We use salmon oil. According to our vet, It's actually a bit more beneficial than regular fish oil. Our guys get a total of 2000 mg a day (they are 1000 mg each). They get one with their breakfast and one with their dinner. The brand we use is Pure Alaska Omega and they are human grade capsules.

 

I use Grizzly Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and get it for the best price from here: Grizzly Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and other Timberwolf Organics pet products on sale at DoggieFood.com

I put 2 squirts on each of the dogs' food both morning and night so I buy it in the 64oz containers (you get an additional discount when purchasing more than one and with 5 dogs, 1 container lasts almost a month) and they are all the time sending coupons that are even better than advertised on their site. Right now until 2/5 (today) they have a 20% off with coupon code DFW20 (and no, I don't have a stake in the company but am extremely pleased with them and their customer service LOL).

 

According to a seminar Dallas Gold and I attended, to be at a therapeutic level, you need 300 mg of combined EPA/DHA ( a type of omega 3) per 10 lbs of body weight. For our crew, that amounts to 1800-2100 of EPA/DHA. We use the Carlson's Finest Fish Oil since we can get that level with 1 1/2 - 2 tsp/ day.

 

My 60 lb guys get 2000 mg/day of fish oil, not just for the coat benefits, but for the joint benefits as well. Not to be picky, but goldens technically should not have soft coats. Their coats should be water repellent.... soft coats hold the water in and take forever to dry.

 

This is a great thread started by Iowa Gold ( a vet ). http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com...y-physiology-breed-standard/81336-supplements-etc-arthritis-joint-problems.html

 

I go by the 300mg of EPA/DHA per 10-20 pounds of body weight per day (per 10 pounds for dogs with orthopedic issues, allergies, arthritis, basically any inflammatory process; per 20 pounds for "normal" dogs). With my fish oil capsules that is approximately 1 capsule per 10-20 pounds. My youngest has the ortho issues (she's 48#), so I just give each dog 5 capsules per day (my other dogs are a bit bigger, so they get a little less per 10 pounds than the little one).

 

I take the same Omega 3 and G/C supplements as the dogs. They get 4000 mg of Omega 3 and 1 - 2 tablespoons of vitamin E in the form of safflower oil. They take the Omega in capsule form (with good ole peanut butter) and get the safflower oil mixed into their evening meals.

This is strictly preventative and for skin and coat maintenance neither dog has any allergies, joint or dry skin issues. (knock on wood).

 

A couple of other pointers too on fish oils:

1. It's the DHA/EPA Omega 3s that are important for anti-inflammatory properties. There are other Omegas, not 3s, that are not added in calculating the amount to dose.

2. Some human grade fish oils contain extra things that may be harmful/toxic to dogs in large doses. Make sure to choose without added Vitamin A, for example.

3. If your dog has a fish allergy, fish oils may not be the best thing for those allergies.

4. Always check first with your dog's veterinarian on using fish oils and amounts.

5. If your dog is facing surgery in the near future, talk with your vet about cutting down on the dosage, because fish oils do thin the blood. This is also true for humans!

6. There might be gastric side effects, especially if introduced too quickly at once. If your dog experiences any or any diarrhea, you might need to slowly introduce the fish oils in increments.

 

We have just started Oakley and Seger on the Grizzly Salmon Oil and they absolutely love it. We are slowly working up to 2 pumps per meal each day to get the recommended 300mg/10 lbs. Thanks to this site for all the great advice!

 

Muddypaws, 4000 sounds like a lot. Since there are fat soluble vitamins associated with it, you need to be careful. With water soluble vitamins like Vit C, you can give a lot but the dogs urinate it out. Fat soluble vitamins can be toxic to the liver.

 

Should I cut them back to 2000 mg/day or less?

 

I would add that in addition to Anne's suggestions, also make sure that the product you use is certified free of heavy metals and PCBs. Also, quality products will state exactly how much EPA/DHA type of omega 3s are in a dose.

 

My guys at 60 lbs are 2000mg/day. I have a client with a 70 lb dog on 1500 mg/ twice/day... so it all depends on how much your dog weighs.

 

Great thread! I did read about that Grizzly salmon product really leaves them smelling fishy!

 

Toby gets Ascenta Canine Omega-3, 1 teaspoon daily. That provides a minimum 1290mg total omega-3, 740mg of which are EPA, 460mg are DHA, and 90mg are other omega-3 fatty acids. I mix it into his food in the morning and he loves the flavour.

 

The level of knowledge contributed on this thread is incedible!---actually all I really need to do is print it off & run it by my vet (who may learn something). And the Dallas crew doing a "fish oil seminar".....wow. Huge thanks to all. ~Dave

 

The seminar was at my veterinary clinic. During the course of a year they offer client seminars and bring in veterinarians or one of the clinic veterinarians will give a topic on something of interest. They are always informative and always helpful. Topics have included behavioral/training issues, health issues and topics more recently on diet, heartworm prevention, nutraceuticals and supplements and acupuncture. That's one of the reasons I feel so blessed to have this clinic as my dog's regular health care provider. I only wish I got the same quality and consistent care this practice gives to Toby.

 

yet another better idea

Check out the follow-up by Dallas Gold. What a great idea, and I will be checking for like-kind seminars here and in the Portland (Oregon) area.
I kinda' thought the Dallas crew went off to some fancy retreat for that kind of REAL knowledge. It may be right in all of our backyards.
Bravo 'Dallas Gold' for a handy resource we should all check out locally. Big thanks ~Dave

 

Flora gets 6 capsules a day, each containing 300mg of omega 3s from fish oil.