Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats that are essential for dogs and cats. They cannot produce them on their own and must therefore obtain them through their diet. These fatty acids play a crucial role in a variety of biological processes, such as reducing inflammation, supporting cell function, and maintaining healthy skin, coat, brain, and joints.
In our webshop you will find several completely natural sources of omega-3: anchovies, mackerel, sardines, monkfish liver and green-lipped mussel – all with high bioavailability (the body can more easily utilize a greater share of the nutrients) and of course of the highest quality.
Which omega-3 fatty acids exist and how do they work in the body?
Omega-3 consists of several types of fatty acids and is divided into two main categories: marine omega-3 (EPA, DHA, and ETA) and plant-based omega-3 (ALA). This article focuses on marine omega-3 fatty acids:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): Has anti-inflammatory properties and supports healthy skin and joint function. Important in cases of allergies and chronic inflammatory conditions.
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Essential for the development and maintenance of the brain and vision, and important for the nervous system and heart function.
- ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid): Found in green-lipped mussel and has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. In some cases, ETA may be even more effective than EPA in protecting joints by inhibiting the enzymes that break down cartilage – particularly relevant for joint issues such as osteoarthritis and arthritis.
Why is omega-3 supplementation important?
Dogs and cats cannot produce EPA and DHA themselves, but dogs can convert a very small amount of ALA (e.g. from flaxseed oil) into active omega-3. This means that direct intake of EPA and DHA from fish, shellfish, or microalgae are the best sources of omega-3.
Today’s dog and cat food often has a skewed omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Omega-6 is naturally found in meat (from animals that have been fed large amounts of grain and feed), grains, and vegetable oils (often listed simply as “vegetable oils” in ingredient lists). The problem arises because omega-3 and omega-6 compete for the same enzyme systems in the body. An imbalanced ratio can result in poor omega-3 utilization and increased production of arachidonic acid, a compound that promotes inflammation and can trigger allergic reactions.
EPA acts as a natural counterbalance to omega-6 and helps reduce inflammatory processes in the body, which is precisely why omega-3 supplementation is so important!
Benefits of giving omega-3 in short
- Reduces inflammation in joints and skin, thereby reducing itching
- Promotes a softer, shinier coat and stronger claws
- Supports joint and muscle health, especially in young, older, or active animals
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves heart and brain function, slowing cognitive decline in older animals and supporting brain development in young ones. This can potentially contribute to a longer and healthier life
How to use omega-3 supplements?
It is sufficient to give just one omega-3 source per day, so you don’t need to give both anchovies and fish oil on the same day. However, it is very beneficial to rotate between different omega-3 sources over time, for example by giving sardines for a period, fish oil the next, and then green-lipped mussel. Different products and fish species contain varying nutrient profiles, and variation provides a broader spectrum of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Signs such as dull or dry coat, excessive shedding, dandruff, itching, stiffness, joint pain, slow wound healing, or reduced concentration in young animals may indicate that your pet could benefit from omega-3 supplementation.
Worth mentioning about fish oils
Fish oil is perhaps the most commonly used omega-3 source, but here are some things to consider before buying it:
- Fish oils are known to be unstable and oxidize very easily. Oxidation is a process triggered when the oil is exposed to oxygen, light, and heat. This process accelerates if the bottle is transparent, has a pump (which pumps air into the bottle), or is stored incorrectly.
- When fish oil oxidizes, it can contain free radicals and other reactive oxygen species that may damage cells and tissues, thereby promoting inflammation instead of reducing it.
- Fish oil made from larger fish species may contain environmental toxins such as heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic), especially if they come from farmed fish.
- Fish oil has a short shelf life, so use it within 2 months of opening, and remember to store it in the refrigerator!
Therefore, choose a fish oil that...
- is made from small fish species (or algae) – they contain little to no heavy metals due to their shorter lifespans and lower place in the food chain
- is bottled in dark glass or metal, completely sealed, and without a pump (oil in clear plastic bottles will oxidize faster due to oxygen and light)
- is produced by a brand that shares analysis results for both DHA, EPA, and TOTOX (a measurement of how much oxidation has already occurred in the oil when bottled)
When introducing omega-3 supplements, it is best to start with small amounts and gradually increase to the recommended dosage. This is especially important for animals with sensitive stomachs, such as puppies.
Sources
- Fishing for answers: is oxidation of fish oil supplements a problem?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4681158/
- Greenshell™ Mussels: A Review of Veterinary Trials and Future Research Directions
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6024869/
- Fish Oil for Dogs: Benefits, Dosage, and Vet Pick
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/fish-oil-for-dogs
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids For Dogs
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/omega-3-and-omega-6-fatty-acids-for-dogs/