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The 10 Best Dog Foods With Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Isn't it true that all fats are bad? No, not all of them are horrible. Not all fats are made equal, just as not all dogs. Your dog is the finest of the best, and omega-3 fatty acids are the greatest of the fats.

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital, and without them, he would grow pretty ill. Of course, if you pumped him with fats, he would not only develop diarrhea, but he would also become a porky dog. As a result, you must strike the proper balance.

This article will walk you through 10 of the best dog kibbles that contain the highest quality omega-3s as well as the appropriate omega-3 concentration.

You must know how to choose the ideal solution for your dog because not all dogs are made equal. Some dogs, particularly those on a specific diet or with allergies, require a lower content.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has compiled a list of the best dog foods with omega 3 fatty acids.

Reviews

Puppy Merrick Classic Healthy Grains

Merrick designed this product with pups in mind, and it has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids at 0.75%. Egg product, salmon meal, flaxseed, sunflower oil, fish oil, and chia seed are the omega-3 components.

This implies that you can be confident that giving this product to your puppy will result in a healthy and normal development.

The protein level is substantial (28%), with chicken and chicken meal as the first two components. It is a grain-free diet, which is ideal for many dogs that thrive on grains.

The recipe has a large list of vitamins and minerals. Along with fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots. Probiotic substances, such as fermentation products, are also included in the mix, all of which contribute to the growth of friendly gut flora.

This food also contains market-leading amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, which will help your puppy’s little joints grow into large joints.

Pros

  • Puppies need a lot of omega-3s.
  • Protein-rich diet
  • Ingredients and recipe of high quality
  • Glucosamine-rich for joint health

Cons

  • Natural flavors are listed.

 

Grain-Free Merrick Dry Dog Food

This is yet another Merrick product on our list, but this recipe is one of their grain-free options. This formula also contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids (0.8%). This places it as the second-best product behind our top selection.

Salmon meal, whitefish meal, sunflower oil, flaxseed, and salmon oil are the omega-3 constituents. This product is heavy in protein, with the first three ingredients being deboned beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal. Contributing to a 34% protein content.

Your dog will get a range of amino acids and a huge meaty flavor from the high protein and protein blend. Which he should have at every meal.

This is a poultry-free kibble, making it a perfect choice for dogs that are allergic or sensitive to chicken, the most often used meat source.

This dish is also gluten-free, corn-free, and soy-free. It also contains probiotic components to help with digestion, which is perfect for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

  • Protein-rich diet
  • Ingredients and recipe of high quality
  • Glucosamine-rich for joint health

Cons

  • Natural flavors are listed.
  • It is dependent on potatoes and peas.

 

Adult Purina Pro Plan Focus

This lotion is specifically created for individuals with sensitive skin and stomachs. They give a solution rich in omega-3 fats to relieve the sensitive skin and digestive systems of some pets. This product has a higher than typical omega-3 concentration of 0.75%.

The first component is salmon, which is quickly followed by fish meal and salmon meal. Together with canola meal and sunflower oil, these contribute to the high omega-3 fat content.

This is a grain-inclusive product that is largely reliant on grain. Grains are nourishing, and many dogs require grains to maintain a healthy digestive function.

However, they can contribute to the protein content, making it appear meatier than it is. This is the only critique we have about this product, however it is highly rated, so it is evident that this is not a problem.

Overall, it delivers a well-balanced diet with a 26% protein level.

Pros

  • A lot of fish
  • Formulated for sensitive skin and stomachs.
  • Probiotic fortified

Cons

  • Natural flavors are listed.
  • Complete Health Wellness

 

Wellness is a premium product with a 0.6% omega-3 fatty acid concentration.

This product line focuses on his general health and is appropriate for his dietary requirements. The protein level is 24%, which is not excessive but sufficient for his overall health. Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two components.

It’s loaded with nutritious fruits and vegetables including carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements can help increase immunity.

Each kibble piece has probiotic elements, making it pleasant on his stomach. Yucca schidigera extract also aids in the reduction of feces odor.

The only true critique we have for this product is that it is expensive because it is a premium product. This may not be suitable for all owners, but if it is, this is an excellent product.

Pros

  • Diet that is well-balanced
  • A wide range of vitamins and minerals

Cons

  • Premium cost
  • Natural flavors are listed.

 

Blue Buffalo National Park

This dish is from Blue Buffalo’s high protein line, and it contains 34% protein. The first two components are deboned chicken and chicken meal, followed by menhaden fish meal and egg products. This adds to an abundance of energy and lean muscular hypertrophy.

