the pet digest blog from Nusentia
Omega-3 for Dogs and Cats: What is it Good For?

Omega-3 for Dogs and Cats: What is it Good For?

Dogs and cats listen up! Omega-3‘s from fish oil are one of the most well studied and widely used supplements of all time. They have benefits in a host of areas, including heart health, neurological health, joint health, and obesity. Sound good? Here's what omega-3 fatty acids are really good for when it comes to your dogs and cats:

GOOD FOR INFLAMMATION

First, many of these benefits that humans experience are thought to also be applicable to pets. One of the most studied areas in pets has to do with osteoarthritis and specifically the reduction of inflammation. In studies, it has been demonstrated at 1 gram per day for the average dog that omega-3 oils rich in EPA/DHA reduced inflammatory markers, and improved joint lubrication and mobility. Related to this, was a study that reduced obesity related inflammation as well in dogs. Thus, omega-3 could alleviate pain and immobility brought on by the obese state by altering the fatty acid profile in the obese dog.

GOOD FOR SKIN RASHES AND FOR COAT APPEARANCE

Studies have showed that omega-3 supplementation improved early stage atopic disorder. Of course adding oils to the diet will help the coat

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS

  • May protect the kidneys
  • Helps with cardiovascular health
  • May help with mood or aggressiveness

In conclusion, omega-3’s seem to have many of the benefits that have been found in humans. Studies specific to dogs and cats are catching up. It’s been well-established to be used in inflammatory conditions (joint health, obesity, and skin disorders), but, based on the growing research, is likely to be a foundational health product in dogs and cats, like it is in humans. It’s why we at Nusentia® include Celavin™ Omega-3 fish oil in many of our protocols. We produce the product at one of the top facilities in the world and it undergoes strict testing for purity.

FEATURES:

  • Made in Norway at a pharmaceutical-grade facility.
  • Third party tested to be free of toxins
  • Made from small species fish
  • Easy to dose liquid fish oil

Related: WHICH SUPPLEMENTS DO PETS REALLY NEED?

Cites and References

Lipids Health Dis. 2016 Aug 26;15(1):139. doi: 10.1186/s12944-016-0304-6. Evaluating oxidative stress, serological- and haematological status of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, after supplementing their diet with fish or corn oilBarrouin-Melo SM1,2, Anturaniemi J1, Sankari S1, Griinari M3, Atroshi F4,5, Ounjaijean S5, Hielm-Björkman AK6.

A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the clinical signs and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in dogs with osteoarthritisMehler SJ1, May LR2, King C3, Harris WS4, Shah Z5. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2015 Jul;44(7):302-5.

Fish Oil and Osteoarthritis: Current EvidenceBoe C1, Vangsness CT. Vet J. 2015 May;204(2):214-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.006. Epub 2015 Mar 9. 

Secreted phospholipase A2 inhibitor modulates fatty acid composition and reduces obesity-induced inflammation in Beagle dogsXu J1, Bourgeois H2, Vandermeulen E3, Vlaeminck B4, Meyer E5, Demeyere K5, Hesta M6. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2005 Apr-Jun;89(3-6):203-7. 

Essential fatty acids supplementation in different-stage atopic dogs fed on a controlled dietAbba C1, Mussa PP, Vercelli A, Raviri G. Vet Res Commun. 2011 Dec;35(8):501-9. doi: 10.1007/s11259-011-9493-7. Epub 2011 Jul 23.  

Analysis of epidermal lipids in normal and atopic dogs, before and after administration of an oral omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid feed supplement. A pilot studyPopa I1, Pin D, Remoué N, Osta B, Callejon S, Videmont E, Gatto H, Portoukalian J, Haftek M. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2005 Apr-Jun;89(3-6):203-7. 

Essential fatty acids supplementation in different-stage atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet. Abba C1, Mussa PP, Vercelli A, Raviri G. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Sep;6 Suppl:S38-45. 

Nutritional therapy in the treatment of heart disease in dogsDove RS1. Vet Res Commun. 2008 Mar;32(3):225-30. Epub 2007 Sep 19. Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status. Re S1, Zanoletti M, Emanuele E.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.