Benefits of Cod Liver Oil for Dogs

Is your dog experiencing bouts of pain and inflammation? There is a simple way to help fight against these conditions using a natural, holistic approach - Cod Liver Oil. 

Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of Cod Liver Oil and the easy ways you can start implementing this fishy supplement into your dog’s daily routine.

What is Cod Liver Oil? 

Cod is a type of fish typically found in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and also in the Pacific Ocean. Not only can Codfish be eaten by dogs and humans (for instance, crunchy, dehydrated dog treats can be made from the skin), but the fish oil extracted from the livers of Codfish is also used as a dietary supplement for dogs and humans alike. Cod liver oil has a high Omega-3 fatty acid content, which includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [2, 3, 10]. 

Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), and other species from the Gadidae fish family, are generally the main sources of Cod Liver Oils. Humans have a long history with Codfish, too - in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, Cod Liver Oil was used to treat rickets, a disease characterized by defective bone growth that is caused by a lack of vitamin D [2, 3, 10].

Why Choose Cod Liver Oil for Your Pup? 

Cod Liver Oil is good for dogs, especially dogs suffering from inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis, IBD, hepatitis, dermatitis, and inflammatory brain disease, or aging dogs who need joint support for arthritis or other joint issues. 

Just one teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil contains: 

- Omega-3 fatty acids: 890 mg
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D

Not to mention, 0 mg of Sodium and 0 g of total carbohydrates. 

Cod Liver Oil has been shown to support doggy cardiovascular and brain health, and even act as an anti-inflammatory for dogs with arthritis [3]. Studies done on the use of fatty acids in fish oil for dogs have included those involving:

- Inflammatory Skin Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Renal Disease
- Osteoarthritis and Joint Health
- Hyperlipidemia
- Cognitive Function Disorders
- Cancer
- Lipid and Metabolic Disorders

What else is going on in Cod Liver Oil you ask? Let’s take a look: 

- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds with powerful antioxidant effects, like protection from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals, and support for a strong immune system, a healthy gut, and healthy eyes and skin [5, 6].
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A has been shown to help maintain healthy vision and promote immunity support. Vitamin A contains beneficial compounds like retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. A dog’s skin, coat, muscles, and nerves all require vitamin A for proper optimal function [7].
- Vitamin D: Also known as Cholecalciferol, vitamin D3 aids calcium absorption into the blood and has been shown to help maintain healthy bones. For the canine body, vitamin D is an essential key nutrient that helps regulate healthy muscle and nerve functions, plus a healthy skeletal system [8, 9].

Why Are EPAs and DHAs So Good for Your Pup? 

These healthy fatty acids are long-chain Omega-3s and are considered the “offspring” of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), which is associated with a wide range of health benefits like decreasing whole-body inflammation, supporting eye and brain development, and promoting healthy digestion, absorption, and the creation of energy [1, 4]. Omega-3 and even vitamins like B12 can be easily found in supplements containing fish oil, such as Cod Liver Oil [2]. 

How Can I Give My Dog Cod Liver Oil?

Getting Cod Liver Oil into your dog’s diet is as easy as implementing a super chewable daily supplement. 

And we’ve got just the thing - Pupgrade’s Daily Multivitamin!

You’ve read the evidence - Cod Oil should be a staple in every dog's daily diet! Unfortunately, it's not commonly used in major dog food brands. Not to worry - our PupGrade Multivitamin is a good source of this vital oil.

Our carefully crafted and mindfully sourced formulation contains over 32 beneficial nutrients to help keep dogs of all ages in peak condition, which includes Cod Liver Oil. According to recent research, Cod Liver Oil can help reduce arthritis inflammation, boost your pups' immune system, and even lower their blood pressure [1, 2, 3, 10]. 

Our Daily Multi has been developed to meet the specific nutritional needs of your dog - Often, traditional chews and tablets are unpalatable, unenjoyable experiences for dogs. Our chews, on the other hand (or paw), have gone through rigorous taste testing across all breeds to find the perfect blend of flavors so that your pooch will enjoy them and keep coming back for more!

For even more premium benefits, we’ve also included all-natural ingredients like Brewer’s Yeast, vitamins A, C, D, and E, a full-spectrum B complex, and probiotic enzymes. There’s simply no better supplement for your furry friend! 

Ready to check it out? Click here to learn more! 

Speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog a new supplement. 

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

Resources:

1. Danielle Swanson, Robert Block, Shaker A. Mousa, Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA, and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 1–7, https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.000893 

2. Using Fish Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know. Nutrition Strength. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nutritionstrength.com/  

3. Wallace, S. L. (2021, December 6). Cod Liver Oil for dogs: Benefits and uses. Great Pet Care. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/cod-liver-oil-for-dogs-benefits-and-uses/ 

4. Anthony, R. M., MacLeay, J. M., Jewell, D. E., Brejda, J. J., & Gross, K. L. (2021). Alpha-Lipoic Acid Is an Effective Nutritive Antioxidant for Healthy Adult Dogs. Animals: an open access journal from MDPI, 11(2), 274. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020274

5. Rhouma, M., de Oliveira El Warrak, A., Troncy, E., Beaudry, F., & Chorfi, Y. (2013). Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs. Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire, 77(3), 191–198. 

6. Plevnik Kapun, A., Salobir, J., Levart, A., Tavčar Kalcher, G., Nemec Svete, A., & Kotnik, T. (2014). Vitamin E supplementation in canine atopic dermatitis: improvement of clinical signs and effects on oxidative stress markers. The Veterinary record, 175(22), 560. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102547 

7. Morris, P. J., Salt, C., Raila, J., Brenten, T., Kohn, B., Schweigert, F. J., & Zentek, J. (2012). Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs. The British journal of nutrition, 108(10), 1800–1809. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512000128 

8. Backus, R. C., & Foster, L. R. (2021). Investigation of the effects of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D3 on indicators of vitamin D status in healthy dogs, American Journal of Veterinary Research, 82(9), 722-736. Retrieved Sep 7, 2022, from https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/82/9/ajvr.82.9.722.xml 

9. Stillwell, Natalie. (2018). The Importance of Vitamin D in Canine Health. American Veterinarian, January 2018, Volume 3, Issue 1, https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-importance-of-vitamin-d-in-canine-health 

10. Tinsley, G. (2019, January 23). Is cod healthy? nutrition, calories, benefits, and more. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-cod-healthy