Supplements: Essential Fatty Acids for Canines
Essential fatty acids are those that must be included in your dog’s diet to avoid deficiencies. Fatty acids are smaller components of fats that are necessary for good health. Several of these fats are produced in the body through other foods, but some are obtained from the food that is eaten by your dog. The fatty acids belonging to the group known as omega-6 fatty acids are an example of this. It is linoleic acid that is the essential omega-6 fatty acid. Other omega-6 fatty acids are present in only in very miniscule amounts. These naturally occurring acids are like a double-edged sword. On one hand, linoleic acid is essential for your canine because it is unable to be produced within your dog’s body. Conversely, large amounts of unbalanced omega-6 fatty acids have been proven to lead to a greater risk of inflammatory diseases. They are found in foods such as evening primrose oil, sunflower oil, safflower, corn and sesame, and borage oils. The omega-6 fatty acids are also present in eggs and poultry. With ample supplies of omega-6 in your dog’s diet, the balance of the fatty acids required for metabolic activity can be manufactured internally.
What do the essential fatty acids do in a canine body? They are part of the cell membranes. They are needed for cells to carry out their normal functions. Fatty acids are responsible for brain and retina development, hormone synthesis, regulation of pain and inflammation, immune function, kidney function, and energy production. Fatty acids also play a vital role in establishing a healthy lipid (fat) barrier in the skin to block infections and irritants.
Omega-3 fatty acid sources are not in commercially prepared dog foods since they are unable to withstand the heat process during manufacturing. As a result, they must be added to your canine’s diet as a supplement. The foods belonging to the omega-3 group can be found in cold-water fish, in their oil-salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod are excellent sources. Flaxseeds, flax oil, wheat germ, and walnuts are also good sources of the essential fat. Green leafy vegetables and canola oil round out a good list of sources for omega-3 fats.
Fortunately, some foods contain stores of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, you want to use caution if feeding these to your dog, as they may cause flatulence. These include legumes such as great northern beans, kidney, and navy beans. Certain fish also contain stores of both: sardines, herring, lake trout, and albacore tuna.
You will know that your canine companion has an essential fatty acid deficiency by examining his skin and coat. Skin may be dry and flaky and the coat will feel oily and appear dull or coarse. Other signs may include: failure of would healing, male sterility, weakness, visual impairment, repeated infections, and kidney degeneration. Your dog may have a distinctly disagreeable odor as well.
If you are purchasing a fatty acid supplement, choose cold pressed oils since they have not been heated excessively. If you have only one dog, you may benefit from purchasing gel capsules specifically prepared for canine needs. Oils should be kept under refrigeration and not exposed to excess heat or light. Dosage will be dependent on your dog’s size and condition. Read the labels carefully.
If too many EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) are consumed, or they are consumed in an unbalanced manner, that is too much of some and not of others, your canine might suffer with clotting difficulties and some vitamin deficiencies. Your dog may also have diarrhea and digestive upset. By supplying your dog with an abundance of fat, other essential nutrients are being short changed. It is important to balance your canine’s diet and nutrient intake appropriately. Optimally, dogs require greater amounts of omega-3s than omega-6 fatty acids in their diet.
Health condition of your dog’s skin and coat is influenced by contents and balance of fatty acids in the diet being consumed. The ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 essential fatty acids is important to avoid degenerative conditions like hot spots, inflamed and dry skin. Research done within the field of veterinary medicine indicates that an optimum ratio of fatty acids is in the range of 1:3 to 1:6, omega-3 to omega-6.
Essential fatty acids and their derivatives serve a number of functions that help to keep your canine companion well balanced nutritionally. A premium dog food, whether commercially or homemade is essential and so are the fatty acids.
