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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 05/02/2023
Are you on the hunt to give your dog the best possible life? You’ve come to the right place!
A large part of keeping your dog happy and healthy for longer is making their nutrition a priority! Just like us, dogs require a balanced diet that provides all the essential nutrients, including essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Now, the word “fat” scares a lot of people. And dog obesity is an increasingly serious issue—a recent study classified around 56% of dogs in the USA to be either overweight or obese [1]. However, the fat we’re talking about today is not only good for your dog, but also crucial for their overall health!
If you’re not convinced, let’s dive into the good stuff…
Before we dive into the “why”, we need to make sure we know the “what”. EFAs are polyunsaturated fats that humans and animals need to consume by eating food. They’re essential (as their name suggests), but the body does not produce them, and therefore we must eat certain foods to get the EFAs we need. So do our dogs!
EFAs are categorized into two families: omega-3s and omega-6s. Depending on what types of food your dog eats, they’ll consume different omegas or ratios of omegas.
For instance, almost all vegetable oils contain omega-6s. Things like fish oil are more known for omega-3s. Another source of both omega-3s and omega-6s is camelina oil.
Ever look at a dog and be in awe of how shiny and beautiful they look? Dogs with healthy coats not only look great, but it’s also a sign of good health. Adding essential fatty acids into your dog’s diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat [2]!
Components in EFAs also help to reduce inflammation and itching, which are common skin problems in dogs. They also help to prevent dry skin and promote hair growth, resulting in a lustrous and thick coat [3].
Who wouldn’t want their pup feeling softer?
Learn more about dogs with itchy skin & how to help them
The immune system is responsible for protecting your dog's body against infections, diseases, and foreign substances. Omega-3s and omega-6s help to balance your dog's immune system, which means that they can be less prone to illnesses.
Essential fatty acids help to produce anti-inflammatory compounds that fight off infections and promote healing in case of injury or illness. Some studies even show that EFAs will help chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease!
Dogs, just like humans, need a healthy brain to function correctly.
Essential fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA that are found in meat-based sources (let’s call these sub-types of omega-3’s), are vital for brain health and cognitive function in dogs. These fatty acids are responsible for the development and maintenance of the brain and nervous system.
Specific EFAs help to improve memory, learning, and behavior, making your dog more trainable and responsive [5]. They also help to reduce cognitive decline in aging dogs, keeping them sharp and active even in their senior years [6].
Have a senior dog? Make sure you’re doing what you can to keep them mobile!
ALA, another sub-type of omega-3, is found in plant-based sources and can be converted into DHA or EPA by the body. Certain studies show that ALA can help both brain and heart health [7]
Joint problems, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, are common in dogs. This is especially true as they age. Senior dogs often have mobility issues which cause pain and stiffness; ultimately making them slower, but no less cute!
Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with joint problems. They also help to improve joint mobility and flexibility, helping your dog to move more freely and comfortably [8].
In addition, they also may promote the growth and repair of cartilage, which is essential for joint health.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Essential fatty acids are crucial for your dog's overall health and well-being. They play a vital role in maintaining multiple aspects of your dog’s health. If you want your furry friend to live a long and healthy life, ensure they’re getting the proper levels of essential fatty acids in their diet!
Safely add EFAs to your dog’s diet
You can find essential fatty acids in high-quality dog food, or you can supplement their diet with fish oil or other fatty acid supplements, like camelina oil. As with any dietary change, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog's diet.
Now that you know the importance of omegas, what are you waiting for? Start giving your furry friend the nutrients they need today!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
References
[2] https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/249/11/javma.249.11.1267.xml
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190204/
[7] https://walnuts.org/nutrition/teamgoodfat/the-science-behind-plant-based-omega-3-ala/
[8] https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/236/1/javma.236.1.67.xml
Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso.