Fatty acids are essential for maintaining your pet dog’s health. They do more than just turn the dog’s coat from dull and dry to shiny and beautiful. They are responsible for skin health, fighting swelling, maintaining joint health, and the functioning of various body functions.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are the main classes of fatty acids. Some fatty acids can be synthesized by the animal and some have to be obtained through diet. Fatty acids that are necessarily obtained through diet are called “essential” fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids include ALA, EPA, and DHA. Omega-6 fatty acids consist of LA, GLA, DGLA, and AA.
It is worth noting that fatty acids are easily destroyed by overcooking and can degrade over time if the canned food does not have a sufficient amount of antioxidants in it. Ailing dogs may be unable to absorb fatty acids from the intestine because of the inability of the relevant enzymes to do so. Obese dogs that are fed fat-stripped food can also become deficient in certain fatty acids.
Choose fatty acid supplements based on your pet dog’s needs and nutrition profile in consideration with a veterinary doctor who can also recommend other concurrent therapies.
Vets recommend that the ratio of Omega-6 acids to Omega-3 acids should be in the range of 10:1 to 5:1. Sunflower oil and fish oil are particularly rich sources of fatty acids. Fish oil from cold water fishes are is a good source of EPA and DPA. Fish oil helps control triglycerides and cholesterol. Plant oil yields LA.
Omega-3 fatty acids given to puppies ensure proper development of their eyes – the retina and visual cortex in particular.
EPA, DHA, and GLA supplementation has been shown to fight inflammation in pet dogs. EPA is particularly useful in combating arthritis-related inflammation. Conditions such as colitis and inflammatory bowel disease are accompanied by inflammation and can respond to treatment by fatty acids.
LA is useful in the treatment of dull and brittle hair; a skin condition known as seborrhea is associated with a deficiency of LA. Fatty acids have been shown to slow down the growth of a yeast type – Malassezia pachydermatis, which infects the skin and ears of dogs.
Ongoing research has yielded encouraging information on the use of fatty acids in preventing allergies from inhaling pollen and mold. Adequate supplements given to pregnant mothers strengthen the immune systems of puppies and make them resilient to pollen in the air.
Dog diets supplemented with fatty acids have been shown to reduce hypertension and prevent heart problems such as ventricular arrhythmias.
