Pet Corner

Which Fatty Acids Are the Best for Pets?

By Gary L. Ailes, DVM

There are three different forms of fatty acids. These are omega-3s, which are considered the healthy form, omega-6s, which our pets get large amounts of in their normal diet, and omega-9s, which are contained in olive oil and avocados. Omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated and are considered healthy fats as they are a large part of the Mediterranean diet.

We need to understand that, like us, pets need to have some of each of the fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are considered essential because the animals are unable to make them from other consumed fatty acids.

The omega-6 fatty acids help with the structure and ability for the vascular system to hold its integrity. Without omega-6s, pets’ blood pressure would drop too low to be compatible with life. With too much omega-6s, the vascular system tends to become too rigid, and, as in people, leads to high blood pressure. This does happen in our pets but not at the same level as it does in Homo sapiens.

Omega-3 fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory nutrients. The metabolic cascade that omega-3 fatty acids pass through will lead to anti-inflammatory products for the body.

However, to achieve an anti-inflammatory response, the dose level of omega-3s should be in the range of 40 to 80 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. At levels in this range, most animals seem to have less pain from osteoarthritis and get around much better.

Omega-3s from flax seed oil, borage oil, etc. primarily contain alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is not as effective in animals. Cats and dogs have to break the ALA down to eicosapentaeoic (EPA) and docosahexanoic (DHA) acid, which are the active forms of the omega-3 fatty acids, and their metabolism does a poor job at making that conversion.

The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s are very good to help control the pain of arthritis, different forms of dermatitis, dry skin and brittle hair, decreasing the symptoms of allergies and atopy (hypersensitivity or allergic reaction), and they may increase survival rates is several types of cancer along with increased survival time in combination with chemotherapy.

Krill Oil Plus is a very pure source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are 1.3 grams or 1,300 mg in two capsules, of which, 450 mg is in the form of omega-3 fatty acids. That is a good dose for a 10 to 20 pound dog and can be given once daily. It takes six to twelve weeks for the omega-3s to be incorporated into the cell membranes. If you happen to miss a dose, just continue on the same dose the next day as opposed to doubling up to make up the miss.