Fatty Acids for Dogs

Fat has been public health enemy No.1 for decades, leading to a rise in low-fat or fat-free products on supermarket shelves. However, fats don't wholly deserve the bad reputation countless magazines have given them — in fact, healthy fats and fatty acids are an essential part of both human and animal diets.

You only have to look at DHA, one of the best Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs, which is crucial for healthy brain development in puppies (and human babies, too). Other Omega fatty acids for dogs help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and keep your pet's coat shiny and soft.

What's more, your dog can't produce many omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on their own — they can only get them through the food they eat, so it’s important parents give their pets food that’s rich in these ingredients or consider fatty acid supplements for dogs.

Read on for the low down on vital fatty acids and why they're so important for our four-legged friends.

What exactly are Omega fatty acids for dogs? Well, they’re polyunsaturated fats that can be separated into two main classifications: Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs.

While your dog’s body produces some of the fatty acids it needs, several fatty acids can only be consumed through diet — these are considered essential fatty acids for dogs. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Dogs

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): ALA is a plant-based essential fatty acid that can lower the risk of heart disease and plays a major role in healthy canine growth. It’s found in flaxseed and vegetable oils.
  
  
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid found in fish and fish oils, which can help promote blood flow and slow blood clotting. 
  
  
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA is one of the most important fatty acids for dogs since it helps the brain and eyes develop. According to the National Research Council, "Studies over the last decade have provided evidence that a deficiency of DHA leads to nervous system abnormalities, such as decreased visual acuity, electroretinographic abnormalities, polyneuropathy, and reduced learning ability." It’s found in their mother's milk, as well as fish and organ meat.

Fatty acids are an essential part of a healthy canine diet and are necessary for optimal health. Here are just a few of the roles they serve in your dog’s body.

Support For The Immune and Endocrine Systems

Fatty acids may help to improve systemic issues such as immune deficiency, Diabetes, and digestive problems. Emerging research suggests that the growth of some cancerous tumors in dogs can be significantly slowed by adding omega-3s and 6s to your puppy's food bowl. 

Help with Prostaglandin Production

Did you know fatty acids play a key role in moderating inflammation and blood flow, too? Yep, this is due to Arachidonic acid’s influence on the production of prostaglandins (lipids that have a hormone-like effect on the body in response to injury or infection).

Form The Building Blocks of Cells

Fatty acids affect dogs even down to the cellular level since they are integral to the structure of the cell membrane, which regulates what material comes in and out of cells.

Promote Healthy Growth and Development

Omega fatty acids (especially DHA) are crucial for neurological development in puppies and also affect overall health and growth. What's more, dogs who don't get enough fatty acids can fail to thrive and become infertile. 

Involved in Vitamin Absorption

Fatty acids help dogs’ bodies absorb fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Used as an Energy Source

Like all dietary fats, fatty acids for dogs also serve as an energy source for our canine friends. In fact, they have over twice as many calories as carbohydrates when compared by weight.

Now we know what health benefits rely on the adequate consumption of essential fatty acids for dogs, the next thing parents should be clued up on is which ingredients are good sources. 

While many commercial recipes contain Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs, heavy processing can often reduce or even eliminate their effects.

Let's talk about some foods you can offer to sneak more fatty acids into your pooch's diet: 

• Fish, such as salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, sea bass, mackerel
• Fish oil such as Nordic Naturals fish oil (also krill oil and cod liver oil)
• Peanut butter
• Wheat germ
• Hemp seeds
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseed
• Eggs

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): 0.11g recommended allowance for adults and 0.2g recommended allowance for dogs under 1 year. 
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): 0.11g - 2.8g (max for adult dogs) and 0.13g - 11g for dogs under 1 year. 
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA):  0.11g - 2.8g (max for adult dogs) and 0.13g - 11g for dogs under 1 year. 
• Linolenic acid (LA): Adult Dogs, 2.8g recommended - 16.3g (max). Dogs under 1 year: 3.3g recommended, 65g (max)
• Arachidonic acid (AA): No recommended allowance for dogs under 1 year, 0.08g recommended allowance for puppies. 
• It is unclear what the current dosage recommendations are for Gamma-linolenic acid and Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid in dogs. Ask your vet for specific dosage recommendations if you are unsure, especially if your dog has medical conditions that may affect supplement absorption. 

Adding supplemental sources of fatty acids for dogs, such as flaxseed oil or fish oil, can help ensure they’re getting the recommended amounts.

Some dogs find oil-filled capsules at night (perhaps wrapped securely in a slice of cheese) a welcome treat, while others will readily consume a small amount of oil added daily in meals.

The trick is experimenting with brands and methods to find which works best for both you and your dog's routine. However they’re administered, adding essential fatty acids for dogs to your pet’s diet might improve their health and appearance.

All dogs can benefit from extra fatty acids in their diet, but it’s especially true for dogs with skin issues or dull coats, growing puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs predisposed to joint issues.

Things to Consider Before Using Fatty Acid Supplements For Dogs

Be sure to pick quality supplements. Do your research and pick from a reputable brand. Cheaper rarely means better when it comes to vitamins.

Always talk to your vet about the appropriate dosage of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs since age and breed can all affect how much they need.

Many fatty acid supplements need to be refrigerated since they can lose potency or go rancid at room temperature, so check the label for storage instructions after opening. Also, some fish oil-based supplements are quite stinky, so keep your dog's toothbrush handy!

If you're going with fish oil, it's also important to know that there are three main types:

• Natural triglyceride oil: This is the most easily metabolized but can contain impurities since it's unprocessed
• Synthetic triglyceride: This won't contain any of the impurities of natural triglyceride. However, it’s more difficult for dogs to metabolize
• Ethyl ester oil: This is a concentrated, semi-synthetic fish oil that contains both DHA and EPA. It’s a top pick since it’s more digestible than synthetic triglyceride and the levels of processed impurities are lower than in unrefined natural fish oils 
  
  

Possible Side Effects of Fatty Acid Supplements For Dogs

Though usually considered safe, fatty acid supplements for dogs can cause side effects in some cases, especially in high doses. These can include:

• Diarrhea 
• Upset stomach
• Pancreatitis
• Weight changes
• Lower blood pressure
• Lowered immune responses
• Changes in white blood cell counts
• Slowed wound healing or blood clotting
• Exposure to contaminants or heavy metals
• May cause vitamin levels to spike or plummet
• Degradation of lipids in the plasma and urine (lipid peroxidation)

Extremely high doses of fatty acids can lead to toxic overdoses and cause vitamin E  plasma levels to plummet. 

It’s advised to start on a low dose of fatty acid supplements for dogs and gradually build up to the recommended daily dose to ensure that dogs learn to tolerate the supplement.

• Essential fatty acids for dogs are separated into two groups — Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs
• Fatty acids are integral to canine health can improve blood flow, the immune system, skin conditions and reduce inflammation
• Your dog is capable of synthesizing some fatty acids by themselves, but they can only get essential fatty acids for dogs from their diet 
• You can ensure your dog gets plenty of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids by adding fish, flaxseed, or peanuts to their diet. There are also many over-the-counter fish oil and fatty acid supplements for dogs (like Welactin Liquid)
• An excessive amount of fatty acids can cause toxicity and abnormal vitamin E plasma levels