Nutrient Spotlight - Omega Fatty Acids
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - TECHNICAL POSITION PAPER
Leading with Technical Expertise - White Paper
Leah Lambrakis & Samantha Gumfory, Department of Technical Services
Understanding Omega Fatty Acid Nutrition for Dogs and Cats
Nutrition is essential for the overall health and longevity of pets. Offering a balanced diet tailored to their individual needs helps ensure they get the nutrients required to thrive throughout their lives. In this edition of The Dish, we’ll take a closer look at Omega fatty acids, exploring their role in pet nutrition, their sources, and benefits.
When we think about fats in nutrition, we often overlook that not all fats are created equal and the numerous benefits the “good fats” can offer. Beyond being a rich source of energy, fats play a vital role in helping the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. They are also critical for the formation of cell membranes and the protection of nerve fibers. (1). Perhaps one of the most important contributions of dietary fats is their role in delivering essential nutrients, specifically Omega fatty acids.
What are Omega Fatty Acids?
In pet nutrition, these foods are commonly sourced from plants, though some animal-derived products such as certain fish and fish oils are also regarded as superfoods because of their rich omega-3 content. Let’s dive into several of the top superfoods that are super beneficial for our pets!
Providing a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients from complementary ingredient sources is essential for optimal pet health. While many superfoods are similar to those beneficial for humans, not all provide the same benefits to cats and dogs. For example, cats cannot convert beta-carotene found in plant-based foods into Vitamin A, but these foods still provide essential nutrients like antioxidants and fiber. As often stated in nutrition, balance is key!
What Should Pet Parents Look For?
Omega fatty acids are an important component of pet nutrition, falling under the category of 'good' polyunsaturated fats. They are distinguished by their chemical structure and can be classified into two main types—Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Some components of these fatty acids are considered essential, meaning the body cannot produce them on its own and they must be obtained through diet. For example, cats require arachidonic acid (AA) directly from their diet, while dogs can synthesize AA from linoleic acid (LA).
The following are the key Omega fatty acids used in pet nutrition, along with their abbreviations:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega-6 Fatty Acids:
linoleic acid (LA)
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
arachidonic acid (AA)
The Role of Omega Fatty Acids in Dog & Cat Nutrition
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are important for our pet's health. They help support a strong immune system, promote brain and heart health, and improve the condition of their skin and coat (2,3). Let’s explore the benefits of these nutrients a little further:
Skin & Coat Health: Supplementing with omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids helps prevent excessive water loss, dry skin, and inflammation, promoting a shiny, healthy coat. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential aids in easing inflammation, itching, and dryness associated with skin problems such as allergies and dermatitis (4).
Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are known for their ability to support heart health by reducing triglycerides and improving blood flow, which may help lower the likelihood of cardiovascular issues (5).
Joint Health: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in managing joint inflammation and enhancing mobility, particularly for pets with arthritis or joint problems.
Cognitive Health: DHA is essential for the brain development of puppies and kittens, supporting cognitive function and potentially aiding in learning and behavior (2).
Immune and Anti-inflammatory Support: Omega 3 fatty acids are recognized for boosting the immune system and their anti-inflammatory properties. In contrast, while omega-6 fatty acids also play important roles in health, excessive omega-6 intake can promote inflammation, so it's important to balance the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in the diet.
Sources and Considerations of Omega Fatty Acids in Pet Foods
Omega 3: The richest sources of Omega-3s for pets are marine based, particularly from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as fish oils and algae. Plant-based options include flaxseed oil and chia seeds; however, it is important to note that omega-3 fatty acids from plant-based sources mainly come in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which must be converted into EPA and DHA in the body. This conversion process is not very efficient in dogs and is even less so in cats (2).
Omega 6: Linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA) are components of omega-6 fatty acids (2). Common sources include vegetable oils such as corn, canola, safflower, and soybean oils, as well as poultry fat. While omega-6 fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy skin and coat and supporting overall health, it is important to balance their intake with omega-3 fatty acids to promote optimal health and reduce inflammation.
Omega 6 to Omega 3 Ratio: While both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for our pets' health and well-being, it’s also important to balance their intake. The optimal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids in a diet is between 5:1 and 10:1.
Let’s Sum Up!
Omega fatty acids are so important for keeping pets healthy, playing a key role in everything from a shiny coat and joint support to brain function and heart health. It’s important to provide a balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in their diets to promote overall well-being. By choosing the right sources and supplementing with the guidance of your animal health professional, Omega fatty acids can really make a difference in the long-term health of the pets that we love.
Our Commitment – Leading with Technical Expertise – our technical experts are here to provide guidance and insights – do not hesitate to connect with us at Simmons Pet Food, petcomments@simfoods.com. We would love to hear from you and be part of your pet’s nutrition solution!
Literature Referenced
Whitney, EN, Rolfes SR; (2022) The Lipids: Triglycerides, Phospholipids, and Sterols. In: Understanding Nutrition; 16th edition. Cengage Learning, Boston MA. Pp. 127-162.
National Research Council. (2006) Fats and fatty acids. In: Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Pp 81-104.
Bauer, J. E. (2016). The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 249(11), 1267-1272.
Watson, TD. (1998) Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Nutrition. Dec;128(12 Suppl):2783S-2789S.
Chaddha, A., & Eagle, K. A. (2015). Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Health. Circulation, 132(22), e350–e352.