Why are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) so essential? Many people take an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement for themselves but did you know it’s also very important for your pet? 

There are different types of essential fatty acids.  There are the Omega -6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that come primarily from animal fat (meat, poultry and eggs) and vegetable oils (nut and plant based)  and there are Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that come primarily from fish oil.  Most of our dogs and cats do not get enough Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. They are considered essential because our bodies (and our pet’s) cannot be produced in the body. While not considered essential as they can be produced in the body, Omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated fats and come from vegetable and animal sources and still play an important role. 

The benefits of adding fish oil to your pet’s diet are tremendous.  Studies have shown it helps with joint inflammation including arthritis, allergic dermatitis and other skin issues (e.g. dry, itchy, flaky skin), kidney disease, congestive heart failure and even cancer.  

The EPA and DHA in the fish oil work with your pet’s body to support their cellular health, immune system, plus their brain and eye development (critical for puppies and kittens) and maintenance. 

In addition research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for pets with aggressive behavioral conditions and cognitive support in senior pets.  We have had customers tell us that their pet’s personality was enhanced after they added the Cod Liver Oil to their diet.omega 3 cod fish pills 

Fish Oil is the primary source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids.  You can find it in Cod Liver Oil with naturally occurring Vitamin A and D or Fish Body Oil without the added Vitamin A and D.  Salmon and Sardine oils are also wonderful sources.  Vitamin A is important for vision, immune support plus fetal development and growth. Vitamin D helps maintain calcium and phosphorus levels, enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation,  and it’s critical that dogs and cats get some Vitamin D, as they cannot create Vitamin D from their skin like people can.  Vitamins A & D are fat-soluble and should be used in moderation in the overall diet. 

Flaxseed Oil is a little different as it needs to be converted by your pet into Omega-3 fatty acids and is not as effective as fish oil in it’s overall health benefits.  Used in conjunction with fish oil it can be effective as a coat conditioner. It can be used with some pets who do not tolerate Cod Liver or Fish Body Oil well. 

Essential Fatty Acids are just that, essential for your pets overall health and well-being.  Look for high quality fish oil, which is distilled for purity without the use of chemicals to remove the heavy metals, PCB’s, dioxins and other impurities.  A good cod liver oil should not smell like fish.  This is a sign of oxidation and degradation of the quality of the product. 

Do your pet a favor for life and get your pet better balanced by adding Omega-3 Fatty Acids to their diet.