Omegas For Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Need to Know About Fatty Acids

Ready for the skinny on fats?  When it comes to a balanced diet, fats often don’t get the respect they deserve. Fats are one of three main sources of energy for your dog, and play a critical role in hormone production, cell structure and function, and the absorption of fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K. Just like with humans, the consumption of “good” fats is critical for a healthy dog diet. 

Does your dog have itchy skin or allergies? Are you concerned about your pup’s brain, heart, joints, and general health? Look to Omega fatty acids, which are the building blocks of fats. They play a critical role in keeping your dog healthy.

What Are Omega Fatty Acids? 

Omega Fatty Acids are unsaturated fats, which are critical to your dog’s overall health. They support heart health; reduce itchy, flaky skin; and can relieve allergies and joint pain. And just like their humans, dogs can’t produce two Omega Fatty Acids and must get from their diets - Omega 3 and Omega 6. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are made up of chains of carbon molecules linked with single or double bonds. Because of their health benefits, we call them “the good fats.” The three types of Omega 3 fatty acids are: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). 

Unfortunately, your doggie does not produce omega 3 fatty acids and, therefore, it is critical to supplement omega 3 for dogs in their diet. The best source for omega 3s for dogs is cold water fatty fish, such as wild alaskan salmon, mackerel, or halibut. 

Omega 3 fatty acids play a critical role in cell membranes and affect the function of cell receptors in these membranes. Supplementing omega 3 in your dog’s diet can have a tremendous positive impact in your dog’s overall health. Here are a few benefits of omega 3s for dogs:

• Improves heart health
• Supports brain development and cognitive function
• Reduces inflammation
• Provides allergy relief
• Supports neurological function
• Boost immune system 
• Supports skin and coat health

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are also polyunsaturated and must come from diet. The four types of omega 6 fatty acids are: Linoleic acid (LA), Arachidonic Acid (ARA), Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). The most important omega 6 for dogs is Linoleic Acid, which plays a critical role in skin and coat health. Additionally, Omega 6 fatty acids provide numerous health benefits including: 

• Boost immune health
• Improves the repair of skeletal and muscular tissue
• Helps regulate metabolism 
• Improves bone health 

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in animal and plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, poultry, fish, and eggs. Unlike Omega 3s, Omega 6 fatty acids are commonly found in commercial dog foods. 

Why are they important?

“Dietary fats, as well as specific fatty acids, are essential in the diet of dogs and cats,” the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and Today’s Veterinary Practice say.

“Dogs and cats require Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet because they cannot produce these essential fatty acids on their own.”

So, what do they do? They:

• Provide energy
• Aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Help fight inflammation
• Help create healthy skin and a healthy coat
• Promote healthy growth and development in general

“Fatty acid supplements can reduce shedding, promote growth of the undercoat, reduce tendencies to inflammation, and help resolve inflammation,” veterinarians Steve Marsden, Shawn Messonnier, and Cheryl Yuill tell us in their VCA Hospitals article.

A ton of research has proven the benefits of essential fatty acid supplements, with dozens of studies conducted on Omega-3s alone. 

How to make sure your dog gets the right amount of Omega Fatty Acids?

Supplements! Adding an omega supplement to your dog’s diet is a great way to ensure they are getting proper amounts of omega fatty acids. 

Doggie Dailies Omega Soft Chews are a comprehensive dog fish oil supplement packed with essential vitamins and super nutrients to help promote healthy skin, shiny coat, support a strong immune system and provide allergy relief for dogs. Each chew contains wild Alaskan Salmon oil, rich in Omega 3 and 6, as well as 11 additional potent ingredients known to support canine health including Bee Pollen, Hemp Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar, Biotin, and Licorice Root. 

All of our supplements in the USA in a GMP compliant, Level 3 SQF certified facility, using the strictest quality and safety standards. All of their products are safe for dogs of any size, age, or breed. And, best of all, just let them know if you’re not happy with the product. 

“We don’t make you jump through hoops to get your money back if our products are not right for you. It’s that simple, and it’s part of our Doggie Dailies Promise.”