Essential Fatty Acids
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Fatty acids are the basic building blocks of fats in the body. Essential fatty acids are those which our
bodies cannot manufacture; they must be obtained in the diet. Every living cell in the body requires
essential fatty acids for repair and reproduction. They are found in high concentrations in the brain,
where they aid in nerve conduction and are needed for normal development and function of the brain.
A fatty acid deficiency can affect coat and skin, liver and kidney function, heart and blood vessel health,
as well as loss of the ability to learn and remember. Essential fatty acids also reduce inflammation,
provide joint lubrication, support the immune system, and reduce depression.
Essential fatty acids can be obtained from different sources, such as emu oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, grape
seed oil, and primrose oil. More essential fatty acids are being discovered, but the primary ones we
know about that are needed by the dog and cat are linoleic (Omega-6) and linolenic (Omega-3) acids.
These are found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and unsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, and
borage oil). It is thought that both dogs and cats can convert Omega-6 acids into Omega-3 acids in
which case a vegetable source of fatty acids would be sufficient. Cats, however, have an additional
fatty acid requirement of arachidonic acid, which can only be obtained from fish oil or from uncooked
animal fat.
Oils will quickly lose their fatty acids if heated. Because of their fragility, it is very difficult for a
processed food to contain enough essential fatty acids to be beneficial to your pet. It’s a good idea to
add them to your pet’s food as a separate supplement. Only cold-pressed oils should be used, and
they must be refrigerated in a sealed, air-tight container to prevent rancidity.
Sources:
1. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis and James Balch
2. Fish Oils for Ultimate Omega-3 Health, by Iris Erlingsdottir Lee
3. Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, by Richard Pitcairn
bodies cannot manufacture; they must be obtained in the diet. Every living cell in the body requires
essential fatty acids for repair and reproduction. They are found in high concentrations in the brain,
where they aid in nerve conduction and are needed for normal development and function of the brain.
A fatty acid deficiency can affect coat and skin, liver and kidney function, heart and blood vessel health,
as well as loss of the ability to learn and remember. Essential fatty acids also reduce inflammation,
provide joint lubrication, support the immune system, and reduce depression.
Essential fatty acids can be obtained from different sources, such as emu oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, grape
seed oil, and primrose oil. More essential fatty acids are being discovered, but the primary ones we
know about that are needed by the dog and cat are linoleic (Omega-6) and linolenic (Omega-3) acids.
These are found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and unsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, and
borage oil). It is thought that both dogs and cats can convert Omega-6 acids into Omega-3 acids in
which case a vegetable source of fatty acids would be sufficient. Cats, however, have an additional
fatty acid requirement of arachidonic acid, which can only be obtained from fish oil or from uncooked
animal fat.
Oils will quickly lose their fatty acids if heated. Because of their fragility, it is very difficult for a
processed food to contain enough essential fatty acids to be beneficial to your pet. It’s a good idea to
add them to your pet’s food as a separate supplement. Only cold-pressed oils should be used, and
they must be refrigerated in a sealed, air-tight container to prevent rancidity.
Sources:
1. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis and James Balch
2. Fish Oils for Ultimate Omega-3 Health, by Iris Erlingsdottir Lee
3. Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, by Richard Pitcairn