Omega 3 for Dogs, Cats and other Pets

Why should we use omega 3 for dogs, cats, and other pets?

In much the same way that most of today's foods on the shelves are doing much harm to human health, most pet food are damaging the bodies of our pets, too. Animals like dogs and cats are originally carnivores, but most pet owners are not feeding them anything remotely close to their native diets. Instead, pet food from cans, packages and boxes are often made using additives, chemicals and other questionable ingredients.

Is it then any surprise that domesticated pets suffer from the same life-threatening and debilitating diseases which so many humans in developed nations today do? The good news is, in the same way we humans can protect our health through good nutrition and lifestyle habits, we can protect our pets too.

One of the most important elements lacking in our modern-day lives today is the consumption of sufficient amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3's such as DHA and EPA have been well-studied and known to have a whole host of health benefits. They boost the brains, joints, hair, skin, immune system, heart and cardiovascular system.

And using omega 3 for dogs, cats and other pets can bring about these and other benefits, too. Indeed, there is research to suggest the specific health benefits which omega 3 fatty acids can bring to dogs, cats, and other pets.

So, what are the benefits which using omega 3 for dogs and other pets can bring? Here are some:

• Fight diabetes
• Fight kidney disease
• Fight obesity
• Fight inflammation; this is one of the best known effects of omega 3 fatty acids
• Relieve arthritis and related pain and stiffness in knees, hips and other joints
• Improve overall joint health and mobility
• Boost brain health and function; studies suggest DHA and EPA have a role to play in the normal development of puppies' brains
• Boost heart and cardiovascular health and function; in one study, dogs with heart failure were found to have lower levels of DHA and EPA in their bodies, and intake of omega 3's helped to improve the dogs' survival rates
• Lower bad cholesterol levels
• Improve fur health and appearance, making it shiner and thicker
• Relieve skin conditions, such as dry skin, redness, swelling, itchiness, hair loss, etc
• Relieve allergies

These benefits of using omega 3 for dogs, cats and other pets, in truth, mirror the benefits which these fatty acids bring to humans. That is to be expected. And whether it is humans or pets, and whether it is for disease prevention, dealing with health conditions, or general health maintenance, omega 3 fatty acids have a crucial role to play.

There are some companies which produce and sell specially-made supplements of omega 3 essential fatty acids for dogs, cats and other pets. It should also be fine to use supplements meant for humans on your pet; common sense would suggest the use of lower dosages, in proportion to the body weight of the animals.

In using omega 3 for dogs, cats and other pets, do take note that these fatty acids are blood thinners. Thus, in certain circumstances, caution must be exercised, or these nutrients may not be suitable. And if you are thinking of using large or therapeutic amounts of omega 3 fatty acids for your pet, or your pet is also simultaneously on certain prescription drugs, it would probably be a good idea to first consult with your vet.

(Omega 3 supplements are usually in liquid or pill / capsule form.)