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EPA + DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids) in dog and cat diets

A short guide to the role of EPA + DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids) in dog and cat nutrition.

EPA is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory agents - it “extinguishes” inflammation in the joints, intestines, kidneys and skin. DHA is the main building block of the brain and retina, crucial for the nervous system and vision. [1] [2]. EPA and DHA are necessary for reproduction and proper development. These acids are extremely susceptible to oxidation (rancidity). Therefore, fish oil supplementation must always go hand in hand with an appropriate dose of vitamin E (unless the manufacturer has already added it to the bottle). Vegetable oils (e.g. linseed) contain ALA acid - dogs convert it to EPA/DHA very poorly (less than 10%), and in cats the enzyme activity is too low to convert it. Therefore, carnivores must obtain Omega-3 only from animal sources or marine algae [3]. In studies on rodents, it was found that the administration of fish oil containing EPA and DHA reduced the inflammation of cell walls caused by streptococci and the concentration of inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis [3].

What it contains: Oily sea fish (salmon, herring, sardine, sprat), fish oil, krill oil, sea algae oil.

Deficiency: Developmental disorders in puppies/kittens, aggravation of allergies, atopic dermatitis (AZS) and painful joint degenerations [4].

Excess: Thins the blood - Omega-3s have a strong anticoagulant effect, so it is worth discontinuing oils a few days before planned operations, including castration or sterilization. Too large a single dose will cause steatorrhea [5].

Sources

  1. Bauer JE (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. JAVMA 239(11):1441–1451. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.239.11.1441
  2. Zicker SC, Jewell DE, Yamka RM, Buber NA (2012). Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed DHA-rich fish oil. JAVMA 241(5):583–594. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.241.5.583
  3. Bauer JE (2016). The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. JAVMA 249(11):1267–1272. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.249.11.1267
  4. Roush JK, Dodd CE, Fritsch DA, et al. (2010). Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. JAVMA 236(1):59–66. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.236.1.59
  5. Lenox CE, Bauer JE (2013). Potential adverse effects of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med 27(2):217–226. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12033