If you have clicked on this article, no surprise that you love your furry friend very much and believe in taking the best possible care of him. Even after providing your canine with the high-quality dog foods, regular veterinary dog care, immunizations, grooming and obedience training for dogs, you are not satisfied and are still looking for something additional that can make the quality of his life even better. Probably, you want to give him a dietary supplement that can improve his health and can bestow him with a longer life. You must have heard about cod liver oil for dogs but got stuck with a question that is, "Is cod liver oil good for dogs?"

To your relief, answer is in the affirmative. Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the liver of cod fish. It is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids such as EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), vitamin A and vitamin D. All of these nutrients are beneficial for dogs in many ways and keep many dog illnesses at bay.

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Vitamin A in Cod Liver Oil:
  • Boosts vision health.
  • Increases immunity.
Vitamin D in Cod Liver Oil:
  • Is good for bone and joint health.
  • Promotes growth and skeletal development in young dogs.
  • Maintains a balance between calcium and phosphorus, which in turn is necessary for healthy bone cells.
  • Helps muscle contraction.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids in Cod Liver Oil:
  • Helps in keeping the joints in good working conditions.
  • Is very helpful for geriatric dogs, as it eases stiffness in their legs and hips.
  • Helps young, working dogs by acting as a natural energy booster.
  • Prevents the occurrence of canine autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease in dogs.
  • Improves the coat quality, sheen and texture.
  • Prevents atopy, i.e. allergies to inhaled substances such as pollens or molds.
  • Promotes a healthy cellular environment and helps its body fight inflammation.
  • Prevents loss of mental alertness in old dogs.
  • Useful in reducing inflammation associated with arthritis symptoms in dogs.
  • Helps in treating dog allergies, asthma, arthritis and psoriasis.
  • Help with weight loss, metabolic syndrome and anxiety.
  • Contribute to bone health and cognitive performance.
  • Boost cardiac health.
  • Reduce the chances of occurrence of ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, kidney diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.
You might have heard and read about the side-effects of cod liver oil. All the above cited benefits of cod liver oil, specific to its components, are reasonable enough to assure you that it is absolutely safe for dogs. Only more than recommended doses of cod liver oil for dogs can cause harm to your pet. Therefore, it is always good to consult a veterinarian before beginning to give cod liver oil supplement to your dog. The veterinarian will determine the correct dosage based on the dog health and weight. Cod liver oil is a wonderful way to nourish and fortify your loveliest friend's health. A sweet home, a playful life and a good nutrition including cod liver oil are all what are necessary to keep your furry friend healthy and felicitous.