A long-term study of Beagle puppies shows that DHA-rich fish oil can enhance cognitive and physiological development during early growth stages.
In a prospective study, 48 Beagle puppies were fed diets with varying levels of DHA-rich fish oil from weaning to one year of age. The goal was to examine the effects on cognition, memory, motor coordination, immune response, and visual function.
Puppies in the high-DHA group showed significantly better performance in reversal learning, visual contrast tasks, and early psychomotor navigation through obstacle mazes. They also exhibited a stronger immune response to rabies vaccination and enhanced retinal function as indicated by electroretinography measurements.
The findings suggest that DHA—alongside other neuro-supportive nutrients such as choline, taurine, and L-carnitine—plays a vital role in early neurodevelopment, with potential implications for canine health and nutrition strategies.
