Omega 3 Sources

Best Source of Omega 3 and Foods High in Omega 3

Use of omega 3 sources are important if you do make your own dog food.Do you need to supplement or just to use certain ingredients to raise the level of fatty acids?

If you think of the words dog food the same basic images are sure to come to mind for everyone. Either a bag or a can filled with small brown pebbles of food or a meat scented paste.

So, if you have been wondering "Why does my dog need to eat things like corn meal?". Have been playing with the idea of making your own dog food?

Then you may want to consider a good Omega 3 source.

Why Use Fatty Acids For Dogs

Omega 3 fatty acids are universally recognized by the scientific community to be essential for normal growth and health. For example, the high level of omega 3 fatty acids consumed by the Eskimos from their regular intake of fat from seafood reduced triglycerides, heart rate, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

In humans, omega 3 fatty acids can stave off cancer and cardiovascular disease. They support the regular health of the brain, eyes and nerves and decrease the effects of arthritis.

The same is true for your dog.

Foods High In Omega 3

Fish and other seafood are great sources of omega 3. Salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines all have a great deal of omega 3.

While it is important to be cautious of high mercury levels and other forms of pollutants common in fish. Researchers from Harvard's Public School of Health announced in 2006 that the benefits of fish intake far outweigh the risks.So, no need to worry about this. Great!

Eggs are also a great omega 3 source, specifically when they come from chickens that are fed a diet of greens as opposed to corn or soybeans.

Not surprisingly, chickens that are fed fish oils also produce eggs that are higher in omega 3. This also makes the chickens themselves richer and therefore a omega 3 sources.

Other meat that makes a good source of omega 3 is green fed beef. Once again, grain fed beef is less valuable as a source of essential fatty acids.

Lamb is another choice. Most lamb is typically green fed, making them a natural source of food high in omega 3.

Botanical Omega 3 Sources

Other sources of food high in omega 3 include walnuts, and flaxseed oil.

As a botanical choice, flaxseed oil actually contains 55% ALA (one of the Omega 3 acids) and therefore a great source of omega.

The disadvantage though, ALA has to be metabolized to the biological active DHA and EPA acids in the dogs body.

If you choose to go the road of making your own dog food, be sure to include this essential element of their diets to ensure their health.

A balance is necessary, and while you do not want to overload your pet, you will want to make sure that they are getting their daily dose of omega 3 for a happier and healthier life.