omega-3-for-dogs

Omega 3 for dogs

We often hear about omega-3s and their many health benefits for dogs, as well as for humans.

But what are these fatty acids really good for? Are they really good for the health of our four-legged friends? Today, I'd like to take a closer look at omega-3s in dog food, the qualities that are attributed to them, and the myths that surround them.

 

What is Omega-3 for dogs?

Omega-3s are fatty acids known as "unsaturated" and are known for their benefits on the composition of the body's cells and its overall functioning. Among the omega-3s, some are "essential", meaning that they cannot be produced by the dog's body and must therefore be absorbed through its diet.

Their role in the constitution of cell membranes and their antioxidant properties have been proven by numerous scientific studies. In fact, omega-3s reduce the cells' sensitivity to free radicals, thus neutralizing the production of these agents that cause aging.

Omega-3s are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, inflammation is caused by excessive activity of the immune system, which occurs during the transformation of omega-6 into leukotriene B4 or LTB4. Omega-3s neutralize this transformation by converting omega-6s into leukotriene B5 or LTB5, a less powerful element that causes less inflammation.

In addition, omega-3s from plant materials also slow down the production of interleukins 1 and 6, pro-inflammatory substances. Omega-3s are also involved in the production and maintenance of a healthy lipid film, which protects the skin and hair from external agents.

They contribute to the maintenance of a healthy, shiny and supple coat, which better protects the animal's skin and insulates it from heat and cold. However, their therapeutic effectiveness in the symptomatic treatment of skin disorders (puritus, redness, irritation, etc.) has not been demonstrated.

Some scientific studies also suggest that these fatty acids can prevent the onset of heart failure, but, for the moment, the data collected on this subject are still thin. It should be noted that in healthy humans, recent studies have contradicted previous studies concerning the effectiveness of omega-3 in reducing cardiovascular risks.

Omega-3 supplementation is still recommended for people with heart problems, but would not prevent the onset of these problems in healthy people.

 

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Omega-3 in supplementation VS omega-3 already present in the dog's diet

When we think of omega-3s, we readily think of those little capsules that humans and animals can swallow as a supplement to their daily meals to increase their fatty acid intake. However, omega-3 supplements are far less effective than a balanced diet containing the recommended proportion of fatty acids.

In fact, it is always tempting in nutrition to isolate active ingredients with proven benefits (minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, etc.) in order to concentrate them in capsules and absorb larger doses without having to change your diet. However, it is widely accepted in the scientific sphere that foods contain different substances that act in synergy, and that, whatever the active ingredient that interests us in a food, we should prefer the whole food rather than the isolated nutrient.

In fact, active substances are often much less effective - or even completely ineffective - when isolated, whereas they are full of benefits when absorbed via a food, and therefore combined with other active ingredients. If the synergies generated by the absorption of certain foods are not yet fully understood or explained, their effects are nonetheless observable, quantifiable and reproducible, and therefore very real.

It has also been shown that omega-3 supplements are more effective when they are integrated into the dog's diet, which is generally the case with good quality kibbles and pâté. Supplementation should therefore be reserved for dogs with specific pathologies (heart disease, in particular), on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

 

How to give omega-3 to your dog?

Although omega-3s are essential to the good health of a dog's body, it is generally not necessary to give them to our pets as a supplement. However, it is highly recommended that you choose a quality diet that already contains all the essential fatty acids your dog needs.

For pets fed on a home ration or a BARF diet, omega-3 can be provided through oily fish-based menus (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, etc.) served once or twice a week. Some fish oils can also be added to your dog's diet, as long as you avoid cod liver oil, which used to be very popular, but which can be very toxic due to its high vitamin A content.

Plant-based omega-3s are also found in many seeds and nuts (flaxseed, canola, walnuts, etc.), but their conversion rate is relatively low, making them less than ideal sources of fatty acids for carnivores like our dogs. For dogs with special conditions (obesity, diabetes, heart failure, etc.) omega-3 supplementation in the form of capsules or fish oil may be prescribed by a veterinarian.

 

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FAQ

Why give my dog omega-3 ?
Omega-3s are fatty acids that slow down the aging process (oxidation) of the dog's body cells. They are essential to the animal's health, and help maintain the health of its skin and hair, as well as regulate its immune system.

Which dog foods are rich in omega-3?
Fatty fish are the foods that are suitable for dogs and are among the richest in omega-3. They have the advantage of containing omega-3s with a high conversion rate, which means they can be easily used by the body. High-quality kibbles and pates generally contain enough omega-3 to meet your dog's needs.

Can omega-3s cure certain dog diseases?
No, omega-3s cannot be used as a cure despite all the virtues that are attributed to them. In a healthy dog, they slow down cell oxidation and help maintain healthy skin. They are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in dogs with heart failure, but do not have this property in healthy dogs.

Can I give my dog fish oil to increase his omega-3 intake?
While it is best to feed your dog a high-quality diet that contains sufficient omega-3, it is possible to increase his fatty acid intake with fish oil. Cod liver oil should be avoided at all costs, as it can be very toxic due to its high vitamin A content.

Salmon oil is more common on the dog market, and provides a significant amount of omega-3 when it is of good quality. Omega-3s are as good for dogs as they are for humans, but they should be given sparingly to avoid the digestive and other side effects associated with excess.

The best solution is to feed your dog a diet rich in omega-3, rather than isolated omega-3 in supplement form. This way, you avoid the risk of overdose and promote a healthy diet. All good things for your four-legged friend!

 

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