Dogs and cats need both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health. The importance of essential fatty acids in canine and feline nutrition has been known for some time. Their use as a dietary supplement to improve the health and appearance of the skin and hair coat has been well documented. By contrast, their use in the management of skin disorders, particularly their anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effects, continues to be the subject of both ongoing research and lively debate.

Linoleic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) are essential for both cat and dog, as well as arachidonic acid (an omega 6 fatty acid) for the cat. Linoleic acid is particularly important because it alone provides the necessary conditions to facilitate moisturization of the skin.

Omega-3 fatty acids include:

* Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
* Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
* Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties. EPA is the workhorse of the Omega-3 fatty acids and is incorporated into the cell membrane.

Omega-6 fatty acids include:

* Linolenic acid (LA)
* Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
* Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
* Arachidonic acid (AA)

A growing body of scientific research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids provide
our pets additional health benefits during certain life stages or when suffering
from certain diseases. Some of the more common reasons veterinarians suggest
omega 3 for our pets are:

* Control inflammation related to many pet skin problems and increase healing due to injury.
* Ensure proper development of the nervous system and sharpness in vision.
* Inhibit the growth of malignant cancer cells and reduce possibility of diabetes in our pets.
* Slow cholesterol production.
* Reduce joint tenderness.
* Stimulate the immune system.
* Aid in digestion.
* Help with maintenance of skin and coat conditions.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids – EPA and DHA are plentiful in salmon fish oil. Unlike plant based omega-3 supplements, salmon fish oil is readily processed by the dog’s digestive system. . The best solution to insure our pet’s health is to provide a high quality omega 3 salmon fish oil, along with a premium fresh food such as sardines, raw egg and bovine meat.

Find out more information about what are the good sources of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids as well as benefits of fish oil at http://omega3pethealth.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_C._Low

One Response to “How Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Can Help to Improve Our Pet Health”

1. Nick says:

   July 9, 2009 at 12:58 am

   as the owner of a really cute black lab puppy, I have done my research on omega-3s and their importance for dogs and cats. one very important thing that omega 3s do for puppies that was not mentioned in the article is aid in their brain’s development! I have read, time and again, that consuming sufficient amounts of omega 3s during the first weeks of development has long-lasting positive effects on the mental acuity of puppies.

   Also, not to split hairs here, but there are other equally useful forms of omega 3s for puppies to ingest that aren’t from fish. Fish tend to contain heavy metals such as mercury, and fish get their high concentrations of omega 3s from another source – algae. So, for those who are concerned about their puppies ingesting heavy metals, I suggest looking for a DHA supplement with algae, such as Cranimals (which is what my puppy gets fed).

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