Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are very important for the overall health of a dog. Conversely a lack of good-source omega fatty acids can create many health issues, from allergies to cancer, fur and skin problems, heart disease and many other problems as you will see further below.
Balancing The Intake of Omega Fatty Acids
The intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 must be balanced correctly. Failure to do so can result in health problems.
To strike the right balance - the ratio should be in the range of 2:1 for Omega-3 to Omega-6. Meaning for every 1 part of Omega 6 there should be 2 parts Omega 3. Commercially made dog food provides copious amounts of Omega 6 to an infinitesimal amount of Omega 3. An out-of-balance ratio can disrupt the balance of pro and anti-inflammatory agents in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and elevation of the risk of health issues such allergies, arthritis and diabetes.
The Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids help with:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Atopy
- Behavior problems
- Bone health
- Digestive disease
- Eosinophilic granuloma complex
- Excessive blood clotting
- Flea allergies
- Hair/fur problems
- Helps prevent cancer growth
- Heart disease
- Learning difficulties
- Lowers the amount of lipids (i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream
- Immune-mediated skin disease
- Inflammation throughout the body
- Inhibits thickening of the arteries
- Kidney disease
- Reduces risk of obesity
- Seborrhea
- Metabolism regulation
- Military dermatitis
- Maintains fluidity of cell membranes
To understand more about Omega-3 fatty acids and how they effect behaviour read here.
The Health Benefits of Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega 6 fatty acids help avoid and treat:
- Build cell membranes and support cell health
- Dry coat
- Mycoplasma
- Regulate Blood Clotting
- Seborrhea
Not All Sources of Omega Fatty Acids Are Equal
It is also important to understand that although Omega 3 and 6 can be found in many food stuffs - not all sources of these fats offer quality nutrition. Further below you will find a listing of good sources of omega fatty acids.
Good Sources of Omega 3 fatty acids for your dog:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Anchovy
- Bluefin Tuna
- Beans/legumes
- Chia Seeds (whole or ground), Chia Seed Oil
- Dairy Products from pasture fed cows, goats and sheep
- Flax Seeds (ground), or flax oil
- Green Leafy Vegetables
- Krill oil
- *Pacific or Atlantic Herring
- *Salmon, salmon oil
- *Sardines
- *Sprat
- *Menhaden fish
- Wild rice
*cooked or canned in water
Although canola oil, soy products, soy oil, walnuts are also high in Omega 3 fatty acids 1) walnuts are toxic for your dog; 2) both canola and soy are from Round-up Ready Genetically Modified (GM) seed crops (i.e. in North America)...
Canola and soybeans in the USA and Canada are almost all grown from Genetically Modified (GM) seeds - the long term affect of ingesting GM food is not known. Further to this, large factory farms use a method to process soy that leaves it very high in photoestrogens. Photoestrogens have been proven to interfere with reproduction and thyroid function. Factory farming processing methods for soy also result in a product that is very high in phytates. Phytates prevent mineral absorption as well as substances that prevent the normal function of enzymes required to digest protein. And one last thumbs down for large factory farm produced soy - it has one of the highest concentrations of pesticides found in North American crops. Traditional methods of processing soy by fermentation (as employed in Japan and China) greatly reduces photoestrogens, and phytates, thus making consumption of the resulting soy, safe and nutritional.
Good Sources of Omega 6 fatty acids for your dog:
Linoleic acid (LA), Gamma-linoenic acid and Arachidonic acid (AA)- Animal Meats
- Chia Seeds (ground or whole)
- Coconut Oil (see below)
- While virgin coconut oil is 90% saturated fat, when added to a dog’s diet in small quantities, on a daily basis virgin coconut oil has many beneficial qualities. It is also very affective as a topically applied treatment on cuts, wounds and for ailments of the skin. To learn about the extensive benefits of adding coconut oil to your dog’s daily diet click here.
- Chia Seeds (ground or whole) or Chia Seed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sesame Oil
Interactions & Cautions
Drug Interactions - If your dog is on the following drugs consult your veterinarian before supplementing with Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Blood thinners;
- Beta blockers;
- Diuretics.
