Essential Fatty Acids and Pets
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fundamentally important for all animals. EFAs play a major role in the maintenance of healthy coat and skin for cats, dogs, and horses. Cell membranes in the animals’ skin, fur, nails and hair are made from essential fatty acids. Like humans, animals also use EFAs to produce hormone-like substances called eicosanoids, which are involved in many important biological functions in the body. For example, some eicosanoids act as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Dietary fat is also an essential energy source for all animals. Because EFAs are obtained exclusively through dietary intake, the health of cats, dogs, and other animals is dependent on obtaining enough essential fatty acids in the food we give them.
Deficiencies of essential fatty acids do occur in animals, and this may be related to their diet, or may be due to certain health conditions or diseases. We have good intentions when we feed our pets low-fat dry foods or home-prepared meals. However, these diets may lack sufficient quantities of EFAs. EFA deficiency in pets may also be caused by impaired fat absorption or impaired utilization of fatty acids, which may occur with disease of the pancreas or liver. Some animals may also be prone to deficiency because of metabolic differences. For instance, cats have low or no activity of the crucial enzymes that metabolize EFAs. This results in reduced utilization of the parent fatty acids. Consequently, cats are highly dependent on dietary EFAs to meet their requirements.
EFA deficiencies in pets result in problems of the coat, skin, and coloration. Symptoms include dry, greasy or dull hair coat, dry skin and “dandruff”, hair loss, sores, itching, inflammation in the ears, slow wound healing, reduced growth rate, and loss of weight.
Conditions related to EFA deficiency include eczema, dermatitis, and recurrent seasonal pruritus. Allergies also often lead to skin problems, such as poor coat texture, itching, scratching, constant licking, and self mutilation.
Because skin problems are so common with deficiencies of EFAs, EFA deficiency is sometimes referred to as fat-responsive dermatosis.
EFA Supplementation offers clear benefits for your pets…
You can give real benefits to your cat or dog with EFA supplementation – in particular for conditions characterized by itching and inflammation. Supplementation with essential fatty acids has been used successfully in the prevention and treatment of many skin conditions in cats, dogs, horses and other animals.
EFAs can reduce inflammation in other areas of the body as well, such as inflammation of the joints that can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness. Research in both animals and humans is showing that EFAs may help many other conditions as well, such as diabetic neuropathy, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and aging.
Providing your pets with the good fats is easy…
Veterinarians have been recommending fatty acid supplementation for cats, dogs, horses and other pets for more than a decade. Many reputable pet food manufacturers (such as IAMS) incorporate EFAs into their premium quality pet foods for dogs, cats and other animals. Manufactuers typically include oils such as borage, flax, and fish oils in pet foods to supply the essential fats GLA (gamma linolenic acid), ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Pet owners may also wish to supplement their pet’s diet themselves. Look for high quality oils such as borage, flax, and fish oil, either in bottled or capsule form. Oil may be mixed into the pet’s food on a daily basis. Some pets, dogs in particular, will enjoy chewing the capsules. Supplementation with EFAs can help animals achieve a soft, silky, shiny, and healthy coat that is indicative of good health.
References
- Bond R, Lloyd DH. Double-blind Comparison of an Evening Primrose Oil and Fish Oil Combination in the Management of Canine Atophy. Veterinary Dermatology. Vol. 4, pp 185-189,1993.
- Lloyd D, Thomsett LR. Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation in the Treatment of Canine Atopy: A Preliminary Study. Veterinary Dermatology. Vol. 1, pp 41-44, 1989.
- Scott DW, Miller WH, Reinhart GA, Mohammed HO, Bagladi MS. Effect of an Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acid-Containing Commercial Lamb and Rice Diet on Pruritus in Atopic Dogs: Results of a Single-Blinded Study. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. Vol. 61, pp 145-153, 1997.
- Watson TDG. Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Nutrition. Vol. 128 (Supplement), pp 2783-2789, 1998.
Article provided by FatsForHealth.com
Skin & coat problems are one of the most frequent reasons pets see a veterinarian. For a shiny, glossy coat and to improve your pet’s overall health, try Life’s Abundance’s Skin & Coat Formula and Life’s Abundance Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil. These supplements provide essential fatty acids needed by your dog or cat to reduce inflammation and to maintain normal skin and hair quality. Benefits of Skin & Coat Formula for Dogs & Cats:
- Soothes irritated skin from the inside out. Recommended for animals with excessive itching & scratching. Formulated for flaky skin: dry or oily.
- Promotes a shiny, healthy, full coat.
- Promotes healthy skin & coat thus reduces shedding.
- Features of Skin & Coat Formula for Dogs & Cats:
- Contains natural, wholesome skin & health support nutrients including fish oil (omega fatty acids) and vitamin E.
- Delicious roast beef flavor.
- Fatty acids are microencapsulated for better absorption.
- Oil is certified free of contaminates such as mercury & lead.
- Manufactured by a pharmaceutical plant that makes human products.
Suggested daily dosage:
Less than 15 pounds: ½ tablet
15-29 pounds: 1 tablet
30-49 pounds: 1½ tablets
50-99 pounds: 2 tablets
100+ pounds: 3 tablets
Start off with ½ suggested dose, gradually increasing to recommended dose within a week.
Learn more about the Skin & Coat Formula here.
Benefits of Life’s Abundance Fish Oil Supplement
- Fish are harvested from the cold, pristine waters off the coasts of South America and Norway, where there are significantly fewer environmental impurities. The fisheries are fully-sustainable and renewable resources.
- State-of-the-art molecular distillation refinement process concentrates the oil and removes environmental toxins without the use of harmful petrochemical products.
- Highly purified so it is gentle on the digestive system. Most people will not experience mild gastric upsets often found with lower quality fish oils.
- So pure that it is virtually tasteless. If you have been disappointed with the strong “fishy” taste and texture of other liquid fish oils, you will be absolutely delighted with Life’s Abundance’s pleasant citrus flavor. It’s also available in capsule form.
- Has received an IFOS 5-Star, the highest possible rating for fish oil.
-
Due to the superior quality, outstanding purity and higher concentration of nutrients, it is an exceptional value compared to other fish oils.
Learn more about Life’s Abundance Omega-3 Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil here.
Important Disclaimer: The stories and information on this site are not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. If you or your pet has a medical problem, you should consult your medical doctor or veterinarian. The ideas and information on this site have not been endorsed or approved by the FDA. In no event shall the owners of this website be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting
from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or defamation. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Opinions expressed here are those of individual contributors. This web site does not verify or endorse the claims of contributing writers.
The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
