Scroll Down to see our 3 sections of “Frequently Asked Questions”
1. Questions About Omega 3s:
*Why should my dog and cat receive Omega 3s?
*What is the difference between fish oil and Omega 3s?
*Is there a daily amount of Omega 3s that I should be feeding my dog or cat?
2. Questions Comparing Omega QD to other products:
(We have added this section out of request by pet owners and veterinarians for help trying to sort out the differences between numerous products that are not FDA regulated.)
*Can I give my pet the same fish oil capsule that I take from the grocery store/health food store?
*Are there any issues in giving a liquid fish oil?
*I already have my pet on a flaxseed supplement, why would she need Omega QD?
3. Questions About Omega QD
*How is Omega QD different from other supplements?
*What’s the advantage of a powder?
*What is the importance of having a sardine-based fish oil in Omega QD?
*What are the benefits of the blueberries in Omega QD?
*What are the benefits of the pectin in Omega QD?
*Where do the ingredients for Omega QD come from? How do I know they are trustworthy?
*What does the powder look like?
*What does the powder smell like?
*How much Omega QD should I give my pet?
*My pet does not like the smell / taste of Omega QD. What should I do?
*How will I know if Omega QD is good for my pet?
*How long will it be before I see the effects of Omega QD?
*How old does my pet need to be in order to receive Omega QD?
*After I open my container of Omega QD, do I have to refrigerate it?
*How long will my Omega QD container last?
*What is the advantage of purchasing a large size container?
1. Questions About Omega 3s:
Why should my dog and cat receive Omega 3s?
-Omega 3s are necessary for daily health but are not made by the body, and therefore must be eaten in the diet.
-They support the healthy function of: Joints/ Hips/ Skin/ Coat/ Ears/ Heart/ Eyes/ Kidneys/ Nerves/ Immune System, etc.
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What is the difference between fish oil and Omega 3s?
-Fish oil contains the Omega 3s, EPA and DHA, but has other components in it as well.
-When looking at purchasing a fish oil, find out the amount of EPA and DHA contained in each serving to find out if the product will benefit your pet. A product can advertise “1,000 mg of fish oil” and give you a lot of oil in a capsule, but only small amounts of Omega 3s that are beneficial.
-(Note: there are also ‘other Omega 3s’ that are in fish oil and often mentioned on fish oil supplement labels. These ‘other Omega 3s have not been researched for health benefits and are very different than the researched EPA and DHA.)
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Is there a daily amount of Omega 3s that I should be feeding my dog or cat?
-Yes! This is a very important concept! Based on recommendations by holistic veterinarians and veterinary nutrition specialists, our label lists Suggested Daily Serving Sizes based on how much your pet weighs and is a calculated dose of 30 – 37 mg EPA/DHA/kg body weight/day (OR 160-170mg (EPA/DHA) per 10# body weight daily.)
-Don’t panic! We did all this math for you and have the convenient serving chart on our label for you to use.
-Please note: You may need to give double or more than double this amount of Omega 3s when using other products just based on differences in how the body processes capsules and liquid oil products. Many veterinarians are used to calculating higher amounts based on your pet’s particular health needs when using available capsules and liquids. But, Dr. Decker found a better way! You don’t need to worry about those higher amounts for most pets’ needs with the unique formulation of Omega QD and still receive all the strong health benefits. Just try it! And to help reassure you… If you don’t see the results you expect,, especially in hair coat and mobility, you can return the remaining powder within 30 days for a full refund! (see our policy page for more details.)
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I feed my pet a salmon (or ‘white fish’ protein source) dog food and the bag says there are already Omega 3s in the food. Do I still need to supplement with an Omega 3?
–Amounts: Dog and cat foods are made with basic, lower levels of Omega 3s. They are not found in higher amounts that provide health benefits for your individual pet’s specific needs. Many of those Omega 3s are from a blend of flaxseed and fish oil, but don’t tell you actually how much of each.
–Processing: When Omega 3s are heated above 86°F, their chemical structure changes and they no longer behave in the same way and benefit the body. Many dog foods made from a fish source have processed the kibble and changed the Omega 3s from the fish in the process. (Please see the question regarding the difference between Omega 3s in flaxseed versus fish.)
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I feed all natural, expensive dog food that has added Omega 3s. Why would I need to add more Omega 3s?
-Amounts: Dog and cat foods are made with basic, lower levels of Omega 3s. They are not found in higher amounts that provide health benefits for your individual pet’s specific needs. Many of those Omega 3s are from a blend of flaxseed and fish oil, but don’t tell you actually how much of each.
-Processing: When Omega 3s are heated above 86°F, their chemical structure changes and they no longer behave in the same way and benefit the body. Many dog foods made from a fish source have processed the kibble and changed the Omega 3s from the fish in the process. (Please see the question regarding the difference between Omega 3s in flaxseed versus fish.)
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2. Questions Comparing Omega QD to other products:
(We have added this section out of request by pet owners and veterinarians for help trying to sort out the differences between numerous products that are not FDA regulated.)
