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Originally Posted by ddavis6326  What kind of oils if any do you all use to supplement your yorkie's diet? I heard that flaxseed, corn oil, fish and wheatgerm oil was good for yorkies. Is this true? Also what are these oils good for specifically? |
Flaxseed oil contains more Omega-3's than fish oil. However, the Omega-3's in flaxseed oil are in an inactive form (ALA). Special enzymes are required to convert the inactive ALA into the active forms (EPA and DHA). This conversion can only be carried out by enzymes, which your dog may or may not produce. If your dogs do not have the required enzymes to do the conversion those inactive essential fatty acids are not able to carry out their vital functions.
Fish oil has more positive benefits on pets with disease, because the fatty acids contained in fish oil are readily available for use. Particularly, fish oil has positive effects on dogs with inflammatory diseases, such as allergies, arthritis, kidney and heart disease, and cancer. Flaxseed oil does not seem to be as beneficial to dogs with inflammatory diseases. However, flaxseed oil seems to be anti-cancerous, and is also effective in improving the skin and coat conditions of dogs. Fish oil is the best way to go for Omega 3 benefits.....I almost forgot to add the the body gets dimished in vitamin E when processing fish oil so it's good to add in that supplement if the fish oil doesn't contain a decent amount.....I've seen 3 I.U. per day per lb is good, that would be about 18 I.U. for a 6 lb dog.....
Ark Naturals Royal Coat is a decent oil to use.....
Ark Naturals Royal Coat EFA Express -- 8 fl oz - Vitacost