Fish oil products have become increasingly popular in recent years for dogs, but do huskies need fish oil, or does it have no benefit?
Huskies don’t need fish oil, but it is an incredible supplement to add to their diet that can benefit them in many ways. Fish oil is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that your husky needs to get through their diet as they can’t produce them on their own.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits fish oil provides to huskies, why it isn’t a necessity and much more.
Quick Note – Before supplementing your husky’s diet with fish oil, consult your veterinarian first.
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Why Huskies Don’t NEED Fish Oil
Technically speaking, your husky should get all their nutrition from their main dog food, as these are designed to be nutritionally complete.
If you’re using high-quality dog food, you might find that fish or fish oils are added specifically to boost the omega-3 fatty acid content. Our recommendation for huskies, seen below, contains whole Atlantic mackerel for this very reason.
First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
- Made with 85% animal ingredients
- High in protein for active dogs
- Based on a ‘biologically appropriate’ diet
- Grain-free
- More expensive per lb than other kibbles
There are many situations where this might not be the case, however.
For example, if you have just adopted a husky, they might not have been fed high-quality dog food previously, or the dog food that you are currently using might lack omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutritional Value Of Fish Oil
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional value of fish oil as per the AKC and Healthline:
- Around 30% omega-3s, with the remaining 70% made up of other fats.
- The omega-3 content also contains high levels of the important components of omega-3 – DHA and EPA – which are not found in high amounts in plant sources of omega-3s.
- Fish oil usually contains some vitamins A and D.
It’s important to remember that huskies were initially domesticated by the Chukchi people of Siberia, where fish would have been a large part of the diet.
They eventually reached other places like Alaska, where fish is still a large part of the local diet. Around 50 years ago, Danish scientists noticed specific Inuit populations had lower rates of heart disease, so historically speaking, huskies are used to eating lots of fish, and it does have health benefits for humans as well.
Why Fish Oil Can Be Beneficial For Huskies
Let’s take a closer look at fish oil’s specific health benefits to huskies to see why you should consider adding it to their diet.
Skin Health
Fish oil helps prevent itchy and flaky skin, a common problem that huskies can face.
Although it’s worth noting that huskies usually suffer from dry skin due to a lack of zinc, also known as zinc-responsive dermatosis, fish oil can still be beneficial if they are not dealing with this problem.
Huskies can get dry skin from other issues like frequent bathing, so don’t gloss over this benefit.
Coat Health
One of the most common benefits owners mention when giving their huskies a fish oil supplement is how it affects the coat.
Fish oil has been linked to improving the condition of the coat by making it shinier and healthier, which can make a big difference in a breed like the husky with a thick double coat.
Joint Health
Studies show that dogs and cats that suffer from arthritis tend to be more comfortable and agile when supplemented with fish oil, which can be very beneficial for a breed like the husky, who enjoys being very active for their whole lives.
Heart Health
Fish oil has been found to reduce the heart’s vulnerability to developing an irregular rhythm and prevent blood clots that can form in dogs with heart disease.
Other Health Benefits
The health benefits of fish oil for huskies don’t end there; there are many others, such as improving neurological function, slowing other diseases such as kidney disease, and many more.
Types Of Fish Oil
Three types of fish oil are most common for dogs: natural triglyceride, ethyl ester oil, and synthetic triglyceride oil. These usually come in tablet or liquid form, with liquid form becoming more popular due to its ease of application as a meal topper.
Natural triglyceride oil is the most commonly used fish oil for dogs. It is the most natural and easily absorbed version, but it can contain contaminants because it hasn’t been purified.
What Type Of Fish Oil Can Huskies Have?
Natural products are usually the best option, i.e., those that contain natural triglyceride oils, which are the most easily absorbed.
These are typically salmon oil products, and it’s essential to look for products that use salmon caught in clean waters, which lowers the risk of contaminants.
It’s generally best to avoid giving your husky fish oil that you would take, as it’s hard to get the dosage right, and they may prefer liquid oil added to their meals rather than a tablet.
On the topic of dosage, always follow the instructions on the product.
In Summary
Huskies don’t need fish oil, but hopefully, by now, you’ve got a good idea of all its benefits.
Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your husky’s diet. There’s a high chance that they will encourage you to try fish oil and see how it affects your husky as long as there aren’t any underlying issues it could interfere with.
If you get the green light, natural fish oils are the best as they are easily absorbed and high in essential omega-3s; make sure they are sourced from a good location.
Recommended Reading
Here are some resources I highly recommend reading if you want to learn more about the benefits and science behind fish oil for dogs.
