Jay Jacovitz asked:


The fatty acids found in fish oil are necessary for the normal function of various systems of the human, dog’s and cat’s body. Our pets can suffer from some of the same poor health conditions as humans. It’s one thing to give a dog or cat food that will allow them to grow and stay alive. However, like with humans, it’s quite another to find the perfect balance to improve immune function, cognition, behavior and prevent cancer. Fish oil for our dogs and pets has many benefits.

Dogs and cats need both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health. Studies find omega-3 in fish oil may improve cognitive function in older dogs. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with heart failure had lower levels of EPA and DHA than their healthy counterparts. Those are two of the major benefits of fish oil that can be given to our dogs and cats.

Dogs given fish oil that are prone to thromboembolisms (obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its main branches) may be helped by the anti-clotting effect on platelets.

Ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rapid heart rhythms originating in the lower chambers of the heart) have been prevented and high blood pressure has been reduced in dogs supplemented with fish oil rich in omega-3.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) may be useful in reducing inflammation associated with arthritis. Ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and glomerular disease (kidney disease) may respond to the anti-inflammatory effects of certain fatty acids, which have also been shown to be renal protective.

Omega-3 fish oil can benefit dogs by slowing the growth of malassezia, a yeast infection on the skin and ears in both dogs and cats. Researchers suggest that fish oil supplements for dogs may prevent atopy (allergies to inhaled substances such as pollens and molds).

Fish oil for dogs and cats has been shown to reduce the itchiness, redness, swelling and hair loss associated with those dry, raw, hairless patches that bother our pets. In some animals, fatty acids alone can decrease pruritus or inflammation to an acceptable level.

The choice of a fatty acid supplement needs to be based on the specific problem or condition we are trying to treat. For dry skin, dull coat hair, seborrhea and other keratinization, supplements high in linoleic acid are recommended. For allergies and inflammations, supplements high in EPA, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) are most effective.

Deficiencies in fatty acids occur for many reasons including overcooking that destroys them. Improper storage or less than optimal amounts of antioxidants in dry food may result in rancidity and a subsequent deficiency in fatty acids. Deficiencies also result from disease where certain enzyme functions are deficient; or by the use of fat-restricted diets in overweight dogs. But, fat is needed for energy and to satiate the dog’s appetite.

Fats do not affect canines like they do us when it comes to cholesterol or heart disease. Fat is indeed necessary for good dog nutrition and is important for energy, skin and coat, kidney health, heart and to keep inflammation at bay in the joints.

If we are looking to buy and do the best by our pets, the optimum source for omega-3s is what we want to know. Research is trying to determine the optimal ratios of omega-6 to omega-3. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1. The ratios are a guideline; the important EPA and DHA omega-3 essential fatty acids are plentiful in salmon fish oil for your dog or cat. There is no more natural place to get them than salmon. Cod liver oil is quite different, as it is lower in omega-3 and very high in vitamins A and D. Unlike plant based omega-3 supplements, salmon fish oil is readily processed by the dog’s digestive system.

A daily supplement of salmon fish oil is a must for any cat or dog of any age with skin or coat problems caused by allergies. Giving fish oil to a dog or cat fortifies them with antioxidants and traces of vitamins that occur naturally in salmon. Actual concentration of EPA in omega-3 is what’s most important. It is recommended that therapeutic trials with supplements should last 9-12 weeks.

Some pets may develop diarrhea from fatty acid supplements. Often, starting supplementation at a low dose and gradually working up to the therapeutic dose alleviates the problem.

Patricia Reed asked:


Owning a dog provides many benefits, but you only get out of them as much as you put into them. Good training, good shelter, good food, fresh water and regular exercise and a happy home are all that a dog needs to be content.

Just as the wrong foods can hurt the health of humans, the same goes for the health of dogs. There are some things that are quite dangerous to feed a dog. Make sure you know what those are to avoid harming them.

