Essential Fatty Acids control many systems in your pet mainly the immune system and inflammatory response. They form healthy cell membranes for your pets' nervous system, adrenals, thyroid, skin, nails and hair. They build strong muscle mass, bones and teeth. They keep your dogs mucous membranes lubricated. Literally, these acids are the building blocks of all cell membranes. Essential fatty acids are only obtained through dietary intake and this dietary fat is very important as an energy source.
There are three main groups of acids- contained in the omega 3 chain- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega 3 fatty acids cannot be synthesized in the body, thus must be supplemented in your pet's diet. Making sure your pet receives their essential fatty acids is all dependent on what you feed them. It is important to feed a very well-balanced food. Some low-fat dry foods may be lacking the necessary EFAs. Other factors such as certain diseases can impair absorption also. Diseases of the pancreas and liver, especially may cause impaired fat absorption resulting in impaired bodily utilization of these acids. Sources for omega 3 fatty acids are from plants and cold water fish.
The plant sources contain the ALA fatty acids, but flax seed oil is not assimilated or digested well in our pets, since the ALA must be converted to DHA and EPA to be of benefit. The best sources for omega 3 fatty acids is from cold water fish oils such as salmon, halibut, herring, cod and sardine. These contain DHA and EPA. DHA and EPA are the precursors to eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are formed by body tissues during self-healing responses to stimuli. These hormone- like substances act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Why are omega 3 fatty acids important as a nutritional supplement for dogs?
Originally the omega 3 fatty acids were known to help with a more lustrous, shiny coat for your pet. Now, researchers are finding that the addition of omega 3 fatty acids help with many other conditions such as allergies, auto-immune conditions, arthritis, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other new conditions are seeing the benefits of the addition of omega 3 fatty acids also.
Pets with cancer may benefit from fish oil supplements. They have been shown to slow the development and metastasis of certain cancers. Heart problems such as ventricular arrhythmia have been prevented and high blood pressure has been reduced by adding fish oil supplements to their diet.
It has been found that in addition to the effects on the developing immune system, that these fatty acids are also necessary for the development of healthy retinas and visual cortexes.
Yeast infections are also being treated with fish oil. The EFAs seem to slow down the growth of Malassezia pachydermatitis, which isa common yeast infection that is affects the skin and ears of dogs and cats.
Animal Essentials Ocean Omega Supreme - is a super premium quality fish oil supplement that is made from ethically wild-harvested Alaskan salmon and whole body Menhaden fish. This highest quality fish oil is tested for purity; analyzed for heavy metals and other known pollutants. This supplement is made in the USA. It replenishes the EFAs that are vital to the everyday health of your pet.
Animal Essentials Fish Oil Plus provides a well-balanced mix of EFAs. The fish shaped gel caps are derived from wild-caught sardines, mackerel and anchovies.These smaller cold water fish have lower levels of PCBs, mercury and other contaminants than larger predatory fish like salmon. These smaller fish are naturally high in levels of EPA/DHA than salmon oil. EFAs are necessary for healthy skin and coat, plus they help to regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol and build strong joint tissue. EFAs are beneficial for the skin and coat, heart and joints. Also, Omega 3 helps to regulate inflammation in the body. Plus, your dog will also have a better tolerance to flea bites and other allergens.
Another great source is Grizzly salmon oil. Grizzly salmon oil provides a wide range of omega-3, including the long chain omega 3s, EPA and DHA.
As our pets age, they face increased risk of heart disease, arthritis, loss of skin and hair coat shine, and a general overall lack of vim and vigor. By supplementing your dog's diet with these EFAs- omega 3 fatty acids you will help to rebuild those systems in your best friends body.
Mickey's Pet Supplies- http://www.mickeyspetsupplies.com/
Mickey's Pet Supplies specializes in All Natural, Organic, Holistic, Eco-Friendly pet supplies for cats and dogs A family owned store where their customer and their pets needs are their number one priority. This online discount pet supplies store only carries the highest quality products from top names. Most of their products are made in the USA. They believe that your pet is a part of your family and they deserve the best.
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