Omega-3, Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Dogs, Cats - Health Benefits, Best Sources, Dosage
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My Sweet Boxer x Pit Bull 'Robbie' |
- The Importance of Providing a Balanced Intake
- Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Health Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Selecting a Good Product
- Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Guideline for Typical Daily Dosage of Omega-3
- Good Sources of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Guideline for Typical Daily Dosage of Omega-6
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids To Be Avoided - Not Safe!
- Cautions
- Drug Interactions
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are very important for the overall health of a dog and cat. 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 a host of other problems as you will see further below.
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1.0 The Importance of Providing a
Balanced Intake of Omega-3 to 6
1.1 The Impact of a Balanced Intake
A balanced intake of appropriate Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids helps protect your dog and cat's body from inflammatory issues and disease.
- Inflammation is a trigger for many inflammatory diseases including:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- etc.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA);
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and;
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
2.1 Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Avoid, Control, Treat,
Remedy:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Atopy
- Support optimum brain function
- 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
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Robbie with Sarah my GSD x Husky |
3.0 Health Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty
Acids
Omega-6 Fatty Acids Help:
- Build cell membranes and support cell health
- Dry coat
- Mycoplasma
- Regulate Blood Clotting
- Seborrhea
It's important to understand that although Omega 3 and 6 can be found in many foods not all sources of these fats offer good quality, safe nutrition.
4.0 Selecting a Good Product
4.1 Decide On Your Approach
- Pre-blended Supplement 'all-in-one' liquid or soft-gel
- If your priority is time-efficiency over quality than your best bet is a pre-prepared, pre-blended supplement that provides (or claims to provide) a full spectrum of omega fatty acids (3-6-9);
- This may save you time but you may end-up sacrificing convenience for quality if you do not choose the product wisely;
- If you choose the pre-blended product you will also need to decide if you are going to use a liquid supplement or a soft gel supplement.
- Single Source Whole Food Products:
- You may instead prefer to use single source products that you add yourself to your companion animal's food;
- This choice can provide you with more flexibility as to the quality of products as you can select the type and quality of the omega-3 and 6 you use;
- For example you may decide to use Norwegian Krill Oil for omega-3 and organic virgin Coconut oil for Omega-6.
4.2 What's My Preferred Approach?
I prefer using good quality human food-grade whole food products such as whole sardines or good quality organic oils - e.g., hemp oil, flax seed oil, organic tahini, and wild fatty fish oils with no additives. My dogs also get avocado in their daily diet - you can read here about the health benefits, and how to introduce avocado to your dog's diet.
4.3 Read The Product Label for Quality Assurance
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- If the label says 'fish oil' and does not disclose the source of the fish then you are likely looking at a product that is derived from factory farmed fish;
- What is wrong with that? Well...
- Factory farm fish are raised in confined and often man-made pools.
- When many living organisms are forced to live in unnatural and confined conditions the environment that they live in becomes a breeding ground for disease and parasites.
- Factory farm fish are:
- Fed food pellets that are comprised of non-organic and often species inappropriate food.
- Are given antibiotics, may be given growth hormones, synthetic chemical pesticides and fungicides to control parasites and fungus.
- All of these substances are ingested by your dog or cat when they consume the oil.
- Resulting in: an increase of toxic loading, hormone disrupting build-up, antibiotic resistance building - all health threatening conditions.
- So while you may have the good intention of improving your dog's or cat's health with the supplement you may actually be furthering the development of health issues.
- To avoid this pitfall choose a product that is labelled specifically and clearly with no ambiguity, i.e.
- The ingredient list states that the source of the Omega-3 fatty acids are:
- Norwegian Krill oil or Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil or;
- Organic Cold Pressed Flax Seed (Linseed) oil, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, etc.
- And remember that you are looking for a product that contain the full spectrum of Omega-3 fatty acids...