The omega-3 fatty acid concentration is 0.5%, and omega-3-rich components include fish meal, flaxseed, egg, and dried kelp.

This is a grain-free meal that uses sweet potatoes and peas as nutritious carbs instead of grains. One critique we have of this product is that it is overly reliant on peas. It also separates peas into various distinct pea components, all of which contribute to the protein content.

This kibble is composed entirely of natural ingredients and is devoid of wheat, maize, and soy, making it excellent for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

  • Diet that is well-balanced
  • LifeSource Bits are high in nutrients.

Cons

  • Depends largely on peas
  • LifeSource Bits are not popular with all dogs.

 

Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food by Gentle Giants

This product has bizarre comic-style packaging, but don’t let that fool you; inside is a high-quality kibble at an affordable price.

The only reason this product did not rank higher on our list is because its omega-3 level is barely 0.5%. This is more than the market average but not as great as the other items mentioned above.

Chicken meal, flaxseeds, fish meal, egg products, and dried kelp are the main omega-3 fats indicated.

The principal ingredient is chicken meal, with fish meal and eggs also contributing to the 22% protein content. The protein content isn’t particularly great, and it depends primarily on grains, which isn’t ideal.

This dish contains grains such as brown rice, oat groats, pearled barley, and millet. Some dogs require more grains to maintain a healthy digestive function.

This recipe includes a variety of fruits and vegetables that will give him with vitamins and minerals. Each kibble piece has probiotic elements, which is additional benefit to his digestive tract.

Pros

  • GMO-free ingredients
  • First component in chicken meal

Cons

  • It is primarily reliant on grains.
  • Customers are turned off by packaging.

 

Blue Buffalo Life Insurance

Another Blue Buffalo product here. This product is part of their Life Protection range and provides a well-balanced diet. The protein level is 24%, and the first two components are chicken and chicken meal.

The omega-3 fatty acid level is 0.5%, using chicken meal and flaxseed as components. This isn’t much in comparison to the other goods on this list, hence it rates significantly lower on our list.

This recipe uses a lot of grains and separates the pea components, so it’s probably less meaty than they claim.

Each kibble piece contains probiotics, as well as LifeSource Bits, which are high in the nutrients that dogs require to keep healthy.

Pros

  • Formula that is well-balanced
  • LifeSource Bits are high in nutrients.

Cons

  • It is primarily reliant on grains and peas.
  • LifeSource Bits are not popular with all dogs.
  • There aren’t as many omega-3 components.

 

A Taste of the High Prairie

This is the lowest ranked product on this list since it only contains 0.3% omega-3 fatty acids. This is close to the market average, but significantly lower than the figures above.

Taste of the Wild is recognized for making goods that are simple to digest, and each kibble piece is supplemented with probiotic elements. This is a grain-free food made with sweet potatoes, peas, and other vegetables.

They’re also well-known for their high-protein kibble. The 32% protein content is made up of buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, egg, bison, venison, beef, and fish meal. Being high in meat might make it excessively rich for certain dogs.

Pros

  • Protein-rich diet

Cons

  • Omega-3 content is the lowest.
  • Some people find it too meaty.
  • Natural flavors are listed.

Conclusion

So there you have it, our complete list of the finest dog meals containing omega-3 fatty acids. Some goods are high in omega-3s, while others towards the bottom of our list are slightly higher than the market average. However, because no two canines are the same, we must provide our readers with a diverse assortment of omega-3s.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone here. Hopefully, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) have simplified the best dog foods with omega 3 fatty acids. We also hope that our product reviews have assisted you in locating the ideal product for Fido.

Buyer's Guide: Finding the Best Omega-3 Dog Food

To choose the finest dog food containing omega-3 fatty acids, you must first understand what omega-3 fatty acids are. We’ll go through what they are, the benefits Fido will receive from them, and where you may find them.

Because not all dogs require the same quantity of omega-3s, consult with your veterinarian before making any modifications to Fido’s diet. But here’s all you need to know about them.

What Exactly Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the membranes that surround each cell in your dog’s and your own bodies. Fido, therefore, requires omega-3 fatty acids to maintain his body healthy and operating properly.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that Fido’s body cannot produce on its own, so they are referred to as necessary fats.

Omega-3 fatty acids are physiologically active antioxidants that serve as scavengers. They essentially scavenge on free radicals, removing them from his body.

