Fish Oil: Omega 3 & Essential Fatty Acids
– what is it and what is it good for? –
You probably know that fish oil is good for your dog or cat. The best-known example is “it is good for the coat”. But there are many more reasons that fish oil is good and actually indispensable in a dog or cat's diet.
Because many studies and many scientific articles are written for humans, much of the information will be based on human studies. But this also means that fish oil is good for…you!
Omega 3, EPA, DHA & Essential Fatty Acids
Actually, it is not the fish oil itself that is good, but the essential fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) , contained in the fish oil are the active substances.
The word ''essential'' is essential here: ''Essential'' means that our body needs these substances, but cannot (or only to a limited extent) make them itself. A good example is water: dogs/cats need it, but can't make it themselves, so they have to get it from another source (e.g. from food/or from the tap).
The collective name for EPA and DHA is Omega 3.
EPA and DHA can be made by the body from Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). ALA is found in linseed, walnuts and green leafy vegetables.
ALA ———————–> EPA and DHA = Omega3
But unfortunately the solution is not as simple as just giving your dog or cat a lot of linseed . The conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is very inefficient, which can potentially cause a (relative) shortage of Omega 3 fatty acids in the body (this also applies to humans!).
So be careful when buying fish oil (also for yourself!). For example, a product may claim to be “ a source of Omega 3 ” and use a lot of flaxseed oil (which is cheap). They're not lying, it is also a source of Omega 3, but the conversion to DHA and EPA is not efficient.
One solution is to eat more (oily) fish, but here too, due to the pollution in the waters, it is wise not to eat too much fish.
Another solution to get enough Omega 3 is to take fish oil capsules
What is fish oil good for?
Source: https://tegennaarjenatuur.nl/waarom-zijn-omega-3-vetzuur-zo-belang/
The best-known reason why people give fish oil is for a shiny coat. But there are so many more reasons to give fish oil, and most of them cannot be seen with the naked eye, but happen from within. The shiny coat also happens from within.
Our body consists of cells, billions of cells, such as skin cells, brain cells, muscle cells and so on. And every cell has a cell membrane (the membrane that holds the cell together), which largely consists of essential Omega 3 fatty acids. This membrane is responsible, among other things, for allowing nutrients into the cells and removing waste products from the cells.
If there is not enough Omega 3 in the body, these membranes become stiff and rigid, preventing nutrients from reaching the cell properly and waste products from leaving the cell.
A good concentration of Omega 3 is therefore necessary for the fluidity, flexibility and permeability of the cells . A deficiency of Omega 3 causes, among other things,…exactly! Dry skin! (and all the consequences that entails).
Fish oil with a high DHA content is indispensable for puppies and senior animals
But a deficiency of Omega 3 has much more impact on the body than just dry skin. The cells also age earlier and the body has to work harder to produce new cells faster.
And did you know that the brain consists of 60% fat? And 35% of this consists of DHA . Nerve cells also contain a high concentration of DHA. It is therefore no wonder that the presence of DHA is indispensable for the proper functioning of the brain and nerve cells.
DHA is also indispensable for the eyes : The retina of the eyes contain an extremely high percentage of DHA. A reduction in DHA can lead to, for example, macular degeneration and blindness.
For puppies/kittens, DHA is also indispensable for the development of the eyes, brain and nervous system. It is therefore recommended to give pregnant animals a good source of Omega 3 during pregnancy. After pregnancy, puppies/kittens receive DHA through their mother's milk.
Until about 1 year of age, it is good to give your puppy/kitten a source of DHA (e.g. from Vitals ). Then a good fish oil (source of DHA and EPA). In humans, several studies show that children given DHA were sick less often, had fewer allergies (eczema, asthma) and improved learning and visual acuity. This will most likely also apply to dogs/cats.
EPA has a strong anti-inflammatory effect
Omega 3 has the property of inhibiting inflammation . Not only visible inflammation such as wounds, but also immune-related inflammation (for example allergies) and low-grade inflammation. Chronic inflammatory diseases also benefit greatly from Omega 3 fatty acids. Consider, for example, arthritis/osteoarthritis in dogs.
A summary:
What is Omega 3 (EPA and DHA) good for in dogs and cats?
- Inhibits the aging of cells by keeping the cells supple
- This results in efficient cell permeability of nutrients (in) and waste (out)
- DHA is a major component of the brain, retina and nervous system. Supplementation in the form of fish oil (adults) or algae oil ( puppies/kittens/seniors ) promotes growth and slows down the aging of these organs
- In humans, Omega 3 has a positive influence on age-related cognitive decline, learning and behavioral problems in children. Undoubtedly there is also a correlation in dogs and cats.
- Omega 3 is strongly anti-inflammatory . Not only important for visible wounds, but also for invisible internal wounds.
- So indispensable for the immune system. For example, think of allergies !!
- Chronic inflammatory diseases also benefit greatly from Omega 3 fatty acids. Consider, for example, arthritis/osteoarthritis in dogs.
- Omega 3 is needed to compensate for the abundance of Omega 6 from meat and vegetable oils, which causes low-grade inflammation
The best fish oil comes in a capsule and is made from wild sea fish
You are now certainly eager to start giving fish oil to your animal! But be careful! There are many fish oils on the market that are more likely to do harm than good. For example, salmon oil that is sold in a (transparent) bottle. There is a good chance that the oil is oxidized (rancid) and therefore contains a lot of waste/toxins.
Do you want to be sure that you are buying good fish oil? Then take a look at our range