Omega fatty acids are in a class of dietary fats that have highly significant effects on the individual consuming them. They are composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen with a small amount of oxygen. Fatty acid requirements of felines are slightly different from the canine’s but both depend upon high quality fat sources in their diets. Over the past twenty years a tremendous amount of research on humans and animals have proven that Omega fatty acid intake in proper ratios and quantities effects a wide range of biochemical actions. Clotting factors, neurological development, cell membrane integrity and function, immune competence, energy generation and fat metabolism are just some of the metabolic activities directly affected by Omega fatty acids.

Omega3 fatty acid, Omega6 fatty acid and Arachidonic acid are the three main fatty acids impacting the health status of dogs and cats. Dogs must eat Omega6 fatty acid in their food in order to survive; and from this single source the other two fatty acids can be created within the dog. Cats need both Omega6 fatty acid and Arachidonic acid and according to some nutritionists they even require an Omega3 fatty acid in their diet in order to survive.

What Are The Sources Of Omega Fatty Acids?
Omega-6 fatty acid is found in safflower, sunflower, corn and evening primrose oils and Borage oil. Linoleic Acid, which is one kind of naturally occurring Omega6 fatty acid, is found in common pet-food ingredients such as corn and chicken fat and is a required nutritional component of the canine and feline diet

Omega3 fatty acids are derived from plant and animal sources. Fish oils, especially cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, and herring, and in animals that feed on these fish, are the primary dietary sources of Omega3 fatty acids. Omega3 fatty acids are also found in oils from some plants such as canola and flaxseeds. Walnuts, freshly ground wheat germ, and soybeans also contain significant amounts.

Arachidonic Acid (AA), an essential fatty acid for felines, is present in some fish oils, pork fat and poultry fat.
Sources of both Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids are dried beans such as great northern, kidney, navy and soybeans. Certain fish are very rich in EFAs. The body can convert EFAs from fish more easily than fatty acids from other sources.

What Do Fatty Acids Do In The Body?
Fatty acids are precursors to many highly active and influential chemicals that play a role in modulating a variety of biochemical pathways. Immune function, energy production and utilization, cell membrane strength and function, reduction and/or stimulation of inflammation are but a few of the activities attributed to derivatives of fatty acids. The production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins and eicosanoids has profound effects on the health status of the dog and cat… and human.

Why Are They Important?
Without certain fatty acids in the diet mammals simply would not survive; they are as essential to life as water or oxygen. Only through ingestion of a select few fatty acids in the diet are dogs, cats and us able to live and thrive. Conversely, if only poor quality fatty acids are available via the diet, or if high quality fatty acids are present but in minimal amounts or in improper ratios dogs, cats and humans will not thrive. No truer phrase has been uttered than that which states, “we are what we eat” when it comes to the influence fatty acids have on health status. Provide your dog or cat a diet that has low levels of fatty acids, or poor quality fatty acids, or fatty acids that have been degraded by exposure to air, high temperatures or harmful chemicals and the animal will surely suffer the consequences.  Research has demonstrated that changes in the dietary fatty acids actually modify the fatty acid composition of the cell membrane. Any changes in the cell membrane lipid composition changes the cell function. Eicosanoids derived from Arachidonic acid (AA) tend to increase inflammatory processes compared to eicosanoids derived from (GLA) gamma-linolenic acid or (EPA) eicosapentaenoic acid.

In dogs and cats the most obvious sign of fatty acid deficiency is the presence of flaky skin with a greasy, odoriferous character and a hair coat that is coarse and lusterless. Joint pain or discomfort is highly probable and the dog will scratch at itself; skin and ear infections are common. Cats tend to have thin, flaky skin and dull yet greasy coats that mat easily. Less visible but no less real is dulled immune competence. Every cell in the body is challenged and will fail to achieve optimum functionality when fatty acid deficiency is present. Practical evidence of these deficiencies is seen every day in small animal veterinary practice when patients are presented that are being fed poor quality diets. Pet owners are often truly amazed when they observe the transformation dogs and cats experience when their poorly nourished pet is placed on a high quality meat based diet that contain proper amounts of unprocessed fats along with proper amounts of protein and lesser percentages of grain based carbohydrates.

NOTE!

Any food product for humans or animals may harbor microorganisms.  Even drinking water can contain protozoa and bacteria.  Some of these organisms may cause disease in humans and animals.  If you choose to cook raw foods you may do so.  If you choose not to cook raw foods, you must be certain to follow the producers' directions for proper handling, storage, thawing and serving.   You can minimize health risks due to  pathogenic organisms by following all the label recommendations.