There are various choices of food for dogs. This makes picking the right type of food a hassle for some dog owners. The aim, however, should be to ensure that your dog gets all the important nutrients, one of which is protein. Fish-based foods and meat-based foods are the two main sources of protein for dogs. In this article, we will look at 5 benefits of fish-based dog food.
Table of Contents
1. Improves Eye Health
Fish-based dog food can support your dog’s eye health. Salmon fish, for example, is very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids improve visual development and it prevents dry eyes, which is one of the most common dog eye problems according to Pet MD.
It also improves retina health. Naturally, there’s a fatty acid called DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) in your dog’s retina. Good dog food with fish ingredients acts as a DHA supplement which will be most beneficial to a growing puppy.
Furthermore, fishes like cod and herring supply your dog with retinol. This is a vitamin A that can facilitate the treatment of various eye diseases. Retinol also reduces the effects of sight loss due to aging and it can help your pet have clearer vision in the dark.
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2. Improves Skin and Coat Health
This is a popular benefit of fish-based dog food for dogs. Fish is ideal for maintaining healthy skin and keeping your dog coat shiny.
Also, they can help your dog deal with various skin conditions. This is attributed also to the Omega 3 acids fish-based foods contain. It helps stop skin irritation, inflammation, itchiness, and skin rashes. When your pets’ skin is healthy, then its coat will be in great condition.
The Omega-3 acids in fish also keep the skin hydrated. It combats dry skin which puts your dog at risk of developing infections and allergies. Fish dog foods have ingredients that have low levels of intolerance unlike other protein sources like meat and wheat.
Furthermore, fish-based food keeps your dog’s nose lining healthy thereby improving its sense of smell.
3. Improves Immune system
Selenium is an element that improves the immune system and safeguards body tissues and cells from damage. Fish-based dog foods are great sources of this element.
Another important element gotten from fish-based dog food is Iron. Iron facilitates red blood cell production in the body and if lacking in your dog food, your dog frequently becomes weak and tired as less oxygen is transported around the body.
The Vitamin A content in fish-based dog food also improves its immune system by aiding in the fight against infection and illness. In addition, these fish-based foods are good sources of Vitamin B.
Cod, for example, contains Vitamin B3, B6, and B12. These vitamins help them derive the most energy from foods. They also facilitate the production of hemoglobin and improve the nervous system.
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4. Improves Bone and Joint Health
Healthy bones and joints are important to keep your dog active. Four major nutrients for bone and joint health are omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and calcium.
Further, there’s Vitamin A which is important for healthy bone growth and maintenance. All of these can be gotten from fish-based dog food but most importantly, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids, and calcium.
Vitamin D helps in calcium and phosphorus absorption and these are vital for strong bones. Also, not getting enough Vitamin D can lead to cancer in dogs.
Should your dog suffer from joint problems like arthritis and the likes, the Omega 3 fatty acids in fish-based food can help treat them. Calcium is an important nutrient for bone and muscle development in dogs.
5. Improves Dental Health
Dry fish-based dog food can help your dog maintain good teeth and gum health. This is due to their rough texture and as your dog chews its food, plaque and tartar in its teeth are removed.
The protein gotten from fish can also strengthen your pets’ overall tooth structure. It puts your dog less at risk of having tooth cavities as the amino acids maintain a balanced pH level.
Furthermore, omega 3 acids in fish-based dog food are helpful in battling gum disease. This is because omega 3 acids have inflammatory properties. In humans, it reduces the possibility to about 30% and it won’t be much different for dogs.
Conclusion
There are lots of benefits of fish-based dog food but here, I’ve pointed out 5 top ones. Most importantly, it improves your pet’s skin and immune system. Overall, fish is a great source of protein for your pet with high vitamin and amino acid content.
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