VF Omega-3

What are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Omega-3s and omega-6s are fatty acids that are responsible for supporting a number of critical body systems. However, omega-6s are often consumed in higher amounts than omega-3s. Omega-3s are commonly associated with fish consumption, but modern aquaculture produces fish that are lower in omega-3s than wild fish.¹  This has the potential to create nutritional gaps, which can be improved through supplementation.

Why are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids important for cats and dogs?

Studies have shown that consuming a balanced amount of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids can provide a number of health benefits.^2-5 However, many dogs and cats tend to consume diets that are higher in omega-6 fatty acids. This is partly because grains and oils rich in omega-6s have been largely used in feed for farm animals, which has led to production of meat and eggs rich in omega-6s and poor in omega-3s.⁶ In addition, modern aquaculture produces fish that contain lower levels of omega-3s than wild fish.¹ 

References: 

1. van Vliet T, Katan MB. Lower ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids in cultured than in wild fish. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1990;51:1-2

2. Roush JK, Dodd CE, Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Jewell DE, Schoenherr WD, et al. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2010;236:59-66.

3. Mooney MA, Vaughn DM, Reinhart GA, Powers RD, Wright JC, Hoffman CE, et al. Evaluation of the effects of omega-3 fatty acid-containing diets on the inflammatory stage of wound healing in dogs. American journal of veterinary research. 1998;59:859-63.

4. Scott DW, Miller WH, Jr., Reinhart GA, Mohammed HO, Bagladi MS. Effect of an omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid-containing commercial lamb and rice diet on pruritus in atopic dogs: results of a single-blinded study. Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire. 1997;61:145-53.

5. Kearns RJ, Hayek MG, Turek JJ, Meydani M, Burr JR, Greene RJ, et al. Effect of age, breed and dietary omega-6 (n-6): omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio on immune function, eicosanoid production, and lipid peroxidation in young and aged dogs. Veterinary immunology and immunopathology. 1999;69:165-83.

6. Biagi G. MAL, Cocchi M., Mordenti A. The role of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the nutrition of dogs and cats: a review. Progress in Nutrition. 2004;6.