Maintaining a natural balance of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 in your dog’s food diet boasts many pet health benefits. Their role in your pet’s health support are quite vast including healthy skin, hair and cardiovascular fitness as well as healthy blood pressure. Nervous system and organ development and functioning are also optimized by these fatty acids. A dog’s joint, respiratory system, immune system and gastrointestinal health and functioning are also reliant upon the Omegas.
There is debate regarding whether sourcing Omega fatty acids from different sources may effect their nutrient density and absorption, and we urge you to do some of your own research into these concerns prior to considering a trusted dog supplement. For instance, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)’s are replacing ‘naturally’ occurring food and supplement sources as scientists are creating ‘better’ food (read, cheaper to produce). The FDA assures that the nutrient density is not effected by modifying the genetic structures that form our food, though there is debate that more research is necessary to guarantee that these foods are a safe and reliable dietary alternative.
With regards to Omega 3 fatty acids, if supplemented from flax seed versus fish oil the benefits to your dog will be measured by any existing health conditions such as asthma, allergies, heart disease, kidney disease or arthritis. If your dog is suffering from any of the above conditions sourcing your Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil is debated as better absorbed than from flax. This is due a lower level of the enzymes required to convert Omega fatty acids as related to such conditions. Unfortunately many pet owners are unaware that the source of their Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids can possibly be preventing their absorbtion, often times when attempting to alleviate the same symptoms that are linked to dog’s inability to process the fatty acids in the first place. Again, it is is important that you do your own research online and present what you find as pertaining to your specific pet’s conditions to your veterinarian.
When the correct ratio of these three Omega fatty acids is present in your dog’s diet their synergistic benefits are best felt. For instance, maintaining the desirable balance between Omega 6 and Omega 3 is said to be required for proper prostaglandin production and healthy skin and coat. Omega 9 is generated in the necessary trace amounts by a healthy dog, though when supplementation is advised this fatty acid is most often sourced from Virgin Olive Oil. Omega 9 fatty acids support healthy cardiovascular function and cholesterol levels.
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