Boost Your Dog's Diet: Omega-3 Deficiency Solutions!

Section 1: What are Omega3 and Omega6?

Omega3 and Omega6 are essential unsaturated fatty acids that both humans and animals, including cats and dogs, cannot synthesize on their own. Therefore, they must be obtained through dietary sources.

The Omega6 category includes Linoleic Acid (found primarily in corn, soybeans, flaxseeds, and chicken and duck meat), Arachidonic Acid (mainly present in poultry, fats, lean meats, egg yolks, and some fish oils), and GammaLinolenic Acid (found in some plant seed oils, such as flaxseed oil).

Omega3 encompasses AlphaLinolenic Acid (mainly found in deepsea fish and certain plant seed oils like flaxseed oil), DHA, and EPA (both predominantly in deepsea fish and algae). Particularly, DHA is highlighted in many infant formula recipes due to its crucial role in brain development and cognitive growth in infants. ALA, the precursor to DHA and EPA, can be converted by the human body into these nutrients. However, dogs have a weak conversion ability, necessitating dietary supplementation of DHA and EPA.

Section 2: The Role of Omega3 and Omega6 in Dogs' Skin and Coat Health

In a 1994 study on dogs with skin issues, such as inflammation, allergic dermatitis, itching, and hair loss, 16 dogs were fed a diet rich in Omega3 EPA, while the others were given a diet containing only Omega3 ALA. After a period, the dogs that consumed the EPAenriched diet showed significant improvement in their skin symptoms. The "Canine and Feline Nutrition Recommendations" notes that deficiencies in unsaturated fatty acids are primarily manifested in the skin, and LA in Omega6 plays a vital role in the epidermal water barrier.

Feeding puppies a diet low in fat can result in dry, rough hair, with the condition worsening over time, leading to skin flaking after just two months. However, when the appropriate levels of Omega3 and Omega6 are introduced, these symptoms gradually disappear.

A 54day study abroad revealed that dogs fed a diet containing only Omega6 showed dry, flaky skin. In contrast, dogs fed a diet with a certain proportion of Omega3 exhibited glossy hair and less water loss in the epidermis.

Overall, it is clear that both Omega3 and Omega6 play a crucial role in a dog's skin and coat health, and the balance between the two is particularly important.

Section 3: Additional Benefits of Omega3

1. Enhancing Cognitive Function and Neural Health: A 2012 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that feeding dogs a diet rich in DHA can improve their learning and cognitive abilities, memory, neural function, and immunity.

2. Benefits for Eyes: Research cited in the "Canine and Feline Nutrition Recommendations" indicates that a deficiency in Omega3 can lead to abnormal visual sensitivity and decreased retinal function in the nervous system.

3. Benefits for Arthritis: A 2012 study in the Netherlands' Journal of Animal Physiology and Nutrition found that cats with hereditary osteoarthritis showed improvement in symptoms after supplementing with Omega3. Similarly, a study in Canada found that Omega3 was also beneficial for dogs with hereditary arthritis, with improvements in mobility and daily activities observed.

Section 4: Interaction Between Omega3 and Omega6

EPA from Omega3 and AA from Omega6 can both enter cell membranes. When cells are damaged, AA, through metabolic enzymes, produces substances that promote inflammation. In contrast, EPA, along with DHA, produces substances that inhibit inflammation through the same metabolic enzymes. They compete with AA for the same enzymes to produce substances that have opposing effects on inflammation. If a dog's Omega3 intake is insufficient, the AA in Omega6 can rapidly exacerbate inflammation. This is why some dogs with inflammation or dermatitis may not heal quickly and experience recurrent symptoms. However, for dogs with adequate Omega3 intake, some inflammation may resolve on its own.