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Benefits of Giving a Cat Omega Fatty Acids

Cats > Diet and Nutrition > Benefits of Giving a Cat Omega Fatty Acids

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Omega fatty acids for your cat are the essential polyunsaturated fats that cats need for proper health and nutrition. A cat's body cannot synthesis arachidonic acid, which is important for energy production.

How Omega Fatty Acids Benefit Cats

A diet that includes Omega fatty acids helps to eliminate the need for administering certain medicines. These essential fats also help to:

Minimize dry skin, itching and allergies
Reduce inflammation
Increase joint mobility
Lessen the inflammation from bowel disease
Slow the development of certain forms of cancer
Prevent a weak immune system
Increase vision and brain health
Protect internal organs

Fatty Acids in Cat Food

Next to proteins and carbohydrates, omega fatty acids contain a high amount of food energy. A poorly formulated cat food may not have the correct amounts of fatty acids. Look for foods that have a balance of both Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to keep your cat healthy. Below is a breakdown of terms you may see on cat food labels:

Omega-6 fatty acids:

Arachidonic
Dihomo-gamma linolenic
Linoleic

Omega-3 fatty acids:

Alpha linolenic
Docosahexaenoic

Food Sources High in Omega Acids

You can find some foods that include both Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, such as soy and kidney beans. Here are other food sources that contain essential fatty acids:

Omega-3 sources:

Cold water fish and fish oils
Pork and poultry fat
Flaxseed

Omega-6 sources:

Safflower oil
Corn oil
Pumpkin seed oil

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