Sponsored: What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest

Budha - 11yrs old

When I was approached to do another sponsored post by Nordic Naturals I jumped at the opportunity. I have worked with them on two separate occasions and both were great experiences. They are a great company who sell products aimed at your health, your children's health, and even your pet's health! Who knew that omega-3s were also really great for your furry babies as well. 

So what exactly can omega-3s do for your pets and why is it important? Here are some questions answered by Jodi Ziskin - Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Specialist for Pets. 

Questions and Answers:

Q: Why is omega-3 fish oil important for joints?

A: Omega-3 essential fatty acids are considered essential nutrients for us and our pets because they can't be produced by our body naturally. That's why we need to supplement them through our diets or supplement pills. The omega-3 EPA is a companent of all cell membranes while DHA works to develop and maintain neural structures. Together these omega-3s help support optimal pet health and diet.

Q: What is the best way to add omega-3s to my pet's diet?

Beast when we first got him - pink is for real "men".

A: The answer is simple the same way it is for us - fish oil. Omega-3s are found abundantly in cold-water fish like sardines, anchovies, and cod. Fish oil from wild caught fish is optimal for safe and effective use. They should be independently tested and proven to meet the standards for heave metals, PCBs and dioxins. Also please only use fish oils specially formulated for pets as many marketed towards humans contain flavorings and preservatives that may not be suitable for animals.

Q:Can exercise really help keep joints healthy?

A: As important as exercise is for humans its just as important for our pets. The simple act of walking a dog (or a cat) helps to lubricate the joincts preserving flexibility, maintaining muscle mass, and keeps the blood circulating. For cats, its helpful to provide things to climb on, like kitty trees and towers. 

Exercise also alerts us to potential joint problems. Signs that a cat or dog might be suffering from joint inflmation can include stiffness, difficulty walking on stairs, jumping on their favorite spots, change in speed, and limping. If you notice any differences in your pets consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Omega-3s EPA and DHA help support:

• Joint Health
• Heart Health
• Celluar Health
• Skin and Coat Health
• Immune System Health
• Brain development and maintenance
• Eye development and maintenance

Nordic Naturals Products for Pets
For centuries, canine and feline diets consisted of unprocessed foods rich in EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids derived from algae, plants, and fish. However, most of today’s pet foods contain primarily omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils. Even the highest quality pet diets rarely contain adequate amounts of EPA and DHA. This results in an unbalanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 that can negatively impact the health of our pets.

Nordic Naturals offers two omega-3 fish oil formulas that are specifically designed to maximize the health benefits for pet companions. Purchase some Omega-3 products for your pets HERE.

What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest

Bear - 2yrs old and little brother to Beast

So let's get down to why I'm posting about Nordic Naturals "What's Essential Rescue Pet" Photo Contest. With having many furry babies of my own I think its a great way to give back to a great organization: Paws For Veterans. With every vote Nordic Naturals will donate $1 to Paws For Veterans (Up to $5000)! So not only can you and your rescue pup win, so do many others who are in the Paws For Veterans organization. Isn't that fantastic!? I think all pets should be able to have a life with a loving caring family who will care for them. I also think that having a pet definitely helps you lead a happier life. If you're already a pet owner, congratulations you've been blessed. If you aren't then look at your local rescue organization or animal shelter because they have tons of dogs and cats who deserve a great family.

Now while none of my pets were rescue pets I did get my pup Budha from one of my brother's friends. He was the runt of the litter and really small. He was also a very sick pup, they didn't even take him to get any shots done because they figured he would just die. I took him to the vet and they said he was a bit sick, but with meds and some love he would be just fine. That was 11yrs ago and now he is my 70lb big boy who, for the most part, listens well and does what he is told. Beast was my second pup and was actually bought from my cousin. He was the only pup left because sadly his mom accidentally killed his 3 siblings. After 6 short months he was gone, we never knew what happened and the vet couldn't give us any closure. When my cousin told me her Chihuahua's had had another litter I told her I wanted another one. I know it wouldn't be like my Beast, but knowing they were related would help. So along came Bear, my 2yr old furry terror. He totally resembles his name as his bite is as mighty as his bark, with him being the alpha dog. Yup that little 13lb terror pushes around his 70lb big brother. I couldn't imagine my life without my dogs and I know when that time does come, I'll be burying apart of myself with them. They are like children and give you unconditional love - with no talking back! So do you want to win - want to know how to enter?

How To Enter:

• Super easy just head over to Nordic Naturals Facebook page and upload a picture of your rescue pup! You can upload a photo from 6/28 until 7/18.
• Don't have a rescue dog, well you you still win by voting.  Voting runs from 7/19 until 7/31 with the winners being announced on 8/1.

Prizes:
2 Grand Prize Winners will win .

• A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products
• Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy
• The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know books by Tracie Hotchner
• A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com
• Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate
• Profile featured on the Facebook app

About Paws for Veterans
Paws for Veterans, Inc. is a community-based organization that provides service dogs, training, supplies, and therapeutic group sessions to Veteran and Active Duty men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical Disabilities. As a 501 C 3 non profit, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, trains, and rehomes dogs as service dogs for injured Veterans.

About Nordic Naturals

Based in Watsonville, CA, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. Distributing to more than 35 countries, Nordic Naturals offers more than 150 products in a variety of flavors and formulations, all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. By providing omega oil supplements for adults, kids, athletes and pets, Nordic Naturals helps everyone do more of what they love. Further information is available at www.nordicnaturals.com. Nordic Naturals is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturalsand people can follow the company on Twitter at @NordicNaturals.

Disclaimer: While this post is sponsored I definitely love the ideas and products by Nordic Naturals. All opinions are my own and I stand behind them.