
2 Omega-9 fatty acids, a non-essential class of fatty acids can be produced internally by dogs so they don’t have a dietary requirement for them. 2 Similarly, omega-6 fatty acids are sourced mainly from vegetable oils. ALA, comes from plant-based oils, notably flaxseed oil, rather than fish oil. 3 While ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid, it is not as important as EPA and DHA, as they are the biologically active forms. Specifically, fish oil is a potent source of EPA and DHA. When we talk about fish oil, the big thing to note is, we are really talking about omega-3 fatty acids.
#Fish oil benefits skin#
2 Deficiencies in omega-6s can cause skin and coat issues, as well as reproductive issues. Dogs are able to create AA from LA, whereas our feline friends cannot, and thus AA is also required in the diet of cats. 2 ,3 Essential omega-6 fatty acids to note are linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). These omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal growth and function, and deficiencies can lead to neurological and nervous system disorders. Our pets cannot produce these on their own and must consume them in their diet. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Table 1: Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs and Cats 2 :Įicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
#Fish oil benefits full#
2 Check out Table 1, for a full overview of essential fatty acids and their requirements for dogs and cats. 2 Certain types of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), can only be found in our pet’s diet and are thus considered essential. What is in fish oil that makes it so special?ĭietary fats, especially fatty acids, are necessary for our furry friends for energy, vitamin absorption, regulation of inflammation, to keep our cells healthy, and for skin and coat health among other things. Overconsumption can lead to the production of damaging compounds that increase inflammation.Īn organization that provides expert advice and recommendations based on scientific evidence. Dogs can produce AA from LA, while cats, lack this ability and must consume AA in their diet.

Overconsumption can lead to the production of compounds that increase inflammation, which can be damaging to the body.Īn essential omega-6 fatty acid, commonly found in plant oils and animal products. Deficiency is often seen as skin and coat abnormalities. Metabolism produces compounds that help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial to many conditions/diseases.Īn essential omega-6 fatty acid, commonly found in plant oils, required in the diets of both dogs and cats. Dogs and cats require dietary intake of DHA for growth and function, specifically linked to neurological development. Metabolism produces compounds that help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial to many conditions/diseases.Īn essential omega-3 fatty acid, commonly found in fish oil. Dogs and cats require dietary intake of EPA for normal growth and function, energy levels and nutrient absorption. Clinical deficiency symptoms usually involve nervous system failure.Īn essential omega-3 fatty acid, commonly found in fish oil. Cats lack this ability altogether, so it is essential in both their diets. Dogs can convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but this is inefficient. Deficiencies often appear visibly as skin and coat issues.Īn essential omega-3 fatty acid, commonly found in flaxseed and canola oil. Both dogs and cats require LA in their diet, however, dogs can create AA from LA, while cats cannot. They are essential in the diet of cats and dogs for normal growth and function, and can have further therapeutic benefits on the disease. Type of PUFA including ALA, EPA, and DHA. We will also examine the many benefits of fish oil for cats and dogs and the evidence behind these health claims.Ĭlass of fatty acids that includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, known to have many health benefits in both humans and our pets. However, not all fish oils are created equal! How can you tell the good from the mediocre? Before deciding which is the best fish oil product to give to our pets, it is important to understand what properties within fish oil makes it so beneficial, so you can make an informed purchase. It has known benefits for us, but what about our furry best friends? Research on fish oil supplementation for both dogs and cats is flourishing, and evidence supports supplementing your pet’s diet with fish oil. 1 The research supporting its plethora of health claims, from benefiting inflammation to strengthening joints, continues to expand. Evidence of its therapeutic use can be dated all the way back to 1783. Fish oil is a prominent dietary supplement among humans and one we’ve been using for quite some time now.
