Kennel Club has found that a diet supplemented with the DHA can improve cognitive function in senior dogs. Learn more here.
Improved Skin, Coat, and Teeth
A well-known benefit of supplements is improvements to your pet’s skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to improve coat quality and shine and alleviate skin allergies. 
Supplements are also wonderful for your pet’s teeth. Our Organic Ocean Kelp™ has shown to have dramatic improvement as it relates to tartar build-up and gum health. The kelp contains a bacteria called Bacillus Licheniformis, which not only breaks up and removes the bacteria found in plaque but can also prevent it from forming in the first place.
Read more about the benefits of Organic Ocean Kelp™, in this recent blog post: Organic Ocean Kelp: Why it Should be your go-to Pet Supplement
Joint Health
Joint health is an important part of your pet’s overall well-being. The DHA and EPA found in Omega-3s reduces inflammation in the joints. When a pet’s diet is deficient in Omega-3s, you can help alleviate joint pain with a supplement.
In more extreme cases, we have seen rescued big cats and bears find relief thanks to our fish oil supplements. Our friends at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansans rescue big cats and bears, and nearly 60-percent of the animals at Turpentine Creek are on Life Line supplements due to pain.
The Refuge is home to more than 90 big cats and bears, many of whom have come to the rescue with varying health issues such as difficulty with mobility caused by malnutrition, neglect, and/or abuse.
They use our Wild Alaskan Fish Oil and have seen dramatic improvement. While their cases are extreme, it is humbling to know that animals who came to their rescue without the ability to walk, are now able to play and enjoy their lives.
Read the full story about the benefits of fish oil supplements at Turpentine Creek here.
Immune Health
Supporting your pet’s immune system means helping to reduce their risk of heart disease, inflammation, cancers, osteoarthritis, and diabetes.
When talking about cancer specifically, omega-3s can help prevent cell damage. And because cancer is caused by damaged cells that replicate quickly, supplementing with omega-3s can help hinder the damage that can lead to cancer.
Other diseases like heart disease, inflammation, and diabetes can also be curtailed with a robust immune system. Supplements help to alert and support the immune system when it’s under attack. And you can further help support your pet’s immune system with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Give Your Pet the Best Today
Our supplements are a wonderful addition for pets of all ages. Learn more about the products we offer here
