Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs and Cats

What are Essential Fatty Acids and why do pets need them?

Essential fatty acids are the fats that animals—including humans—can't live without! They are critical to every cell in the body, and regulate nearly every bodily function.

Essential fatty acids help build muscle mass and strong bones and teeth. They nourish your pet's skin, hair, mucous membranes, nerves, thyroid, adrenals and much more. Fatty acids keep the gastrointestinal tract lubricated and aid in smooth, efficient digestion and elimination. They also control the way cholesterol works in the body, and play a key role in the functioning of the brain, in regulating inflammation and healing, and immune, digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular functions.

Omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

EPA and DHA are found primarily in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring, and fish oil supplements. ALA is found in dark, leafy greens, and in soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds and their oils, as well as canola oil.

Hundreds of scientific studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids:

• Support healthy brain development
• Exert a positive effect on inflammatory problems, including stiff and aching joints
• Lower risk of heart disease and cancer
• Support healthy blood lipid levels and blood viscosity
• Provide high levels of vitamins A and D necessary for the development of strong bones and teeth; healthy skin and mucous membranes; and healthy night vision

Skin Supplements for Dogs and Cats:

Holistic Pet Info carries skin supplements for dogs and cats in various forms -- powders, gelcaps, and easy to dose pump bottles.

Why Does My Dog or Cat Need an Fatty Acid Supplement?

Also, as with other supplements, supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids often lowers the need for your veterinarian to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or antihistamines.

Whether your dog or cat is healthy or fighting a disease, supplementing its diet with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that goes beyond meeting the minimum daily requirement can provide numerous benefits and health insurance.

Learn more about the health benefits that an essential fatty acid supplement can provide for your dog or cat by reading these articles:

• Fatty Acids are Essential for a Healthy Skin and Coat in Dogs and Cats
  
  
• Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Prevent Heart Disease?
  
  
• Additional Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids

Unscented Salmon Oil by NaturVet

Finally, an easy to use fish oil supplement! Just a few pumps of NaturVet Salmon Oil delivers the right balance of beneficial Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat for your pet. NaturVet filtered out the smell but left the great taste that pets love.

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Omega Gel Caps by NaturVet

Omega Gel Caps are recommended to help maintain healthy skin and glossy coat. A concentrated source of EPA and DHA fatty acids help to achieve a soft, silky, shiny and healthy coat and maintain normal moisture content.

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Super EPA by Thorne Research

Super EPA is a fish oil concentrate that is a superior source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omege-3s are needed to help prevent skin from drying and cracking and they are also an anti-inflammatory.  This will improve the quality of your pet’s coat and reduce the swelling and wounding associated with biting and scratching. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to prevent heart disease – they help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, stabilize irregular heart rhythms and reduce clotting of blood platelets. Omega-3s also work as an anti-inflammatory for skin diseases, asthma, allergies and kidney inflammation and some studies have shown them to be beneficial in reducing and stopping the growth of tumors.

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Kelp Help by NaturVet

Kelp Help combines the benefits of natural Omega 3, 6, and 9 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat, as well as being fortified with ESSENTIAL vitamins and minerals important to maintain normal digestion and proper vitamin utilization.

To purchase or read more about Kelp Help...

A high quality dietary supplement with Omega 3, 6 & 9 Fatty Acids from natural sources fortified with vitamins for healthy skin and a glossy coat on your pet. Relieves itching, dull coat and excessive shedding when caused by dietary (fatty acid and/or vitamin) deficiency.

Contains no hormones or antihistamines and may be fed as needed to control itching, or every day for a beautiful coat.

To purchase or read more about Septiderm-V Skin and Coat Supplement...

Ultimate Skin and Coat from NaturVet

Formulated with only the highest quality, all natural active ingredients, Ultimate Skin and Coat by NaturVet combines the benefits of natural Omega 3, 6 & 9 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat. Fortified with biotin, vitamins, and minerals important to maintain normal digestion and for overall health.

To purchase or read more about Ultimate Skin and Coat..