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Understanding fatty acids can be the key to turning around your pet's skin and coat condition and a host of other ailments. There are two main types of fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-3. Omega-6 is primarily derived from foods such as flax, pumpkin seed, and soybean oil, while omega-3 oil comes from cold water marine fish. The omega-6 or Linoleic Acid (LA), while essential, is traditionally high in most pet food formulations and regular diets (even in human diets). So, what happens when your pet has an inflammatory skin condition such as excessive itching, scratching and licking, the omega-6 actually worsen problems like inflammatory skin lesions. Arachindonic acid, a derivative of the omega-6 acid LA, is the precursor of pro-inflammatory factors which cause skin flares, itching and pain.
Introducing omega-3 fatty acids into the diet of the affected dog counterbalances adverse affects of omega-6 fatty acids and improves the general condition of these pets, diminishing skin inflammation. In addition, research has shown that omega-3 may be helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases such as colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The benefit list of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation goes on, and I've tried to list the majority of them as follows. Pet coats which are dull, brittle and dry respond well to this type of supplementation. Some research suggests that omega-3 may be useful to prevent allergies to inhaled substances such as pollens and molds in animals. Omega-3's are essential for the proper development of the retina and visual cortex, and evidence suggests may prevent certain cardiac related problems such as arrhythmias, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and cholesterol.
Since cancer is a rising concern among pet owners, it should be noted that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to slow the development and metastasis of certain cancers. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, have been shown to stimulate tumor development.
Offering your dog or cat a high-grade omega-3 supplementation derived from the finest marine sources, with no preservatives, starch, yeast, artificial flavors or colors, is easy with a formula we've developed. Many veterinarians recommend a regimen of at least 9-12 weeks of supplementation to determine whether results are achieved.
| Cynthia Darmstandler Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Darmstandler | |
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