Cod liver oil and dogs

con1888

Do any of you give it to your dogs?

Was at my grandas with Kia today and his elderley neighbour was telling me that they gave their old GSD cod liver oil. Their dog lived til 16 so it was a right old age for a GSD and always in good health.

Before I go out and buy some just wanted to check it's okay. Read up online and it seems that it is okay as long as it isn't too much. Would like some first hand experiences with it if any of you use it?

adviceforall

We have used it for our lurcher for a while now..( they sell doggie ones in pets at home) he didn't have it for a few days, ( OH never said he couldn't find them !!!!) and his legs got worse so they do seem to be having a good effect.

krlyr

You might be better off looking at a fish body oil - e.g. salmon oil. Liver oils, like cod liver oil, can be high in Vitamin A, which can accumulate in the body and reach harmful levels (yes, you can get too much of a good thing!). As dog food is already usually supplemented with vitamins, you may risk overdosing by giving cod liver oil regularly.
I feed my two salmon oil and it does wonders for their coats, very sleek and shiny. Good for the joints too

con1888

Where would I get something like that in liquid form? Don't think she will eat capsules.

Have a Holland and Barret semi local so will pop in there next time I am in.

krlyr

You can buy it online - Fish4Dogs is a popular brand but I've used other brands from Ebay, e.g. Kronch or Healthy Hounds The Healthy Hounds one comes with a pump lid and you just add a couple of pumps of it to their food

BECKIN1507

I use Salmon oil from zooplus. Was advised by a vet that it is much better than cod liver oil. It comes in a liquid, the make of the one I use is hunters. My old rottie has glucosimine tablets for his joints from simply supplements (the simply pets section), they have really helped him, I was not able to let him run he was always kept on a lead as he'd get a limp the next day. Since using the tablets even after a run he hasn't had a limp and he's only been on them for about 6wks. They're buy one get one free aswell.

con1888

Thanks, will order one of the above when I get paid this weekend.

gettingready

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_health/skin_coat_supplements/51017

snowman2_2

I have seen dogs that have developed liver disease from too high levels of cod liver oil. As Krlyr said, it is the vitamin A levels that do the damage so be very careful with the dose. Glucosamine with Omega 3 fish oils is better for joints anyway.

dawnie1972

As some of you may know my dog got very ill before xmas with liver disease and he is now not allowed any products containing vitamin A, he's not allowed painkillers, anti-inflammatories etc. If you are thinking of giving your dog any supplements do as I did and print the information out and take to your vet and ask his opinion - my vet gives honest open advice and pet products for sale in Holland & Barrett werent as good for him as I thought they would be.

con1888

Thanks, she has vet tomorrow so will ask what is best.