02/25/2022
I’ve been nerding out on nutrition, as is my style. After hours reading about osteoarthritis in horses and dogs, I launched into searching for the highest concentrations of EPA and DHA’s that are commercially available (as these are the most beneficial omega 3’s).
Most of us (myself included) feed omega-3’s in the form of ALA, which is what is found in flax. I couldn’t find an exact conversion of ALA to DHA and EPA in horses but in humans and dogs, it’s dismal (like 10 to 1). You would have to feed massive amounts to get significant benefit.
So to truly get the benefits of EPA and DHA, feeding those (not something that’s has to be converted) is best.
In speaking to an orthopedic surgeon recently, they felt that high doses of Omega 3 are more beneficial than glucosamine supplements (this is depressing to me, considering how much money I’ve spent on glucosamine supplements 🤣), but he echoed research done at Colorado State University noting the benefits of these supplements for arthritis.
Needless to say, there are a lot of EPA and DHA (so fish oil) supplements out there but it’s hard to find them concentrated enough that you don’t have to feed huge amounts. Some are just small amounts of fish oils added to other oils and others are just low concentrations.
The company that I’m going to try to Iceland Pure. I spent a long time talking with it’s founder (a really cool Polo player from Argentina) and he was very educational not just about fish oils but the importance of storage (Glass or Metal, people! Don’t buy stuff in plastic jugs, it spoils too quickly!!)
Anyways, I like sharing my nerdy knowledge. If anyone wants to try to Iceland Pure, get ahold of me. They don’t ship to Alaska but since I go to Arizona every month, I plan on bringing loads back in my suitcase 🤣
Here are some links I found helpful.
https://icelandpure.com/equine-research/
https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/services/orthopedic-medicine/fish-oil-dosing
Below is the maximum daily dosage of fish oil for animals with osteoarthritis (310 mg/kg0.75 of EPA/DHA per day), intended for use by veterinarians. While fish oil is generally benign and safe, certain side effects beyond weight gain and vomiting/diarrhea are possible. If your pet is suffering from....