- ALA - Alpha-linolenic acid
- EPA - Eicosapentaenoic acid
- DHA - Docosahexaenoic acid
- Avoid 'Fankenfish' - Nickname for GMO Salmon
- GMO salmon has just been approved in Canada;
- DO NOT use any product that is derived from GMO fish - the long-term effects of ingesting an animal-based Genetically Engineered (GE) product IS NOT known;
- What is evident to me is that such a product will have similar adverse health risks as GMO corn and GMO soy;
- If you are not familiar with the multitude of serious health risks posed by:
- Plant-Based Omega-6 GMO Oils v.s Quality Plant Oils
- If the product includes poor source omega-6 oil from GMO plant crops such as: soy, canola, cottonseed, safflower you are once again introducing an ingredient that is very high in pesticide residue, fungicides, genetically modified properties - all of which increase you dog's or cat's toxic load, increase the chance of hormone and endocrine disruption, renal issues, bladder and other cancers, etc.
- To avoid this pitfall choose a product that is labeled specifically and clearly with no ambiguity.
- The ingredient list states that the source of the oil is:
- Omega-3 from Norwegian Krill oil or Wild Alsaskan Salmon Oil or Organic Cold Pressed Flax Seed (Linseed) oil.
- Omega-6 from organic coconut oil.
- This way you know that you are getting a quality product that is as free of toxins as possible.
- Avoid Products that Contain Fillers and Other Unnecessary Unhealthy Ingredients
- Look for products that do not contain fillers, soy or wheat-based derivitives, food colouring, artificial flavoring, sweeteners, etc.
- If you are going to use a soft-gel look for products that do not contain chemical-based slipping agents.
4.5 Decide on Human Grade or 'Made for Pets'
- The dog and cat supplements are not specifically formulated to be better for your dog or cat than a good human grade product;
- The balance required for human, canine and feline intake of Omega 3 to 6 fatty acids are the same for all three species;
- Products made specifically for the dog and cat food industry tend to be over-priced simply because the product is targeted to retail to a 'specialty' market.
Some dogs and cats are allergic to or have a sensitivity to fish oil. Fish oil may cause diarrhea in some dogs and cats.
If your dog or cat has never had a fish supplement (liquid oil or gel) before introduce fish oil to the diet starting with 1/4 of the recommended daily dosage and over he space of a several weeks incrementaly increase the dosage until you reach the standard daily dose.
4.7 Allergies - Food and Environmental
If your dog or cat is allergic to shellfish do not give her krill oil.
If your dog or cat has an environmental allergy to the Linum family of plants do not use flax or flax seed (also known as linseed) oil.
If your dog or cat has an environmental allergy to the Cannabaceae family of plants do not use hemp seed or hemp seed oil.
The same is true for any other food or environmental allergy - check ingredients against allergens and substitute to suit.
5.0 Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
ALA - Alpha-linolenic acidEPA - Eicosapentaenoic acid
DHA - Docosahexaenoic acid
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Anchovy
- Chia Seeds (whole or ground), Chia Seed Oil
- Cod Liver Oil
- If you are going to use be careful pay special attention to the product that you purchase:
- Many brands of cod liver oil are very high in vitamin A and relatively low in vitamin D.
- This lack of balance between A and D has the potential to cause vitamin A toxicity.
- For this reason it is important to choose a cod liver oil that has a considerably lower ratio of vitamin A to vitamin D.
- Dairy Products from pasture fed cows, goats and sheep
- Eggs from pastured free-range chickens.
- Flax Seeds (ground), or Cold-Pressed Organic Flax Oil (also called Linseed)
- Non refrigerated, non-organic flax oil does not have the same healthful properties of cold-pressed organic refrigerated flax oil.
- Green Leafy Vegetables
- Norwegian or Arctic Krill oil
- Meat protein from pastured free-range animals, and wild-harvested animals
- Wild-caught fish such as:
- Pacific or Atlantic Herring
- Wild Alaskan Salmon
- Sardines
- Sprat
- Menhaden fish
6.0 Guideline for Typical Daily Dosage -
Omega-3
6.1 Norwegian or Arctic - Krill Oil, Cod Liver Oil or Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Daily Dosage for Dogs and Cats
- X-Small Dogs and Cats
- 1 -14 lbs – 250mg
- Small Dogs and Cats
- 15-29 lbs – 500mg
- Medium Dogs
- 30-49 lbs – 1000mg
- Large Dogs
- 50 -79 lbs – 1500mg
- X-Large Dogs
- 80 lbs and up – 2000mg
Chia, Flax Seed Oil
- 1 tsp per every 11 lbs of body weight;
- 1 ml per every 1 kg of body weight.
