Why does my pet need omega-3s?
Aussie doctors have been telling humans for years that the omega group of fatty acids are an essential part of a healthy diet (enriched cereals, oily fish, all of that good stuff!) but every member of your family - even the furry ones - will benefit from Omega-3s added to their diets. What makes us so sure? Well, omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are needed for maintaining healthy skin and coat - and just like us, cats and dogs can’t synthesise these fatty acids within their bodies, which means they must come from their diet¹.
And what’s the best way to tell if your pal needs more omega-3s? A dull coat and skin.
What are omega-3s exactly?
Omega-3s are a group of “healthy fats”, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (or PUFAs). There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
-
EPA - Eicosapentaenoic Acid: has anti-inflammatory properties to support healthy skin.²
-
DHA - Docosahexaenoic Acid: improves skin barrier function.
-
ALA - Alphalinolenic Acid: The “parent” that metabolises into EPA and DHA for extra support and mediates omega-6 uptake.
EPA and DHA are the two omega-3s that offer the most benefit to your pets, from providing a source of extra energy to coat support. Whilst dogs and cats can synthesise a very small amount of EPA from ALA, dietary supplementation with quality fish oils can help owners meet their pet’s nutritional requirements.
How do omega-3s support my pet’s skin and coat?
Improved skin barrier & hydration
Omega-3s - particularly DHA - support skin barrier function,³ helping to retain moisture in your pet’s skin barrier, helping to prevent dry skin that can lead to a dull coat, with a lot of shedding and breakage. A properly hydrated coat for both dogs and cats is smooth, shiny and easy to brush.
Anti-inflammatory powerhouse
Omega-3s also have significant anti-inflammatory properties - especially EPA²- allowing skin and coats to shine and flourish.
This combination of soothing and protecting functions support skin health and strengthen coats to keep your bestie looking and feeling great.
What are the best sources of omega-3s?
The best Australian sources³ of omega-3s are oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herrings, sardines and tuna, which offer DHA and EPA. Legumes, such as linseed, offer robust sources of ALA.
For a convenient way to supplement your pet’s diet, consider a high quality fish oil supplement such as Zesty Paws Omega Boost Salmon Oil.
Bonus function: keep omega-6s in line!
Whilst omega-6 fatty acids are also essential to a mammal’s diet, they rarely need supplementation, as the best sources of omega-6s - such as vegetable oils, poultry and animal fats - are regular ingredients in commercial pet (and human) foods. Omega-6s can cause and exacerbate inflammation and omega-3 supplements (with their anti-inflammatory properties) at the correct ratio can provide a balance to omega-6s² found in a standard diet.
What’s the best way to add an omega-3 supplement to my pet’s diet for nutritional support?
Always check the recommended dose to weight ratio when supplementing your pet’s diet with omega-3s. With fish oils being the most common form in Australia, many cats and dogs find the fishy taste delicious and it can be tempting to use it like a treat, however too much of a good thing can lead to obesity - so resist those puppy dog eyes!
And just like human supplements, be sure to choose high quality supplements without unnecessary ingredients. Zesty Paws’ Omega Boost Salmon Oil Blend combines salmon oil, concentrated fish oils and linseed oil to supply the omega-3 goodness without any unnecessary additions.
References
1 Omega-3 fatty acids: dietary components for the promotion of human and animal health
2 Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals
3 Total fat & fatty acids - Nutrient Reference Values
The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs