How Essential Is Omega 3 Fatty Acid In Dogs?

Fats are often looked in disdain when it comes to weight management of our dogs. In fact, most of us actually consider it an enemy. However, we overlook the fact that fats are quite essential for the proper functioning of a living organism. Besides proteins, fats are the major source of energy in dogs. And not just this, fats have diverse functions in the body that contribute to overall health in dogs. Before understanding what role Omega 3 plays in dog’s health, let’s first understand its chemistry.

What Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids are polyunsaturated chemical compounds made of multiple double bonds between carbon and oxygen, and single bonds with hydroxyl groups. They are categorized into Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids, and are not synthesized by the dog’s body. Thus these fatty acids must be supplied through the daily diet, hence the name – Essential Fatty Acids (EPAs).

Types Of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids In Dogs

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are generally of three types:

• EPA  - Eicosapentaenoic Acid
• DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid
• ALA – Alpha-Linoleic Acid

ALA cannot be converted to EPA and DHA by the dog’s body. Thus, food containing ALA is not that useful to dogs.

Omega 6 Fatty Acids are categorized into:

• LA – Linoleic Acid
• GLA – Gamma Linoleic Acid
• AA – Arachidonic Acid
• DGLA - Dihomo Gamma Linoleic Acid

Functions They Play In A Dog’s Body

Omega 3 plays an integral part in a dog’s body, which are:

• Formation of new cells and their growth
• Absorption of soluble vitamins like A, D, K and E
• Production and Control Of Hormones
• Blood Clotting
• Maintains health, shine, and softness of the coat and skin
• Maintains Brain health
• Controls cholesterol in the blood
• Joint Health
   

Both the fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 produce hormones that control inflammation in the dog’s body and have antagonistic roles. Whereas Omega 6 Fatty Acid produces hormones to elevate the inflammation, Omega 3 decreases it by producing another set of hormones, thereby maintaining the equilibrium. If this balance is disturbed, it can cause degenerative and inflammatory health issues and in severe cases may even lead to cancers in dogs. Therefore, it is essential that the regular diet must contain Omega 3 to balance out Omega 6’s harsh effects.

Foods And Supplements That Contain Omega 3

Many processed foods contain a high percentage of Omega 6 fatty acids whereas the percentage of Omega 3 in them is quite low therefore we must choose the food we buy from markets very carefully. Here is a list of natural foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.

• Cold Water Fish
• Pure Fish Oil
• Phytoplanktons
• Chicken Eggs
• Coconut Oil
• Hemp Oil
• Flaxseed Oil
• Veggies

Supplements

Many supplements that come for joint care and for skin and coat careare rich in omega 3 fatty acids and marine nutrients which are highly beneficial for dog’s health. For instance, SeaFlex Joint Function for dogs have plentiful marine nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and is the perfect source of essential fatty acids.

Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Supplement

Before making a choice, research about the product and ensure these 3 things before making a purchase:

• The product is preserved to prevent rancidity or not
• EPA and DHA levels are balanced
• Purity Methods Implemented

Conclusion

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are essential and healthy. A pet owner must incorporate Omega 3 rich diet in dogs. Other than giving foods, providing supplements that have good levels of Omega 3 will suffice all nutritional dearth which meals may not be able to provide due to absorption or metabolic issues in dogs.

So, your furry pal certainly needs omega 3 and if you want him to have a healthy and shiny skin, Omega 3 diet is your way to go!