When anybody talks about fatty acids, it is an unsaid understanding that he must be talking about improving the skin, coat and hair of pets. However, recently veterinarians have found that fatty acids can do a lot more than just improving the skin and coat of your pet. They also play a major role in improving joint health, controlling the inflammation, energy production and its utilization and in facilitating immune system.
While these fatty acids have a great importance in your pet’s body, it can be very useful to know some basic things about them. Let’s talk about fatty acids and their importance in a pet’s body!
What are Fatty Acids?
Fatty acids are the building blocks of dietary fats and are important for development of hormones, insulation, protection of cell structure, and a variety of other essential functions in pets. Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, these fatty acids are generally produced by the body itself.
But, there are some of the fatty acids that are not produced by your pet’s body and are still needed for their healthy being. Such fatty acids are called “essential fatty acids”. As these essential fatty acids are not produced by the body, it becomes essential to put your pets on supplement pills.
There are two main classes of fatty acids based on their molecular construction, Omega-3 and Omega-6.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids contain linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Many consider omega-3 fatty acids not essential, but some studies have shown that alpha-linoleic acid is an extremely important part of a pet’s diet.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA). Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids since they are not naturally synthesized in the body, and both dogs and cats require linoleic acid, and cats also require arachidonic acid.
Natural Sources of Fatty Acids
Although Omega-3 is produced by the body of animals itself, sometimes there occurs a deficiency. To overcome the deficiency, you may need to feed your pet with food that has natural presence of these fatty acids. Some natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are Atlantic mackerel, Pacific or Atlantic herring, Salmon, Sardines canned in water, Tuna, Trout, Sturgeon, Anchovy, Sprat, Cod liver, Menhaden fish, Flax seed, Walnuts, Hemp seed and Salvia hispanica.
Omega-6 fatty acids are the “essential fatty acids”. They need to be consumed externally through natural sources or supplements. Some of the natural sources of omega-6 fatty acids are Canola oil, Corn oil, Peanut oil, Olive oil, Borage oil, Black current oil, Evening primrose oil and Flax seed. Consumtion or external usage of these oils may make your pet’s skin flaw less.
If you cannot feed your pets with these natural sources of fatty acids, you can start with the supplementary products.
When do you need Supplementary fatty acids?
If your pets do not have healthy fur, coat and skin, you may need external source of fatty acids. There are many other reasons that can clearly suggest that fatty acid supplements are needed. If you find any of the following issues with your pets, it is recommended to immediately start administering or applying the fatty acids supplements:
- Allergies and auto-immune conditions
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory diseases
- Dull and dry hair coats
- Yeast infections
- Atopy (Infections caused by inhaling some pollens or molds)
- Cancers
- Heart problems
- Weak eyes
Fatty acid supplements can help your pet to fight against above problems and stay healthy.
The most important thing about fatty acids is that they should have its proper ratio of 5:1 as of omega6: omega 3. If this proportion is maintained, it would have miraculous effects. Let’s discuss some of the perfectly blended fatty acid supplements for pets!
Essential 6
Essential 6 is a spot-on supplement available for cats and dogs. This is a perfect blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It rejuvenates the skin and coat of your pet to make it shinier and healthier. If your canine or feline has dry and dull skin, this supplement can be the best for them.
Omegaderm
Omegaderm is an oral supplement with perfect proportions of omega-3, omega-6, vitamins and minerals. This is a chewable supplement with a chicken flavor. Thus, it is easy to administer it to the pets. Omegaderm is available for both, dogs and cats. It is enriched with anti-oxidants like vitamin E which can make your pet’s skin smoother and shinier.
The bottom line is, fatty acids are very essential for your pets to live a perfectly healthy life. They not only help in making their skin better, but also help with their inflammation and other issues. Omega-3 and omega-6 in a perfect proportion is the key to a perfect skin and a healthy living. To gift your furry pals the best of their health, you can start with the fatty acids supplements after consulting your vet.
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