Fatty Acids for Dogs

Fatty acids for dogs are essential for the overall health and wellbeing of dogs. Since they cannot be synthesized, fatty acids must be supplemented to the dog's diet. This page looks at the types of fatty acids, their functions, signs of fatty acid deficiency, and how dogs can benefit from them.

Fatty acids are specific types of polyunsaturated fats. Two main classes that are of particular importance to our dogs are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids include:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Important Notes on Fatty Acids

Fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be supplemented in the diet.
Animals are incapable of converting one type of fatty acids to another, e.g. from Omega-6's to Omega-3's.
Research shows that an optimal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed for maximum positive benefits. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1 in the dog's daily diet.
You may also wonder about Omega-9 fatty acids - These fatty acids are of no use to a dog's health; in fact, increased amounts of Omega-9's can actually decrease the concentration of Omega-3's and 6's in the blood and skin.
Fatty acids for dogs are not medicines and, when used in isolation, cannot cure diseases such as kidney failure or cancer. However, used in complement with other medication, they can facilitate speedier recovery and improved health conditions.

Fatty Acids for Dogs - Sources

Fish oil, such as salmon oil, cod liver oil, and sardine oil, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).

Flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, and soybean oil are rich in Omega-3 too, but in the form of ALA. As mentioned above, ALA needs to be converted to EPA and DHA to be of nutritional benefit.

Evening primrose, borage, pumpkin seed, and sunflower oil are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids.

Fish Oil vs. Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil contains more Omega-3's than fish oil. However, the Omega-3's in flaxseed oil are in an inactive form (ALA). Special enzymes are required to convert the inactive ALA into the active forms (EPA and DHA). Some animals, especially carnivores like dogs, do not have the required enzymes to do the conversion.

Recent research shows that fish oil has more positive benefits on pets with disease, because the fatty acids contained in fish oil are readily available for use. Particularly, fish oil has positive effects on dogs with inflammatory diseases, such as allergies, arthritis, kidney and heart disease, and cancer. Flaxseed oil does not seem to be as beneficial to dogs with inflammatory diseases.

However, flaxseed oil seems to be anti-cancerous, and is also effective in improving the skin and coat conditions of dogs.

Flaxseed oil can be a dietary source of soluble fiber. Increasing soluble fiber in the diet can help counter tendencies to constipation.

Fish oil, therefore, is the preferred fatty acid supplement for dogs with inflammatory diseases. Flaxseed oil can be used to improve skin and coat conditions, and to counter constipation and perhaps inhibit cancer growth.

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Fatty Acids for Dogs - Signs of FA Deficiency

A lot of processed dog food tend to be high in Omega-6's and low in Omega-3's. If you feed your dog processed food, therefore, there is a high chance that he needs Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Specifically, if your dog shows the following signs, it is indicative that there is deficiency of fatty acid in his diet:

A thin, discolored coat
Hair loss
Scaly, dry skin, dandruff
Increased sebum viscosity, resulting in skin problems such as greasy hair, acne, etc.
Slow wound healing
Ear infection
Weight loss
Allergy-like symptoms (e.g. itching, eczema)

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Fatty Acids for Dogs - Benefits

Fatty acids are beneficial to dogs of all ages and breeds.

Even healthy dogs can benefit from a shinier, healthier coat when they are given fatty acid supplements.

Fatty acids for dogs are particularly effective in helping to improve various health problems.

Here are some canine health problems that can benefit from fatty acids:

Inflammatory diseases

By supplementing our dog with EPA, DHA, and GLA, inflammatory diseases can be kept in check.

Fatty acids, especially EPA, are found to be effective in reducing inflammation associated with arthritis.

Fatty acids for dogs are also effective in alleviating symptoms of other inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Dull and Dry Hair

Dogs with dull and dry hair can greatly benefit from the use of fatty acids, especially LA in Omega-6's.

Allergies

Allergies are usually the result of a weakened immune system. Dogs with allergies respond well to an addition of fatty acids to their diet, since certain fatty acids strengthen the immune system and lessen the effects of some allergic symptoms on the body.

Yeast Infections

Fatty acids have been shown to slow down the growth of certain yeast that causes common yeast infection in dogs. If your dog suffers from recurring infections on the skin and ears, try adding fatty acids to his diet.

Triglycerides and Cholesterol

Fatty acids can decrease levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. Dogs receiving retinoid therapy (synthetic vitamin A derivatives) for various skin problems may develop hyperlipidemia (an elevation of fats in the bloodstream). Also, dogs with kidney disease tend to have elevated levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids may benefit these doggie patients.

Kidney Failure

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to slow the progression of kidney disease in dogs. The anti-inflammatory action of the Omega-3's may reduce kidney inflammation and improve blood flow to the kidneys.

Heart Disease

Fatty acids (Omega-3's) can prevent certain cardiovascular problems in dogs, such as high blood pressure, and ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rapid heart rhythms).

Cancers

Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent the growth and slow down the development and spread of certain cancer tumors. Moreover, Omega-3's can improve the body's immune system, which may help the body fight cancer as well.

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Fatty Acids for Dogs - Are They Safe?

Fatty acid supplements are very safe. The most common side effect in dogs is a fish odor to the breath or the skin.

Because fish oil has a mild "blood-thinning" effect, it should not be combined with powerful blood-thinning medications without consultation with a veterinarian. Flaxseed oil has not been found to have a blood-thinning effect.

Supplements of Fatty Acids for Dogs

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet for Dogs and Cats

This supplement contains the highest quality fish oils available, and provides the important Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which support healthy skin and coat, joints, heart, eyes, brain, growth and reproduction in dogs (and cats!).

Dr. Harvey's Health and Shine for Dogs

This supplement is a combination of borage oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil and Vitamin E, and is excellent for improving and maintaining health haircoats of our dogs.

Ark Naturals Royal Coat for Dogs and Cats

If your dog does not like pills, consider mixing this oil (fish oil and borage oil) with his food. This supplement will also do wonders to your dog's coat.

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