Feed your dog premium pet food and fresh meat and make sure you get out and take them for a walk or a run.

This gives us a good excuse to get out ourselves and exercise as well. You could say that owning a dog actually keeps humans healthier. Certainly a well-trained and healthy dog keeps us a lot happier.

Many people are unaware that some foods that we eat on a regualr basis can be deadly to your dog.

For example: a piece of chocolate can cause seizures, coma and death. Even a small piece of chocolate is dangerous. Anything containing caffeine can have a similar effect and be as dangerous as chocolate, and that includes coffee grounds, tea and tea bags.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and even a single serving of raisins can kill your dog.

Excessive salt intake can also cause kidney problems.

Onions can cause anemia by destroying red blood cells while tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias.

Tomato plants are particularly toxic to dogs.

Avacadoes are also highly toxic and can cause breathing difficulty and fluid accumulation around the abdomen, chest and heart.

When giving your dog bones ensure that they are raw as cooked bones can splinter and damage their internal organs.

Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis, so it is not wise to feed your dog a diet of fatty foods.

Fried foods also fall into this category and are not good to retain maximum health in your dog.

Certain nuts, such as Macadamia nuts and walnuts can cause weakness and muscle tremors.

Peanut butter however is generally okay provided you use the salt and sugar free peanut butter as sugar can encourage cancer growth.

The core and pits of fruits such as Apple’s cherries and peaches contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs and can kill them within 24-hours without warning.

If in doubt, always refrain from feeding your dog foods that we are eating assuming that they will be okay.

What is safe for humans can kill your dog within hours.

So, do yourself and your dog a favor and don’t feed them human food. As they always say, it is better to be safe than sorry and if you love your dog like I do, you do not want to lose them very soon. I have just recently experienced the unexpected loss of two pets and I am hopeful that it was nothing that I did that may have caused it. The loss of those two pets will stay with me for a very long time. They were my friends.

Alexander Stern asked:


Innova remains the holistic food pet parents can trust. Throughout the years, as new supplements and artificial chemicals have been introduced to the pet food market, Natura has stuck to its tradition of producing Innova dog food using only natural ingredients. It might not save pet parents money, but in the end, it’s your pet’s health that matters.

Each of Innova pet products combines ingredients from all five food groups to ensure a truly holistic meal. Ingredients like protein-rich chicken, turkey and beef, calcium-packed cottage cheese, and wholesome fruits, vegetables and grains – all providing the essential vitamins and minerals your pet’s lifestyle demands. Plus, essential fats and oils are added to improve your pet’s skin and coat while reducing allergies and improving his immune system

Here are three opinions from Innova dog food users:



Innova is a very good pet food. You need to mix the old food with the new food at first so your dogs digestive system can adjust to the change. See if Innova has a large breed puppy food. The food chunks will be larger and more appropriate for a lab.

Innova is an excellent food. I feed Canidae, mostly because it is for all life stages, puppy through adult. You could put a 9 month old on adult food and he will be fine. Just remember whatever food you feed him to cut back as he becomes an adult. He’s not growing as fast and does not need all those calories. Otherwise you’ ll have a chubby lab!

Make sure you switch over gradually to any new food. Mix in the new food 25% for a few days, then 50% new, then 75% new food and then 100% . Usually it takes a week or so to transition.

Innova is a very good food, so i’d give it to Canidae, and maybe others; however, there are good foods out there that might be just as good or even better for your particular dog. Check on the Internet under good dog food for Labs. You can purchase good food at specialty pet food stores. When you switch, do it gradually by starting with 1/4 of the new food to 3/4 of the old food. If she does well and doesn’t have any loose bowels or upset stomach, you can increase it to 1/2 and 1/2, gradually, after a few days switch to the new food.



As a conclusion, Innova Dog Food products deserve its name as one of the best quality natural dog food labels for the caring dog owners. View more reviews and opinions by following the links below.