Why would my veterinarian recommend Omega QD and not just let me pick a fish oil or other type of supplement?
-Your veterinarian is using Omega QD for a specific problem. So, it is really important he or she knows the quality of the product and know what’s exactly in it, especially since the FDA does not regulate any supplement (human or pet).
-Your veterinarian knows Omega QD is tested and trustworthy; easily absorbed; and it has added antioxidants (blueberries) and pre-biotic fiber (pectin). It has exactly the ingredients they want tested so that they know it was the Omega 3s and antioxidants that were needed for your pet.
-If you use a brand with which your veterinarian is not familiar and do not see the expected benefits in your pet, it will be hard to tell if it was a problem with the product, how it was absorbed by your pet, or if it wasn’t exactly what your pet needed right now.
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Can I give my pet the same fish oil capsule that I take from the grocery store/health food store?
–FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, including fish oil Omega 3 supplements, to guarantee label claims and contaminant testing. So, many store brand products have low concentrations of Omega 3s EPA/DHA and have not been tested for heavy metals or other contaminates.
–Gelatin Capsules are most often made from beef and pork skin and bone. This must be considered if the pet has an allergy to or may be sensitive to beef or pork. (Call the company to ask which sourced is used for their gelatin capsule. ) Also, the body must first break down the capsule before it can begin to absorb the Omega 3s out of the liquid as it slides through the digestive tract.
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Are there any issues in giving a liquid fish oil?
-Because the natural property of oil causes it to slide through digestive tract very fast, it can be more challenging for your pet’s body to absorb the beneficial Omega 3s out of the liquid before it passes through. Generally, oils also tend to smell very strong and require refrigeration.
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I already give my pet glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM for his joints. Why does she also need an Omega 3?
-Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM work differently than Omega 3s in the body. While glucosamine and chondroitin act ONLY at the joint level, Omega 3s work all over the body supporting many functions and boosting the immune system. They help not just joints, but also skin, coat, heart, brain, etc. which is especially helpful for our older dogs and cats that can benefit from the support just about everywhere!
-For ideal joint support, you would give both types of supplements at the same time. They do very different things and work very well together. If you want to use only one supplement daily, we recommend using Omega QD so pets can receive benefits other than just joint support. It allows your pets to feel and look their absolute best at any age!
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I already have my pet on a flaxseed supplement, why would she need Omega QD?
-The Omega 3 in flaxseed is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). In order for the body to use the ALA Omega 3s, they must be ‘broken down’ by enzymes and actually ‘rebuilt’ into the EPA and DHA Omega 3s already found in a marine source that can be directly used by the body.
-Healthy human and animal bodies have only a small amount of these enzymes available. So small, that even when these enzymes work as hard and fast as they can to change ALA into EPA and DHA, only an average of 10% of ALA actually gets ‘rebuilt’ and used. The other 90% will be flushed out of the system.
-So, while flaxseed and other plant Omega 3 sources are nutritionally good and provide fiber and other nutrients, they are ineffective when actually giving you maximum Omega 3 benefits.
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3. Questions About Omega QD
How is Omega QD different from other supplements?
-Omega QD is a powerful and fast-acting blend of professional strength, wild-caught sardine EPA and DHA, as well as, the health benefits of Blueberry Antioxidants Acanthocyanins and fruit Pectin.
-Omega QD is in an easy-to-use powder! Refrigeration is not need. It is easy to measure and sprinkle on the food. It has fast, powerful absorption giving benefits in a short amount of time.
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What’s the advantage of a powder?
-The all-natural fruit pectin added to our formulation supports the fish oil in the digestive tract, promoting absorption of the beneficial Omega 3s. As a result, Omega QD is likely to be more completely absorbed. Small amounts produce fast, healthy benefits.
-The powder formula also does not have to be refrigerated and is easy to measure with less mess compared to oils and large capsules.
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What is the importance of having a sardine-based fish oil in Omega QD?
-Concentrations of Omega 3s in fish can be different depending on the type of fish and environmental conditions. Wild caught sardines are a type of fish with naturally high concentrations of Omega 3s from plankton they eat in the ocean.
-Also, while larger fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna) have a higher risk of contamination, such as mercury and PCBs, sardines have a low risk of contamination from heavy metals and other toxins as they are actually vegetarians and don’t eat other fish.
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What are the benefits of the blueberries in Omega QD?
-Blueberries are a powerful source of many vitamins and minerals, including Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, beta Carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. It is like having your own small dose of a natural ‘multi-vitamin!’
-Blueberries contain a high amount of Anthocyanins, which are potent Antioxidants! They are the water-soluble, dark-colored pigments of the fruit. Laboratory-based evidence suggests antioxidants neutralize ‘free radicals’ in the body that are potentially linked to several health concerns.
-Blueberries aid in the absorption of other nutrients in the body, as well as, aid the body in getting rid of lactic acid after workouts.
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What are the benefits of the pectin in Omega QD?
