Including Essential Fatty Acids in Your Pet's Diet

Including Essential Fatty Acids in Your Pet's Diet

All diets, including those of animals, must include essential fatty acids (EFAs). However, since the body cannot create EFAs on its own, they must be consumed on a daily basis. Omega 3 (linoleic acid) and omega 6 (alpha-linoleic acid) are the two most well-known fatty acids. Our dogs' diets, like ours, tend to be higher in omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3. An imbalance like this has to be fixed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital because they aid in the production of cell membranes, cardiovascular activities, the nourishment of the digestive system's lining, and the maintenance of your pet's skin and hair. Another important effect of omega-3 fatty acids is that they help to decrease inflammation in the body. If you notice your pet's coat is dull and brittle, or if he or she has dry skin and scratches often, this might be due to a deficiency of this fatty acid.

There are several kinds of essential fatty acid supplements available, but deciding which one to use to complement your dog's or cat's diet may be difficult.

Pure plant oils, such as flax oil, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, or a plant oil combination, are an excellent substitute for fish omega-3 fats. These should be "cold-pressed" oils rather than oils extracted using chemical solvents. The issue with plant oils is that animals have a more difficult time converting the fatty acids to a form that the animal's system can utilize.

Fish oils, such as salmon oil, halibut liver oil, or cod liver oil, are easier for an animal's body to convert and utilize. The disadvantage is that fish oils often include lethal poisons, such as high quantities of hazardous PCBs, dioxins, and measurable levels of mercury. Farmed salmon is the most contaminated and has fewer omega-3 fatty acids than wild salmon. Currently, over 30% of all fish are farmed, with salmon accounting for 90% of all farmed fish. Furthermore, farmed salmon are often carriers of sickness and parasites. When adding fish oils to your pet's diet, use oils from wild rather than farmed sources.

There are additional supplements that combine fish and plant oils. These often comprise a combination of salmon or cod liver oil plus flax, safflower, or other oils that offer 3 to 4 parts omega-3 oils to 1 part omega-6 oils. Giving your pet a fish or plant supplement may be a smart option to explore since they should contain fewer pollutants because they are not entirely fish oils, but they should still be better digested by the animal's body than straight plant oils.

Summary:

Essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) are deficient in many pet food diets. These are essential fats that help to maintain healthy cardiovascular, digestive, and skin functioning. They also aid in the regulation of weight gain and the prevention of numerous illnesses and ailments. Learn more about EFAs and why they should be included in your dog's diet.