GL - Gamma-linoenic acid, and
AA - Arachidonic acid
- Animal Meats
- 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 effective 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
- Hemp Oil
- Pumpkin Seeds
8.0 Guideline for Typical Daily Dosage Omega-6
8.1 Hemp, Flax, Pumpkin Seed Oil
- 1 tsp per every 11 lbs of body weight;
- 1 ml per every 1 kg of body weight.
- 1/4 tsp per every 10 lbs of body weight twice daily;
- 1/2 tsp per every 10 lbs of body weight once daily.
- Coconut oil health benefits, go here.
9.0 Oils That Are Not Recommended
Do not give your dog or cat non-organic:
Canola Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Soy Oil
Canola oil, soy products, soy oil, safflower oil, cotton seed oil are grown from Round-up Ready Genetically Modified (GM) seed crops (i.e. in North America). These oils are all very high in pesticide residue...
- Some dogs and cats are hypersensitive (intolerant or allergic) to shell fish and/or krill.
- If you think your dog or cat is allergic to shellfish do not give her krill oil.
If your dog or cat is on the following drugs consult your veterinarian before supplementing with Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Blood thinners
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
Holistic Wellness and Behaviorist Services
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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
what is the dosage for whole
ReplyDeletechia seeds?
Daily dosage for chia or flax should be in the range of:
Delete1/2 tsp for tea cup dogs 2 to 4 lbs;
1 tsp for toy dogs 5 to 15 lbs;
1 tbs for small dogs 16 to 25 lbs;
1.5 tbs for medium-small dogs 26 to 39 lbs
2 tbs for medium-large size dogs 40 to 70 lbs
2.5 tbs for large dogs 71 lbs to 90 lbs
3 tbs for x-large dogs 91+ pounds
What is the daily dosage for krill oil?
ReplyDeleteSee article above - dosage is there
DeleteHi, there are so many brands of krill oil out there. How to select one of better quality and any particular information to look out for?
ReplyDeleteNordic naturals make an excellent product.
DeleteWill giving my dogs chia seeds give them the amount of both, omega 3 and omega 6 that they need? Should I give them coconut oil also? Thank you so much for taking the time on here to help people. God bless.
ReplyDeleteJackie
Hi Jackie, I recommend that you give your dogs chia seeds and coconut oil.
DeleteMy dogs (different breeds and sizes from very small - 4 lbs - to large) get all of the following on a daily basis: olive oil, fish oil, flax seeds and coconut oil :>)
Hi Karen,
DeleteIf you feed your dogs olive oil, coconut oil and chia, wouldn't that make omega 6 dosage much higher than omega 3 as the olive, coconut oil and chia are all omega 6's? Or do you just feed your pups higher amounts of the fish oil and fish?
Also, if we choose to feed say coconut oil and hemp oil (Omega 6's) should we only use half your recommended dosage per each oil so that the amount of oil they are getting is not too much per day? thanks Karen.
My dogs get a selection of good fats - fish oil from wild-caught Norwegian fish, organic sesame oil, organic sunflower oil, organic hemp or organic flax oil, organic borage or primrose oil, organic coconut oil, virgin olive oil. And in their food fat from organic: kefir yogurt, cheese, meat etc. A dog's natural diet is 30% fats obtained from appropriate sources. The vegetable oils you mentioned in your comment above are not just Omega 6, some contain Omega 3. I recommend that you purchase consultation time to address your dog's diet.
DeleteThanks Karen, Yes I am going to order a consultation with you very soon. Thanks a lot! Tasch
Deleteonce I have mixed the oils how much do I give to a dog that is 25 pounds to 35 pounds and how long do they last in frig or should they stay at room temp in dark container
ReplyDeleteRe-read the article above - the answers to all of your questions are provided in the article.
