Cod liver oil is a type of natural and polyunsaturated fat which, as the name suggests, is extracted from the liver of the cod, a cold-water marine fish. Thanks to its content of omega 3 and vitamins A and D, it is a dietary supplement widely used by people, which also offers benefits when incorporated into the diet of dogs and cats.
Although it is relatively similar to fish oil, it shows some key differences in its nutritional composition. While fish and salmon oil are richer in omega 3 essential acids, cod liver oil offers a greater supply of vitamins A and D Therefore, It has historically been used as a supplement in children's food, to prevent rickets and vision problems.
In this article on our site, we tell you about the benefits of liver oil from cod for dogs, and the recommended doses for he althy consumption.
Is cod liver oil good for dogs?
As well as all oils extracted from cold-water marine fish, cod oil is rich in omega 3. When we talk about omega 3, we refer to a set ofessential fatty acids , also known as "good fats."In particular, cod liver oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two types of essential omega 3 that dogs need to provide their body through food.
However, its use as natural supplement is mainly due to its high content of vitamins A and D, two key nutrients for strengthening the immune system of dogs, the formation of their bones and muscles, and the proper functioning of their senses.
In short, cod liver oil can be a very beneficial food for the he alth of our furry friends, especially if we require a high intake of vitamins A and D. But if we look for a supplement with quantities therapeutic omega 3, it would be best to lean towards salmon or fish oil.
In order to provide high levels of omega 3 to your furry's body, it would be necessary to consume high doses of cod liver oil, which could lead to a intake excessive vitamins A and DExcesses of these nutrients can poison your dog's body, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver problems and stomach pain.
Cod liver oil properties
Before specifying the benefits of cod liver oil for dogs, we want to show you the main therapeutic or medical properties of this supplement.
- Cod liver oil has antioxidant action The β-carotene contained in vitamin A shows a powerful antioxidant effect, fighting free radicals and delaying cell aging. In addition to helping maintain a more youthful appearance, it also prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is the starting point of arteriosclerosis.[1]
- Stimulates the development of vision Vitamin A or retinol is directly involved in various biological processes, especially vision, as it It provides the essential pigments for the proper functioning of the retina. It is also essential for the formation and renewal of skin cells. [two]
- Anticancer properties of cod liver oil. Some studies have revealed that the consumption of essential fatty acids helps prevent the development of cancer. colon, ovarian and breast cancer. [3] Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center Hospital and Research Center in Philadelphia (USA), have shown that omega 3 is capable of stopping and delaying the abnormal multiplication of cancer cells.
- Stimulating cognitive functions. Regular and moderate consumption of omega 3 essential fatty acids shows a stimulating action on brain functions. In addition to promoting cognitive and emotional development, it helps prevent strokes and delays the decline of cognitive and sensory functions associated with the aging process. [4]
- Cod liver oil is a natural anti-inflammatory Vitamins and omega 3 give cod liver oil a powerful action anti-inflammatory. Therefore, its regular and moderate consumption helps relieve inflammatory processes and pain caused by joint problems.
- Cardiovascular protector. The omega 3 and vitamins A and D provided by cod liver oil collaborate in regulating levels he althy cholesterol and triglycerides, fighting the formation of lipid and insoluble plaques inside the arteries. Thus, it improves blood circulation and oxygenation of body tissues, and at the same time, prevents cardiovascular diseases. [5]
- Antidepressant effects of cod liver oil Some studies have shown that omega 3 is able to prevent and relieve symptoms of depression. It has also shown good results in the treatment of bipolar disorder in humans. [6]
- Strengthening the bones and the immune system. The moderate consumption of cod liver oil is a great ally in the prevention of a vitamin D deficiency. Consequently, it stimulates the absorption of minerals obtained through food, such as calcium and phosphorus. Thus, it participates directly in the formation and strengthening of bones, in addition to preventing infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, which are more frequent when there is a vitamin D deficiency.[7]
Cod liver oil benefits for dogs
Now that you know the properties of cod liver oil, we can list its 12 main benefits for the he alth of dogs:
- Improves the he alth and appearance of their fur and skin, reducing the risk of allergies and skin diseases.
- Strengthens your immune system, helping your furry look and feel he althy and strong.
- Stimulates the development of their senses (especially vision) and their cognitive functions.
- In elderly dogs, it helps delay cellular aging and prevent symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (so-called "canine Alzheimer's").
- It is a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to prevent joint wear and relieve pain associated with inflammatory processes and degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis in dogs.
- Helps regulate blood cholesterol levels, protecting arteries and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis and diabetes in dogs.
- Reduces the risk of developing cancer and helps slow down the progress of tumor cells, reducing the risk of metastasis.
- Stimulate kidney function, preventing kidney failure in dogs.
- Relieves and prevents the signs of depression in dogs, improving their quality of life on a physical, emotional, social and cognitive level.
- When incorporated into the diet of pregnant dogs, it promotes the physical and mental development of fetuses.
- In puppies, it helps prevent vitamin A deficiencies and rickets, collaborating for an adequate development of the sense of vision and the formation of their skeleton and muscles.
- Decreases the incidence of viral diseases, bacterial infections and respiratory tract diseases.
Possible side effects
As we have mentioned, excessive consumption of cod liver oil can cause adverse effects associated with a dietary overdose of vitamins A and D, such as:
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Overweight
Cod Liver Oil Recommended Dosage for Dogs
Cod liver oil for dogs can be very beneficial, as long as it is consumed in safe doses and appropriate to the needs of your organism. To ensure safe intake of this supplement, it is essential to consider aspects such as the purpose of consumption, weight, age, size and he alth status of each animal.
For this reason, you should consult your veterinarian before incorporating cod liver oil into your dog's diet, as it either through a high-quality commercial feed, as a supplement in capsules, or through the introduction of the oil itself in homemade recipes. The veterinarian will be able to guide you on the necessary amount and the best way to administer this supplement to get the most out of its nutritional composition for the he alth of your best friend.
