Police dogs often undergo intensive training that places considerable stress on their bodies, increasing the risk of oxidative damage and inflammation. A study published in Biomolecules evaluated the impact of a fish-based diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids on lipid metabolism and oxidative status in working dogs.
The researchers assessed changes in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids, markers of oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters in dogs fed fish-enriched food. Results showed that after dietary supplementation, levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were significantly reduced, while blood glucose also decreased, indicating improved metabolic health.
Correlations between fatty acid compositions in plasma and erythrocytes confirmed that both can serve as biomarkers for omega-3 intake, particularly for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Moreover, fish-based feeding led to a notable reduction in lipid peroxidation markers, reflecting enhanced oxidative resilience.
The findings suggest that incorporating marine fish into the diet of police dogs may provide a nutritional strategy to improve endurance, reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage, and support overall health during demanding training regimens.
Source: Ravić, B., Debeljak-Martačić, J., Pokimica, B., Vidović, N., Ranković, S., Glibetić, M., Stepanović, P., & Popović, T., Biomolecules, Volume 12, Published August 1, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081097
