Best Sources of Omega-3 for Your Pet

The traditional benefits of a pet Omega-3 supplement-a shiny coat and soft fur-have long been appreciated by pet owners. Now doctors are discovering that fatty acids play a vital role in overall pet health. Omega-3 fatty acids help to control inflammation, improve joint health and reduce allergic skin reactions.

More Omega-3 than Omega-6

Omega-6 fatty acids are an important part of a supplement plan, but they should be present in lower amounts. The ration of Omega-3 to Omega-6 should be between 10:1 to 5:1.

Many commercial pet foods contain a much higher concentration of Omega-6. Although several pet food companies have begun to add Omega-3 to their formulations, the fatty acids in foods can become rancid if not stored properly. To obtain the best results, a healthy pet diet should be supplemented with a pet fatty acid soft gel or liquid.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in flax seed, pumpkin seed, soybean oil;
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in marine fish oil like salmon;
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in marine fish oil like salmon.

Sources of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

• Linoleic Acid (LA) found in sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil and evening primrose oil;
• Gamma-Linolenic (GLA) found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil.