Sardines are a rich source of omega-3s, the fatty acids that have become famous for their anti-inflammatory, health-promoting abilities. They are also important because so many fats have inflammatory properties, and omega-3 and omega-6 fight each other for space in the body. If you or your pet is ingesting lots of omega-6s, but not enough omega-3s, the result can be imbalance and inflammation.
Omega-6s are found in many foods like several meats — however our dogs need meat! So how to handle this? Add some omega-3 rich items like sardines.
Pictured is a recipe topped with sardines.
It is important to get the no-salt-added version, in water. Avoid the salted, oiled kind. Here is a no-salt added in water version, at left.
Sardines also provide other excellent nutrients like vitamin D and calcium.
I like to add a sardine or so a day to my dog’s meals, but the amount you add will depend on your dog’s weight and nutritional needs. Contact me for help.
See my sardine posts, recipes and more.
About Dog Food Coach
I am on a mission to help you feed your dogs a healthier diet using simple, everyday foods found in most grocery stores, farm stands or elsewhere.
How Can I Help?
My Goals:
- Empower you
- Help you realize you can improve your dog’s diet without too much trouble or confusion
- Guide you toward healthy, easy to make foods
- Support you during your transition
- Suggest healthier options
- Work with you to create a truly supportive, nourishing diet for your dog
Individual Support Option:
Go by the week, and choose one week or multiple weeks of support. This flexible plan allows you as much support and connection as you feel you need.
During our time together, I encourage (but certainly don’t require) you to make the sample recipes I send. We can then discuss any questions you have. Each week includes the following.
- Review of your dog’s current diet
- Suggested changes as needed
- 1 sample recipe, created by Sarah
- 1 educational handout (1-2 pages), created by Sarah
- Unlimited emails and texts as needed
- Cost: $50 per week – purchase one or several weeks’ worth
- Purchase one or more weekly support consults on PayPal
Other Options:
If you are interested in a different setup, I will try to customize to your individual needs as much as possible. Either way, contact me to get started.
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Sarah Whitman, MS
Founder, DogFoodCoach.com & DogFoodJournal.com
New: GoldenRetrieverDiet.com