-Pectin is a prebiotic fiber that helps create healthier cells in the digestive system so that they can better absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.
-Pectin contributes to Omega QD having fast, complete absorption, so small amounts provide big benefits!
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Where do the ingredients for Omega QD come from? How do I know they are trustworthy?
-All materials used in the making of Omega QD are sourced and produced in the USA.
-Each Batch Lot of Omega QD is numbered, stamped with a two year expiration date, and tested for heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, and many other contaminants. It is also tested negative for both salmonella and E. coli bacteria, to assure quality and purity. Importantly, the supplements are then stored in a controlled climate so they are not exposed to prolonged high temperatures which may denature the benefits of the EPA/DHA.
-Check out our Safety page for more information. WE PROUDLY HAVE NEVER HAD A RECALL!
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What does the powder look like?
-The powder is very fine, and is a light, cream to pale yellow in color. There are slight variations in color as our ingredients are all natural and have not added fillers to keep look and color identical from batch to batch. Rest assured, the ingredients are always the same tested high quality sources. The periodic slight variations do not affect concentrations, quality, or safety. This EXCLUSIVE blend is really easy to sprinkle on raw, home-cooked, canned, or dry food meals. And, by adding a few spoonfuls of water to dry food, it sticks to each morsel great! Pets love it!
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What does the powder smell like?
-The powder has a fresh fish aroma similar to a freshly caught fish. This aroma is distinctly different from the smell of most capsules and oils and will never smell Rancid!
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-Easily sprinkles on their meal daily. Visit our How to Use page for more information.
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How much Omega QD should I give my pet?
-Suggested daily dose is ¼ Teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight daily. However, many have found that less can often be used to achieve the same great results when using over time!
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My pet does not like the smell / taste of Omega QD. What should I do?
-Not everyone likes fish… For the picky eater that may not enjoy fish-sourced food or that resists any kind of change to her meal, here are a few suggestions to help:
*Store the container in freezer to decrease aroma.
*‘Hide’ the powder in the middle of a healthy, soft food such as one-two
teaspoons of canned pumpkin, mashed, baked sweet potato, and place on top of
their regular diet.
*Or give as a treat: Place soft food in an ice cube tray and place daily dose of
Omega QD in the middle of the soft food in each cube and place in freezer. Each
day, pop out a cube for a nutritious, icy treat to give your pet.
-Remember that the powder deliberately has no fillers, artificial preservatives, added flavorings, salt, or sugars so pets that have allergies can use this supplement without worry.
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How will I know if Omega QD is good for my pet?
-While feeding Omega QD daily, please watch for an improvement in your dog’s and cat’s attitude, alertness, activity level, and overall general appearance. Their looks and actions often speak louder than their ‘woofs’ and ‘meows’!
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How long will it be before I see the effects of Omega QD?
-You should give the recommended label dose for at least 3-4 weeks before deciding if Omega QD is truly making a difference. However, even during the first week of daily feeding, please begin to make observations in your pets overall look, coat health, activity level and attitude. We think you will be pleasantly surprised! (Be sure to take before and after pictures and videos! Then, be sure to share them with us!)
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How old does my pet need to be in order to receive Omega QD?
-Feed Omega QD to everyone! There are no age restrictions- ALL ages and lifestyles benefit from Omega QD. We recommend that you start giving Omega QD as early as possible, which includes giving to pregnant moms so they can benefit and they can also transfer the nutrients of Omega QD to the pups in their womb. (We always strongly recommend checking with your pet’s managing veterinarian when adding anything new to the pregnant mom’s diet.) But, regardless the age at which you start giving Omega QD to your pet, continue to give it for the rest of your pet’s life for maximal benefits.
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After I open my container of Omega QD, do I have to refrigerate it?
-Refrigeration is not needed, even after it has been opened. However, oils naturally oxidize over time. And, although our sardine Omega 3s are uniquely protected in the powdered ‘wrapping’, it is always good practice to keep all Omega 3 supplements cold. And, if you wish to decrease the fresh fish aroma for either you or your pet, then storing the container in the freezer or refrigerator will do the trick. On the contrary – high heat such as direct sunlight from a window, leaving container in a hot car, will damage the structure and benefits of the Omega 3s for the body.
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How long will my Omega QD container last?
-One small container provides: 48 day supply for a 10 pound pet at label recommended dose.*
-One medium container provides: 35 day supply for a 60 pound dog at label recommended dose.*
-One large container provides: 181 teaspoons. That is 4 months supply for a 60 pound dog. *
* For all containers, less can often be used to achieve the same great results, thus extending the stated number of days the product will last.
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What is the advantage of purchasing a large size container?
-A LOT! A large container provides 181 teaspoons, which is 14 grams more powder compared to buying four (4) Medium, 110gm containers separately while saving ~$18.00! Also, please consider: Although our containers are recyclable, there is much less packaging used for one large container versus 4 medium containers, which is a much more ‘green’ way for all of us to support the environment.
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