​We all know by now that whatever diet we feed our pets, whether that be raw, cooked, or a dry food option, adding quality cold-pressed oils and omega-3s are very important and essential. They are called Essential Fatty Acids for a reason, as the body does not manufacture its own omega-3s unlike omega-9 and omega-6s.
Omega-3s play a crucial role for whole body health, some of the benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Balances the body’s level of omega-6 and 9s.
• Assists in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the diet
• Antioxidant rich
• Brain health (60% of the brain is made up of fat!)
• Joint health
• Ocular health
• Organ health
• Skin and coat health
• Maintains cellular fluidity
• Cardiovascular health

Now that we’ve established that omega-3s are important, next big question is, what is the best source of omega-3s for sensitive pets that are over-reactive?
I always advice pet guardians to rotate oils so their pets can reap the benefits of them all, but for some that might not be the best option especially if their dog or cat has a lot of sensitivities. For others, giving their pets a break from fish oil with these options would also work great.

1. Schizochytrium:

Say that 10 times fast! Schizochytrium is an oil rich algae, it comes in the already converted essential long chain fatty acid EPA/DHA form so your pet’s body does not have to convert it once consumed, unlike plant oils. EPA and DHA have different but equally important roles in brain, eye, heart and cognitive health. EPA is the main anti-inflammatory component responsible for downregulating the cytokines in the body which contribute to chronic inflammation. It comes in a capsule form and with its ‘marine-like’ smell, your pet will eat it like a treat- Makes a great option for puppies!


2. Camelina: 

This special oil is a wonderful source of omegas-3-6-9, is naturally high in vitamin E and has a great shelf life. No need for refrigeration as it is a hardy oil that can stand heat and makes for a great cooking oil as well. Camelina is a seed originating in Northern Europe and is also successfully farmed in Canada due to its hardiness in colder climates, you can find camelina grown in Saskatchewan. We at Thrive4life Holistic Pet only sell non-GMO camelina oil that is cold pressed, and not hexane extracted, meaning the integrity of the oil is kept in tact and not chemically stripped of its nutrients, you are getting everything you want and not getting things you don’t.
 
 
3. Hemp seed oil: 

Hemp oil (not to be confused with CBD oil) is another great option for pets with sensitivities, it offers the correct balance of omegas-3 & 6, and is a good source of gamma linolenic acid.
 
Dr. Julie Anne Lei, who is a holistic vet and the founder of Adored Beast Apothecary, is a huge fan of hemp seed oil both for pets and humans. Hemp is another hardy ancient plant, hardy because it does not require pesticides and/or herbicides to be maintained, it is also naturally non-GMO. A great option for super itchy pets!
 
4. Green lipped Muscle FFA 

This unusual type of omega-3 that comes from green-lipped muscles has unique benefits especially for pain and inflammation. Not to be confused with crude dried mussel powder, which does not provide nearly the same benefits as green lipped FFA which is the fatty acid extract.
Green lipped FFA contains a high level of rare omega-3 not found in most marine oil extracts: Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) and its precursor stearidonic acid (SDA).
Very few know that these are actually more superior to other omega-3s at quenching inflammation, giving more potent anti-inflammatory benefits at lower doses, which is why it works just as well if not better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS, but without the negative side effects. This will be the best selection for senior pets or pets with mobility issues.
 
 
These are all great omega-3 options for sensitive pets that are hypoallergenic and lower in heavy metals than fish oil. If you are still struggling to find an omega-3 most suited for your pets needs don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.

Side note: These all make great omega-3 options for us as well as they are all human grade!
 

​How did I take a dog who went from pretty much wanting to eat me to the best, most loyal, best friend, comedian, absolute love that I adore, and cannot image my life without?
Well first, Monty was a gift really and truly, that God had placed ‘back’ in my life, for those who don’t know his full story, click here.
The chances of him coming to my life was not coincidental. Now, back to building our trust, which comes from building a solid foundation, I am not a dog trainer or ‘behaviorist’, but I can share through my own testimony and experiences the things I believe attributed to my success with this 100 lb beast, and also, the things that lead to quick failures. 

I think the best thing I gave Monty was my patience, patience that I guess no one was willing to give him, since he had made it to death row. A chill goes up my spine every time I think of that fact, and I don’t know what it is but every time I have saved an animal from such a fate, they have always ended up being exceptional.
Monty is loyal to a fault, probably one of the most loyal dogs I’ve every had the privilege to share my life with, and I would have never known that if I hadn’t given him a chance. 

So, I gave him my patience (and a lot of it), discovered his likes, which was that he enjoyed fetching very much, and the bonding began. Both patience and time were given and he responded to those very quickly, then obedience followed, and love of course was there along the way, but you see I didn’t rely solely on that, I have a saying, “You can love love your pets and they can love love you back, but as soon as they see that squirrel or whatever, then your left on your ass!”. Their language must be understood first, before you teach them yours. Communication is key, you have to be very black and white with dogs, if you leave any grey areas that is where confusion takes place.

​My special advice to brand new dog owners it to give your time with as much patience as possible, figure out the ‘Why’s’, and pick something you both can bond over. There is also nothing wrong with getting professional insight, in this case though, if your trying to figure out your dogs’ ‘Why’s’, I would recommend a behaviorist over a trainer. There is a book I highly recommend for everyone to read, whether a new dog owner or a seasoned one called Mother Knows Best, a very good and insightful read.
Do what makes your dog the most happy, as long as its on your terms, oh and one more thing, if they’re eyes and ears are on you, now that is what I call #respect.