Omegas and Why They're Important

Feb 17
2 min read

What are Omegas?

Omega Fatty Acids are essential within the body for various reasons. Cell membranes are partly formed by Omegas, deeming them essential. Brain and heart health are both aided by Omegas, as well as weight management and puppy mental development. Omegas also control part of the body’s inflammatory response. Omegas-3 and 6 are both classed as ‘essential’ nutrients, while Omega-9 is non-essential but beneficial.

Essential Types of Omega (3, 6)

There are various Omegas, each differing in saturation of fat and each with differing chemical structures. Omegas 3 and 6 are the most important ones – Omega-9 is non-essential (and can be found in nuts and olive oil).

Here’s where the words get long… thankfully we abbreviate them!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids CANNOT be produced by the body as they are polyunsaturated. There are three Omega-3 fats:

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Helps reduce inflammation.
Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds. For a non-plant-based form, oysters can be added in. Aids heart and immune health.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish, fish oils, algae oils, and eggs. Aids brain health and development.

Omega-3 is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated and also include three different acids – the body can only produce 2 of these. - Linoleic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil and corn. Cannot be produced by the body.

Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in hempseed oil, borage oil, and evening primrose oil. This is the only Omega-6 which is not inflammatory – it's great for control of hormones.
Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed.

Omega-6 is INFLAMMATORY (apart from GLA).

Why are they important/Benefits?

As our farmed meats are naturally high in Omega-6 (ARA), inflammation is caused in the body. Supplementing the anti-inflammatory Omega-3 will help bring the inflammation down – it's very much a balancing act!

Adding Omega-3 into the diet can help skin and coat condition, heart health, joint health, and inflammation from trauma or illness (including cancers).

Sources of Omega 3

Fatty fish: raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, and trout, tinned sardines or mackerel.

Choosing tinned sardines/mackerel:

Spring Water: can be fed regularly (2-4 times a week)
Brine: can be fed once a fortnight (rinsed)
Tomato: can be fed once a fortnight (drained)
Olive oil: can be fed once a week (drained)
Sunflower oil: AVOID – sunflower oil is high in Omega-6 which negates the Omega-3 in the fish!

Fish oils: Krill Oil, Healthy Hounds Omega Wild Oil, Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Oil (usually EPA HEAVY)

Green Lipped Mussels and Oil (EPA and DHA)

Phytoplankton (EPA and DHA)

Algae Oil (DHA HEAVY with a little EPA)

Flaxseed Oil (ALA – also contains LA, and conversion to EPA is poor, so perhaps not the best choice)

In Summary…

Try to include plenty of Omega-3 rich foods in your dog's diet – you can alternate them easily. Alternating regularly will give you a broader range of fatty acids, for better all-round general health! Try to avoid giving additional Omega-6 LA rich foods, but do try to include some GLA!