DeleteI am feeding my dog your grain free diet and she is still chewing her feet is there any thing I can do. The Vet want her to go on steroids and antibiotics again it seems like it never ending. I am worried about what the drugs are doing to her. She is 11 and ways about 26 pounds I would appreciate any suggestions you have.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Putting her on steroids (i.e. prednisone) puts her short to medium term health at very great risk and will shorten her life. Putting her on repeated courses of antibiotics suppress her immune system, wipes out the good bacteria in her gut along with the bad - which results in re-occurance of the yeast infection that is causing her paw problems. In addition her body will develop an immunity to antibiotics which puts her life further at risk. You can read about steroids here http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/11/corticosteroids-prednisone-for-dogs.html
DeleteFor dogs with food allergies it is not enough to simply switch the food that they are eating you also must eliminate the particular food ingredients from their diet that he/she is allergic to. If your dog has multiple food sensitivities (which your dog likely has) I need to know more of the history of her previous diet. Once I have that I can advise you on what her daily diet should be, a cleansing protocol, ingested supplementation and topical treatment. You would require an hour of my time. My international consultation service is explained here http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/p/dog-training-international_6.html
It would be my pleasure to assist you...
Cheer, Karen
Hi Karen
ReplyDeleteI've recently switched from Salmon oil to Krill oil for my dogs and I'm a little confused about the dosage. I'm using Dr Mercola's Krill oil for pets. It indicates to give 3 pumps daily (total 0.51ml...150mg) for dogs from 15-29lbs. This amount seems lower than the dosage you recommended above. I've read that due to the more efficient absorption of Krill oil, lesser is required. Not sure how accurate is this, and what would be the optimal amount? My dogs weigh around 12 and 18lbs. Hope you can help to clarify. Appreciate your response. Thanks!!
Hi D,
DeleteDr. Mercola sells very good quality products - for his product use the dosage on the label.
Cheers, Karen
I'm a little confused on the ratio Karen. Will you please help me?My dog is very itchy during winter times so I want to help him. So there should be 2 items of omega 3 and 1 item of omega 6? I do cod liver oil, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, coconut oil, piece of sardine right now..DO I need to add or remove anything?
ReplyDeleteFine as you currently have it
DeleteThanks!!!
ReplyDeletea very helpful blogs. i have a dog who has multiple illnes.the most hard things was finding the dosage for dogs based on their lbs. super thanks for your articles. bless you!
ReplyDeleteHi I have started giving my dog real food instead of dog food for about a week. I don't know what vitamins I should give her to get/stay healthy? She is 13 she is a bichon.
ReplyDeleteHolistic Diet Nutrition Health Consultations
Deletehttp://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca/diet-nutrition-health-consultations/
Holistic Diet Nutrition Wellness Plans
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca/diet-nutrition-wellness-plans/
Thanks for all your amazing info! I'm wondering if I buy krill oil in capsules, is it necessary to open them up or can I just put them in with their food whole? My dog is not a big fan of the fish oil taste and has been picky about eating his food with it in the past. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, your Pitties can have krill oil in capsules rather than in un-capsulized liquid form. Make sure the capsules are free of toxic slipping agents such as magnesium stearate.
DeleteWill do! Thanks again. My pittie has been having a lot of itching issues but I feel he is on a fast track to better health with all your advice!
DeleteHello Karen,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for enlightening us.
My dog is on Orijen dry dog food and the label says:
Omega-3 (min.): 1.8%
Omega-6 (min.): 2.6%
So the ratio is almost 2:3 (Omega-3 : Omega-6) than your prescribed 2:1.
My question is: will the dosage you gave above balance out the dog food's? Don't I have to lessen the dosage of Omega-6 supplement? For what it's worth, my dog weighs 19 kg.
Thanks so much for you time and patience!
Unfortunately, and sadly even the best dry processed dog 'foods' are not balanced, nor species appropriate despite the deceitful advertising of the manufacturers - adding as per above will help offset a little of the damage created by a diet of dry processed food.
DeleteKaren, I just wanted to thank you for sharing all this information to everyone for free. It's absolutely invaluable and the fact that you don't sell any products is admirable. It's really appreciated.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Darlene