Omega-3 & Omega-6 Goodness    

From the Pet Nutritionist

Essential Fatty Acids were given their name because researchers found that they are essential to normal growth in both children & animals. Even for us adults, they are essential in our diet for maintaining a normal metabolism. Omega-3 & 6 are simplified names for a family of complex fatty acids.

Skin, which is the body’s largest organ, is a natural protector against toxic substances, dehydration and infection. Good nutrition can therefore have a positive effect on your dog’s skin and coat    

Where does Omega-3 & 6 come from, and what are the benefits?

There are many types of Omega-6 fatty acids, but one, Linoleic Acid is crucial to your dog’s health:

BALANCED consumption is key!

Studies conducted with dogs have shown Omega-6 to 3 ratios of 5.5 to 1 provide some benefits. Other research for humans is recently recommending a ratio of 1:1 (human diets are reportedly as high as 10 or 16 to 1 – driven mostly by an overabundance of vegetable oils and the consumption of too much processed food).

• All diets do not contain adequate levels of Omega-3; a diet with both fish and organ meat is IDEAL.
• Check the label to see if they are include sources of Omega-3 and 6, and what their ratio is.
• See if the ingredient panel includes sources of EPA and DHA, and the guaranteed % minimum
• Look for diets that have sources of fish and fish oils in the ingredient panel
• Look for diets whose protein comes more from animal sources
• Be wary of diets rich in vegetable-based ingredients like soy or corn.