We have all been told the importance of getting our weekly dosage of fish in order to incorporate a sufficient amount of omega-3s in our diet. But what effects does it really have, especially on our furry friends? We’ll let the scientists talk. 

Function of Omega-3

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have multiple health benefits both in humans and dogs. The beneficial effect on the brain and cognitive development is well known, as well as development of the eye. Evidence exists to support the role of EPA and DHA in renal and cardiovascular disorders in dogs as well as humans. They may relieve hypertension in renal disease and thereby preserve renal function, and can also have an anti-arrhythmic effect as well as minimize loss of heart muscle in dogs with congestive heart failure. The most prominent effect is however the anti-inflammatory property of marine long-chain omega-3s. The reason being that inflammation provides a basis for many different chronic health challenges, such as skin diseases, digestive system issues, joint and mobility problems, poor immune function and diseases in organs like the heart and kidney etc. (Bauer, 2011. Bauer, 2007)

Benefits of Phospholipid-Bound Omega-3s

Tonje Elisabeth Domingues, Animal Nutrition Scientists, explains about the difference between phospholipids and triglycerides. “In order to have health benefits, omega-3 must be incorporated into cell membranes of the dog`s vital organs. It is therefore important to have an efficient omega-3 delivery molecule. Pilot studies suggest that just as in humans, dogs can more easily incorporate the long-chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA, into their cell membrane when they come as phospholipid omega-3s from krill compared to when they come as triglyceride omega-3s from fish oil. This might be because triglyceride-bound omega-3 must be rebuilt in the liver to the right delivery molecule before they are able to integrate into cell membranes. Furthermore, triglyceride omega-3s can also be used by the body as an energy source or be stored as fat, causing some of the omega-3s to get lost on their way to the cell membrane.”

Same Effect in Dogs and Humans?

The majority of the health benefits from phospholipid-bound omega-3s are present in both species, but not all the effects shown in humans have been proven in dogs. However, the benefits most important and most spoken of in humans, like heart health, brain and eye health, are also present in dogs.

Dosage Recommendations of Omega-3s

The general recommendation is that all pet food provide essential omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Minimum requirements for ALA and EPA/DHA, and AA are published by the National Research Counsil (NRC) and European Pet Food Industry Organisation (FEDIAF).

NRC (1985) recommends 30 mg EPA/DHA per kg BW^0,75 for adult dogs
and 36 mg per BW^0,75 for young dogs. Additionally, FEDIAF nutritional guidelines recommend 130 mg EPA/DHA per 1000 kcal for all lifestages. However, when aiming for prevention or treatment of various diseases, the amount of EPA and DHA needed are higher than these minimum requirements (Bauer, 2011). In these cases, omega-3 supplement might be necessary, as most commercial pet food are usually providing purely maintenance levels of omega-3.

Plant Omega-3s versus Marine Omega-3s

We know that short-chain omega 3s from plant sources are not a good source of omega 3 fatty acids for pets, and that marine, long-chain sources are needed. This is because the plant omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), must be converted into EPA and DHA in order to have health effect. And this conversion is poor, both in humans and dogs. In humans, we know the conversion rate is less than 10% and studies in dogs confirm a similar low conversion rate. The mechanism behind is that dogs lack an enzyme converting ALA to DHA, hence plant omega-3s only provide the dog with modest amounts of EPA and hardly any DHA.  When providing marine omega-3s from krill, fish or algae, the dog receives EPA and DHA directly instead of having to rebuild ALA. When buying pet food for your dog, it may be worth spending some time looking at the declaration label to see if the producer is using marine or plant omega-3s. 

Alpha Omega

To sum up, omega-3s are fatty acids contributing to maintenance of optimal function of several vital parts in the body; the heart, eye, skin and immune system being some of these. For both dogs and humans, providing the body with the omega-3s of the right type is crucial for the most efficient use of its constituents. Studies have proven omega-3s on phospholipid form to be the most manageable form for the body, due to its molecular structure similar to the cell membrane’s.

References

• Bauer J. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. JAVMA, Vol 239, No. 11, December 1, 2011

• Bauer J. Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. JAVMA, Vol 231, No. 11, December 1, 2007