Fish Oil
•Fish oil is a long chain fatty acid, comprised of a chain of 18 carbon atoms
•Fish oil is an Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. Fish oils are comprised of
essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA). These essential fatty acids are found in cold water fish.
•EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fats because they contain 6 and 5 double
carbon bonds on their long structured chain. Because of the double carbon
bonds, fish oil is more unstable and prone to oxidation when subjected to light
or high heat during storage.
Benefits
•Fish oils primarily have an anti-inflammatory effect and may help against
heart disease and cancer. EPA and DHA are converted into hormone-like substances
called prostaglandins, which regulate cell activity and healthy cardiovascular
function.
•EPA and DHA in fish oils primarily improve brain function and normal eye
health. DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye.
It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is
important for brain function. DHA is found in the retina of the eye.
•Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids may help dogs with osteoarthritis,
improving mobility and inflammation.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil Dogs
•Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, comprised of a chain of 12 carbon
atoms
•Coconut oil is a saturated fat. Unlike the saturated fats in animal fats,
which are long chain fatty acids (LCFA), coconut oil contains medium chain fatty
acids (MCFA), mainly lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid.
•Saturated fats are made of single carbon bonds, which mean that the oil is
stable and not prone to oxidation or free-radical formation. Coconut oil does
not need to be refrigerated and has shown no signs of rancidity, even after
three years of storage.
Benefits
•The lauric acid in coconut oil is converted into monoglyceride monolaurin by
the body, which keeps animals from getting viral, bacterial or protozoal
infections. Lauric acid is also found in abundance in breast milk so it has
similar nutriceutical effects.
•The MCFAs are broken down and used for energy production and seldom end up as
body fat or as deposits in arteries. Coconut oil gently elevates the
metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitaility, protects from
illness and speeds healing. In dogs, the MDFAs in coconut oil balance the
thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel
energetic.