Is your pet’s health important to you? Did you know that you can improve your pet’s health by making sure they get enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in their diet? Research indicates that there are numerous benefits to improving your pet’s health; from arthritis to behavior problems to dry skin and so much more.
Being a pet owner for most of my life, I have always cared deeply for my pets and they have always just felt like another member of the family, none more so than Priscilla. Priscilla is a fawn-colored Pug, which has been my sidekick and ‘best friend’ since 2004. She is very particular in how she goes about her day and does not like to get out of routines. Priscilla’s favorite spot is on an armchair in the living room, where she can look out the window at passing neighbors (dogs), cars, birds, etc.
As Priscilla gets older, I think about the ways I can help to improve her quality of life, so she is here for many years to come. Just like people, dogs and cats age, and over time they start to breakdown. Sure, it may only start with a little arthritis here, less vision there, breathing problems, you name it, but one way to help prevent this breakdown in your pets health is by making sure they are receiving enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids as they become elderly.
How do I know when my pet is becoming elderly?
There has been age charts developed to calculate how old your pet is in human years, based on the pet’s age and weight. For example; a dog weighing up to 20 pounds reaches age 64 when they are 12. For a dog weighing between 21-50 pounds, they reach age 65 when they are 11. For a dog weighing between 51-90 pounds, they reach age 66 when they are 10, and dogs weighing over 90 pounds reach age 64 when they are just 8 years old. According to the chart, smaller dogs have a much greater life expectancy than the large ones.
Using this chart (you can find one online or in any veterinarian office), I can determine that Priscilla is going to be 42 this year, and next year she will be considered a senior, as she progresses from age 7 through 11. Priscilla will be considered in the early stages of her elderly phase and will require a healthy diet of Omega-3 fatty acids, which she is currently getting.
Why are the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids so important?
Ø Provide energy
Ø Provide a good taste in pet food
Ø Provide essential nutrients
Ø Provide soft skin and a healthy coat
Quite frankly, the list goes on and on about the benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in your pets diet. Many of the common conditions that are found in pets and can be improved are; flea allergies, asthma, arthritis, dermatitis, and seborrhea.
Found in the Omega-3 fatty acids are both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have anti-inflammatory properties with the purpose of helping your pets joints. As your pets become elderly, they will experience increased inflammation in their joints and skin, which can be lessened by the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Where do I find Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids?
There are many good sources to find both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, with dry foodnot being one of them. I have heard from many people over time tell me that wet food isn’t good for your pet; you need to use dry dog food. This statement is very far from the truth, unless you are supplementing the dry food with either flaxseed oil or soybean oil.
Dry dog food advertises that it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed, and all the essential nutrients your pet needs for a healthy diet. The problem with the dry food is that typically it is stored improperly or for too long and the Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of EPA and DHA cannot withstand more than a few hours of exposure at room temperature before becoming rancid, rendering the Omega-3’s ineffective. The dry dog food will offer a rich supply of Omega-6 fatty acids, which in increased doses can create conditions for degenerative diseases to occur.
By providing your pets with canned or moist foods, you will be providing an adequate level of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Where the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are found?
Ø Canned tuna
Ø Fresh sardines
Ø Raw eggs
Ø Fresh beef
Ø Free range chicken
Ø Wild caught fish
Ø Fresh lamb
Note: As with humans, it is best to feed your pets food from this list in limited quantities.
Summary: From the time your pet is a puppy or kitten, it is important to see that they are getting enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. If you don’t monitor your pet’s fatty acids during their early years, make sure you do as they become elderly.
By ensuring your pet is receiving enough fatty acids, you will be helping to prevent such common conditions as; arthritis, asthma, dry skin, seborrhea, and flea allergies. Your pet’s health will benefit and you will be increasing your pet’s life expectancy.
Most canned and moist foods offer adequate levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, along with flaxseed oil and soybean oil. If your dog is on a dry food only diet, you will be risking creating degenerative diseases as the pet becomes elderly. To enhance the dry food diet, supplement the food by adding some flaxseed or soybean oil to the food.
It is important for your pet to have a regular diet of essential nutrients just as it is for you. By providing your pet with a balanced diet, you will be ensuring you have a healthy and happy pet with a soft, shiny coat.