- Stop giving your dog Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements 10 days prior to surgery;
- Wait 10 days after surgery and/or after stitches/sutures are removed before resuming supplementation;
- Allergic reactions to shellfish for dogs is rare but possible. If you think your dog is allergic to shellfish do not give your dog krill oil.
Note - I was recently asked about the use of Hemp Oil for dogs...the following provides some information on the use of hemp oil - my advice is to avoid using help oil as an Omega 3, Omega 6 supplement for your dog...there are as noted above many other excellent sources of these essential fatty acids which are free of the risks which come with the use of hemp oil.
Benefits of Hemp Oil - hemp oil provides an omega-6, omega-3 ratio of 3:1 (or less, depending on the quality of the plant that the oil is derived from). While the typical ratio 3:1 exceeds the target range of 2:1 that can be a OK if the dog is taking in too much Omega 6 (which is likely if you have your dog on commercially manufactured kibble and treats.
Risks/Negative Side Effects of Hemp Oil - it is important to remember that most dogs are smaller in size/weight than an adult human being. So, substances that can be toxic or cause issues with humans can have an exacerbated result in our dogs. Of course those producers of hemp oil advertise of the health benefits for dogs but to understand a product one must look at and consider both sides. According to PeaceHealth.org, (website dedicated to providing information on many different supplements and medications) hemp oil can cause minor side effects in the digestive system. If your dog has a sensitive stomach and GI Tract don't use hemp oil. Hemp oil can soften stools, leading to diarrhea which can then lead to leaky gut syndrome and a depression of the immune system, poor nutrient absorption, dehydration and weight loss. Hemp oil is derived from a plant that contains high levels of the neurological chemical THC. This chemical can cause hallucinations, euphoria or high anxiety in supplement users when taken on a regular basis. If an individual (human or dog) is hyper-sensitive to THC the risk of these complications rises.PeaceHealth.com website states, 'hemp oil products can directly affect the anticoagulant properties of platelets within the blood, often inhibiting their very production' Hemp oil can put your dog's cardiovascular system and heart at risk - especially a dog whose immune system may already be under strain or a dog that has existing cardiac problems.
In general, my advice is to avoid the use of hemp oil for dogs.
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Benefits of Hemp Oil - hemp oil provides an omega-6, omega-3 ratio of 3:1 (or less, depending on the quality of the plant that the oil is derived from). While the typical ratio 3:1 exceeds the target range of 2:1 that can be a OK if the dog is taking in too much Omega 6 (which is likely if you have your dog on commercially manufactured kibble and treats.
Risks/Negative Side Effects of Hemp Oil - it is important to remember that most dogs are smaller in size/weight than an adult human being. So, substances that can be toxic or cause issues with humans can have an exacerbated result in our dogs. Of course those producers of hemp oil advertise of the health benefits for dogs but to understand a product one must look at and consider both sides. According to PeaceHealth.org, (website dedicated to providing information on many different supplements and medications) hemp oil can cause minor side effects in the digestive system. If your dog has a sensitive stomach and GI Tract don't use hemp oil. Hemp oil can soften stools, leading to diarrhea which can then lead to leaky gut syndrome and a depression of the immune system, poor nutrient absorption, dehydration and weight loss. Hemp oil is derived from a plant that contains high levels of the neurological chemical THC. This chemical can cause hallucinations, euphoria or high anxiety in supplement users when taken on a regular basis. If an individual (human or dog) is hyper-sensitive to THC the risk of these complications rises.PeaceHealth.com website states, 'hemp oil products can directly affect the anticoagulant properties of platelets within the blood, often inhibiting their very production' Hemp oil can put your dog's cardiovascular system and heart at risk - especially a dog whose immune system may already be under strain or a dog that has existing cardiac problems.
In general, my advice is to avoid the use of hemp oil for dogs.
Related Articles
Coconut Oil is Good for Your Dog’s Health
Fresh Whole Foods for Your Dogs Health
Foods That Dogs Should Never Eat - dangerous, toxic, lethal
Garlic is Good for Your Dog's Health
Herbs Are Good for Your Dog’s Health
Home Made, DIY Dog Food Recipes - Grain Free or Wholesome Grain for the Health of Your Dog
How To Choose a Good Kibble for Your Dog
Rooibos Tea for Dogs - Immune System Health, Cancer Inhibitor, Allergy Mediator
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