And, as awesome as free radicals seem, they are everything but. Free radicals are unstable atoms that cause cell damage, resulting in sickness and disease.

Now that you know they’re important, let’s look at what they are.

Omega-3 fatty acids are classified into three types:

  • ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) (ALA)
  • eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (EPA)
  • docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (DHA)

Your dog’s body can convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, but not enough to meet his requirements. And because his body cannot produce them on its own, he must obtain them from dietary sources.

DHA and EPA are very important for puppy growth, which we shall discuss further below.

How Much Omega-3 Fatty Acid Do Dogs Require?

Puppies require an overall fat level of at least 8%, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, which governs pet food guidelines. Adults require at least 5% fat content.

But how much of this is made up of omega-3s?

According to the Canine Arthritis Resources and Education, the daily suggested intake of omega-3s is 75-100 mg/kg of dog weight. This implies that you need go to their website and look at their weight charts to figure out how much they need every day.

All dogs require omega-3 fatty acids, although not in the same amount. The aforementioned recommendations are for the typical dog.

If your dog has sensitivities or requires a special diet, it is critical to consult with your veterinarian, who may assist you in determining what he need.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Sources

Fido cannot produce enough omega-3s on his own, therefore he must consume the correct components to meet his daily requirements.

Omega-3 fatty acids may be found in a range of foods, many of which are commonly utilized in dog food. Here are several examples:

  • Fish (such as salmon, menhaden fish, herring, mackerel, tuna, and sardines) (such as salmon, menhaden fish, herring, mackerel, tuna, and sardines)
  • Meat dishes (such as chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal)
  • Seeds and nuts (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds)
  • Oils derived from plants (such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and kelp meal)

Many of the aforementioned elements will be found in high-quality kibbles, ensuring that your dog gets enough omega-3s every day. Unfortunately, the following components will not be included on budget shop kibbles.

This is due to the higher cost of inclusion as compared to cereals, grains, and other low-quality foods. This is a major reason why we always recommend higher-quality kibble.

The Advantages of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs

Omega-3 fatty acids provide several health benefits to Fido. There are so many that we couldn’t possibly list them all (and we’re not kidding!). So, in no particular order, the following are the most significant health benefits:

Growth of a Puppy

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential at all stages of your dog’s life, but especially throughout his growth. Omega-3s are required by every cell in his body, and they are more important than ever for him to grow properly.

DHA and EPA are naturally present in breast milk. And high-quality kibbles will continue to deliver these nutrients to your puppy until he is moved to an adult kibble. You can be certain that DHA and EPA are healthy if nature intended him to obtain them.

DHA is also important for cognitive and retinal development. Because the brain is made up of 50% fat, research shows that eating enough omega-3s can improve trainability, memory, and attention. As a result, the chances of being better trained as an adult are increased.

Reduced Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Risk

Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids aids in the reduction of triglyceride levels, a form of fat present in his blood. High triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It is also known to raise healthy cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure.

Because omega-3s battle free radicals in his body, as previously said, they lower his chance of acquiring cancer. Free radicals have been linked to an increased risk of getting cancer.

Enhancing Joints

Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and will minimize swelling throughout his body. His joints have the most noticeable anti-inflammation.

Joint swelling and discomfort are minimized by reducing inflammation. This is ideal for dogs that have joint discomfort, joint dysplasia, or arthritis.

And when you combine the cardiovascular advantages mentioned above with the decrease of joint inflammation, he will feel much better and younger. This is advantageous throughout his life, but especially in his senior years when he is stiff and painful.

Skin and Coat Health

Omega-3 fatty acids aid to enhance his skin’s health and keep it nourished and supple. Say goodbye to flaky, itchy, and dry skin.

Fido’s coat quality improves when his skin is healthy. When his food is high in omega-3s, you will notice a significant improvement in the quality and shine of his coat.

His skin works as a better barrier against allergens and irritants when it is healthy. It can help with disorders like atopic dermatitis and other common skin problems in dogs.

Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids

If your dog’s diet is lacking in omega fats for any reason and you are unable to modify it, we recommend investing in a high-quality omega fat supplement. Fish oil supplements, which are available in tablet or liquid form, are an excellent choice in this situation.

Before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet, consult with your veterinarian first. In certain cases, he may not require it, and too much may lead your dog to gain too much weight.

If your dog is on a grain-based diet, the grains mixed with the omega-3 fatty acids can deplete vitamin E over time. As a result, it’s always better to consult with your veterinarian, who can provide specialized recommendations.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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