Dog Foods with Omega-3

Identification

• One type of quality fat that needs to be present in dog food is Omega 3, which is a combination of two fatty acids--eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexanaenoic acid--that cannot be produced by a dog's own body. As "healthy fats," Omega 3s play a crucial role in counter-balancing the negative effects of the other dietary fats. They have a number of essential roles in maintaining dog health and provide the type of energy, in the form of fat, that is important for the function of cardiac muscles. They decrease inflammation, especially with respect to cardiac disease. Omega 3 is also key in skin and coat health.

Suggestions

• A well-balanced dog food should contain both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The ratio these two ingredients is as important as their presence. Omega 6 should be included in a ratio ranging from 5:1 to 10:1 to Omega 3--meaning five to 10 times more Omega 6 than Omega 3. The ratio of fatty acids varies among dog foods. In most dog foods, Omega 6 fatty acids comprise at least 3 percent of the total fatty acids. The ingredients of all dog foods can be found on the package label, called "Guaranteed and Nutrient Analysis." The fatty acids are listed last.

Sources

• Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oil, flax, canola, soybeans and walnuts. Of these potential sources, soybeans are the least expensive, and fish is the most expensive. Dog foods that include fish as one of the protein sources are also providing high quality Omega 3 fatty acids. Most dogs like the flavor of dog foods with fish as a main ingredient, and many do not mind fish oil added to their dog food.

Supplements

• Omega 3 fatty acids may be added to a dog's diet as a supplement to daily dog food. Fish-oil capsules formulated specifically for dogs may be beneficial in treating skin allergies, inflammation and high cholesterol. You can combine Omega 3 with vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and balances the rapid oxidization of Omega 3s. Most commercially available Omega 3 supplements include vitamin E in the correct ratio. Although dogs can get the minimum requirements of balanced fatty acids through dietary supplements, you should strive to avoid feeding a low-quality dog food and compensate with dietary additives. Dogs show the best health results from a food source that is balanced in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and the fatty acids. For best results, feed a well-balanced whole dog food, and administer supplements under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Warning

• Fatty acids, like vitamins and minerals, can have a detrimental effect if over-administered. Omega 3 supplements are more likely to present problems if they are combined with vitamins A and D, which can be overdosed for a dog. Fish oil is often given to dogs as a source of additional Omega 3, but be cautious not to administer fish "liver" oil, as it is may be overly rich in vitamins A and D. Fish-liver oil can also contain high levels of the toxins filtered by a fish's liver, including mercury. Dog foods that are over processed may not contain high quality Omega 3, even if it is stated on the label, because the fatty acids are often destroyed during high-heat manufacturing.