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How Vital Are Essential Fatty Acids to Your Dog’s Diet

Dogs, like humans, must obtain essential nutrients from their meals. Essential fatty acids (EFAs)  are necessary for preserving your dog's heart and liver's healthy function and the health of their skin, hair, and joints.

These days, articles on why we should consume more EFAs can be found in the health section of every newspaper or magazine. Because the body cannot create them on its own, it’s crucial to get them from the food we consume. The same principle goes for dogs.

Your dog may have several issues if they don't get enough EFAs in its diet. These might include everything from dull and itchy dry skin to heart problems, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

 In this article, we will run you through the importance of fatty acids for dogs.

 

How Omega Oil Improves Their Skin and Coat Health

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the two primary EFAs commonly discussed. They are crucial in maintaining your dog's skin in excellent shape and ensuring their coat is glossy and lustrous.

  • Benefits of Omega-3: It strengthens the outer coat hairs and keeps dogs' coats healthy, protecting them from the weather and waterproofing them.

It has a soothing effect on animal skin, which reduces scratching and irritation.

  • Benefits of Omega-6: It aids in nourishing and replenishing dogs' skin, ensuring that the skin stays healthy and that active coat development is maintained. Additionally, it calms sensitive skin and lessens scratching.

It promotes the skin's natural defences and is a crucial part of the moisture barrier. It can lessen shedding and dandruff and prevent skin from drying out. Additionally, it can aid in keeping your dog's defences up against itchy irritants.

These benefits are why dog food manufacturers often include omega-fatty acids in their dog food.

 

Where Do You Get Omega 3 and Omega 6?

Fish oils, particularly those from cold-water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines, are the primary source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

EFAs may also be found in plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil, as well as in nuts and seeds, including flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

You'd think it would make sense to add Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in dog food as canines cannot manufacture Essential Fatty Acids on their own. Additionally, Omega-3 and Omega-6 may be stated in the ingredients of your dog's favourite meal.

Essential fatty acids are difficult to maintain, and the heating process can significantly impair its nutritional value when dog food is boiled before packaging.

The following mixture of oils can be the finest suppliers of omega-3 and omega-6 oils:

  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 found in golden flax oil help to enhance coat quality and slow down shedding, respectively.
  • Starflower oil is made from crops cultivated on UK farms with high Omega 6 content. The Omega 6 in starflower oil promotes coat development, lessens shedding, and soothes your dog's sensitive skin.
  • Salmon oil is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids that help your dog's skin and hair stay calm and promote heart health.

 

Conclusion

It’s vital to include the essential fatty acids in your dog's diet to ensure the skin and coat are in excellent condition. You must supply the body with the proper amount of fatty acids as it does not produce them. You can use oils in their dog food or different forms of supplements.

Are you looking for dog food manufacturers in Belfast? Feedwell offers nutritious pet feed suitable for dogs of all types, sizes, and activity levels. Check out our selection of dog food today!

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