Cod Liver Oil For a Pet Dog? When This Supplement Makes Sense!

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Are you wondering if cod liver oil would be beneficial for your dog?

Good news! This supplement can, in fact, be given to pets and with positive results.

Can I Give My Dog Cod Liver Oil?Cod liver oil’s essential fatty acids are valuable for animals too, though this type of fish oil may or may not make sense for your dog’s particular situation.

Keep reading to learn more about proper use, potential downsides as well as similar alternatives.

Dogs Can Take Cod Liver Oil

The acids, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), can help with healthier aging.

That said, most dogs in their prime do not need to take cod liver oil. The reason is that such nutritional imbalances are super rare.

It’s typically geriatric dogs that benefit most from taking this supplement.

Cod Liver Oil K9 Use

Is your buddy noticeably slowing down?

Cod liver oil may be just the ticket.

It’s the omega-3 fatty acids! With this boost, dogs can experience better:

  • Skin
  • Hair
  • Brain function
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Immune system (boost)

Your furry friend could also experience higher energy levels.

And that’s not all!

Weight loss may be in the cards thanks to cod liver oil.

For Your Dog’s Joints

If your dog has arthritis or other joint issues it could provide relief.

The anti-inflammatory properties are very powerful. As such, the prevalence of osteoporosis and joint degeneration in dogs is a top reason for cod liver oil use.

Fish Oil vs Cod Liver

You should also look into regular fish oil. It is said to be a bit safer compared to cod liver oil.

While both are effective, there are key differences as they apply to dogs.

For one, cod liver contains lots of vitamin A and D compared to fish oil.

This could actually be a problem in terms of toxicity if your dog doesn’t need it or is given too much. You obviously want to avoid unnecessarily providing too much vitamin A and soluble fats.

Ask your vet about cod liver oil dosing as well as precautions in order to avoid a possibility of liver damage.

Recommended or Not?

Again, soluble fats may be all wrong for your dog’s situation Toxicity can never be ruled out.

It cannot be stressed enough that you should consult with your vet before starting on any type of dietary supplementation.

On the bright side…

Provided within guidelines, cod liver oil benefits usually outweigh any possible harm.

There is no denying that omega-3 and other essential fatty acids are excellent for dogs. Just be sure to confirm that such a supplement is appropriate.

The Bottom Line

Cod liver oil will be great for your dog if it’s actually needed.

Canine candidates are typically those dealing with the onset of arthritis or other common old age problems.

That’s right. It is older dogs that tend to benefit most.

In any case, be sure to talk with your vet beforehand as cod liver oil can also be harmful.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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9 thoughts on “Cod Liver Oil For a Pet Dog? When This Supplement Makes Sense!”

  1. My dog has pancreatitis and has arthritis. Can she have cod liver oil?

  2. Is it safe if the dog is diabetic?

  3. I have a 3 month old Samoyed. I want to start giving her cod liver oil. How dosage can I give and how often?

    1. Be very careful giving cod liver oil to a dog. They make their own vitamin A and supplements can be toxic. Liver damage is common. Flaxseed oil is a much better alternative.

  4. My Lab mix is 12 years old and has arthritis. How much cod liver or fish oil and which one would be better for him at his age? Should I give it to him per day or per week? I bought capsules but is liquid better?

    He is on Previcox but the vet said to give it to him only when he needs it, because it can damage the stomach if taken long term. Thank You!

  5. What dosage of cod liver of oil you are giving to your dogs?

  6. We’ve been putting cod liver oil on our Border Collie’s food on a daily basis. The farmer we got him from advised us to do this. He said it would help his coat to stay resistant to water.

    What ever the reason, his coat looks great and is always commented on by people he meets. Also, any rain appears to run off well.

  7. Dogs benefit from Omega-3, 6 and 9. Dogs can’t make the essential fatty acids just like us humans. We must get it from our diet. Cod liver oil is great for dogs and humans.

  8. I am giving my dog cod liver oil to help with her joints (not as an alternative to a good healthy diet – which she has).

    She has just had her yearly check-up and we talked about her always being being a bit stiff after walks. This may be the early onset of rheumatism.

    She’s been taking cod liver oil 3 times a week for the last year. My vet says to keep giving it as there’s no negative effect. I hope this information helps.

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