Benefits of Omega-3 and symptoms of deficiency in dogs

Benefits of Omega-3 and symptoms of deficiency in dogs

Omega 3 for dogs

Omega-3 for dogs are essential fatty acids, in other words, special fats that dogs cannot synthesize, although they are essential for their lives. They do, therefore, have many benefits in many cases, such as diseases, such as chronic kidney failure, osteoarthritis, etc. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the dog receives them in its food.

Therefore, they should definitely be included in the dog's diet. There are two types of essential fatty acids:

  • Omega 3
  • Omega 6

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

These fatty acids, once absorbed by the body, undergo a series of transformations facilitated by various enzymes. However, in our carnivores, particularly cats , the activity of these enzymes is not sufficiently efficient. This is why it is advisable to obtain omega-3 fatty acids directly, specifically EPA and DHA, which are the final products of these transformations that occur in the body.

Omega-3 is highly concentrated in cell membranes, especially nerve cells.

Omega-6 mainly produces pro-inflammatory molecules, while omega-3 is mainly involved in resolving inflammation, so it is said to be anti-inflammatory.

Dog diets are naturally richer in Omega 6 than Omega 3, which is why Omega 3 should be supplemented.

Symptoms of Omega-3 deficiency in dogs

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid for your dog. Therefore, a deficiency of this fatty acid in their diet can lead to noticeable symptoms that directly affect the animal's health. The main symptoms of omega-3 deficiency in dogs are:

  • The dog's skin and fur do not look good: the fur is rough and brittle, and the skin may be dry, flaky, or greasy.
  • The dog scratches a lot: One of the symptoms associated with omega-3 deficiency in dogs is itching.
  • brittle nails
  • The dog is more tired than usual
  • joint pain

Whenever you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's best to consult your veterinarian. They may be caused by an omega-3 deficiency, but remember that they could also be related to an underlying medical condition. Never supplement your dog's diet with omega-3 supplements for dogs without consulting your trusted veterinarian.

Foods rich in omega-3 for dogs

1- Salmon: It is one of the most famous foods rich in Omega 3.

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

2- Sardines: This fish is also rich in these fatty acids.

3- Chia seeds: The seeds of this plant are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

4- Flax seeds: Like the seeds, flaxseed oil is also a good source of omega-3.

When is it advisable to give Omega-3 to your dog?

You can be sure that these fatty acids are recommended in the following cases:

  • Allergies and autoimmune diseases:

In this article about food allergies, we explain that an allergy is an exaggerated reaction by a dog's immune system. Certain fatty acids can help reduce typical allergy symptoms such as itching.

  • The poor condition of the dog's hair and skin:

If you are looking to improve the health and appearance of your dog's coat, omega-3 fatty acids will help you achieve that.

  • Prevention of inflammatory diseases:

Fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories.

  • Cardiovascular problems:

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant effects, Omega-3 for dogs can help prevent heart problems.

  • High cholesterol:

Omega-3 or fish oils help to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood.

Why is omega-3 beneficial for dogs?

During diseases that cause a chronic inflammatory condition, several studies have shown the benefit of providing more Omega-3 than Omega-6: an intake of Omega-6/Omega-3 less than or equal to 1:1.

1- Leather and fur

Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the quality of dry, dull fur, even in healthy animals. In fact, they are used by the sebaceous glands to form a hydrolipidic layer covering the skin's surface.

In skin problems, omega-3 helps resolve the inflammatory response. It helps reduce itching and its consequences, and protects the skin.

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

2- Osteoporosis

Osteoarthritis is a true inflammatory vicious cycle; it is easy to understand the benefit of omega-3 in this disease condition to fight pain and reduce cartilage deterioration.

Omega-3 supplements can help reduce the dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

3- Chronic kidney disease

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in treating chronic kidney disease . Nutritional support is essential in this condition.

Omega-3 fatty acids have a protective effect on the kidneys, maintaining the glomerular filtration rate and limiting the deterioration of kidney tissue. Therefore, they help combat disease progression and increase the life expectancy of cats with kidney failure.

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

4- The heart

Taking high doses of Omega-3 is beneficial in managing heart failure: reducing arrhythmias, combating cachexia, lowering blood pressure, etc.

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

5- Omega-3 and Cancer

A low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helps combat cancer-related weight loss by limiting the diversion of resources by cancer cells that cannot use fat for energy.

Omega-3 has the effect of slowing down tumor growth and thus increasing life expectancy as well as the duration of remission.

Therefore, you will find in the seventh bird :

How do we give Omega-3 to dogs?

It's recommended to provide your dog with omega-3 daily by choosing kibble containing it. Given the benefits of fish oil for both dogs and cats, this is a good source of omega-3.

All our diets contain salmon oil. It's also possible to boost omega-3 intake with supplements, such as salmon oil, which you can add to your daily ration, as salmon oil for dogs contains a high concentration of natural ingredients and is rich in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, be sure to adhere to the dosages indicated on the product label.

As you can see, giving your dog Omega 3 is good for his health and will allow him to stay in good shape for a longer period!