Benefits of fatty acid supplementation in dogs

Fatty acid deficiency in dogs who eat a commercially prepared, well-balanced diet is uncommon. However, various health issues can impair a dog’s ability to absorb or use nutrients properly, including essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as omega-3 and omega-6, leading to a deficiency. In addition, EFA supplementation may be beneficial for dogs with conditions such as allergies, seborrhea, kidney disease, and arthritis, even if they’re eating a well-balanced diet. If you’re considering giving your dog an omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid supplement, read on to learn:

• Why fatty acids are important for a dog’s health
• What dogs may benefit from EFA supplementation
• How to choose a dietary supplement for your dog

Supplementing EFAs through fish oils, plant oils, or dietary supplements may help promote skin, joint, heart, kidney, and coat health. However, supplements must contain the right type of EFAs in the right amount in order to be beneficial. Talk to a veterinarian if you think your dog may benefit from EFA supplementation.

Fatty acids are the building blocks that create fats in the body. Some fatty acids are essential nutrients, meaning they cannot be made by the body and need to be included in the diet. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) for dogs include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. EFAs play crucial roles in:

• Skin and coat health
• Immune function
• Inflammatory response
• Cognitive function
• Reproductive health

There are multiple types of EFAs, and different types help in different ways. Not all EFAs are interchangeable, so supplements need to be formulated with the correct amounts and ratios based on the dog’s needs. Types of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil and oils from cold-water fish.

Types of omega-6 fatty acids include:

• Linoleic acid (LA)
• Gamma linoleic acid (GLA)

Plant-based oils, such as corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, are high in omega-6.

Commercial diets for dogs that have the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label are formulated to ensure the food meets the average dog’s dietary requirements. However, some dogs may have different needs. “Individual variation, inflammatory diseases, or altered metabolism may increase a dog’s EFA needs beyond what a standard diet provides,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform.

Symptoms of EFA deficiency can vary depending on which fatty acid the dog is deficient in and how severe the deficiency is. Signs of deficiency may include:

• Poor coat condition
• Hair loss
• Scaly or flaky skin
• Impaired learning and memory, especially in puppies
• Slowed growth and development in puppies
• Poor reproductive performance
• Poor fetal development

It’s important to talk to a veterinarian in order to determine what’s wrong if your dog shows signs of illness or changes to their coat or skin health. Many common medical conditions have similar symptoms to EFA deficiency but require different treatment methods.

Dogs at risk for a nutritional deficiency

Nutritional deficiencies in dogs are rare and usually due to an underlying health issue rather than an issue with the dog’s diet. Various health conditions can prevent proper nutrient absorption or utilization, or cause a nutrient to be excreted in the urine or feces too quickly. Health conditions that can increase the risk of a nutritional deficiency include:

• Intestinal parasites
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Healthy dogs who are not fed a complete and balanced diet are also at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Inappropriate diets may include:

• Homemade diets formulated without the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
• Incomplete pet foods, such as treats or toppers that do not have an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy
• A diet of mostly treats or people food, including table scraps

When looking for a pet food, look for a statement on the label that says the diet is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards for the pet’s life stage. If this statement is not there, the food may not meet the necessary dietary requirements. Products labeled as supplements, toppers, treats, mixers, or bases are typically not designed for use as a dog’s sole source of nutrition and often aren’t formulated to meet AAFCO standards. This can include certain boutique, exotic, or premium brands that may appear to be high in quality but fall short of providing all essential nutrients. No matter how appealing the label may appear, it’s important to check the fine print to confirm the food is suitable for complete and long-term feeding. Even if the food is of high quality and formulated to meet AAFCO standards, some dogs may benefit from even higher amounts of fatty acids in their diets.

Some dogs may benefit from EFA supplementation to their diet even if they do not have a fatty acid deficiency. There is some evidence to support that EFA supplementation may sometimes help dogs with:

• Seborrhea
• Kidney disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lymphoma
• Allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis)
• Osteoarthritis and other joint issues
• Claw disorders

EFA supplementation may benefit some dogs with inflammatory conditions, certain coat or skin conditions, heart disease, or kidney disease. However, more research is necessary to determine the conclusive beneficial effects of EFA supplementation, and research is still being conducted on fatty acid supplement dosage requirements for dogs.

Dietary supplements for dogs are not regulated in the same way medications are. As a result, EFA supplement products:

• May not contain the ingredients or doses they claim on the label
• Can have misleading labels
• May not list exact EFA types or amounts

This can make it difficult to choose a high-quality EFA supplement that’s safe and effective. For meaningful benefits, the supplement must contain the right EFAs in the right amounts.

Before choosing an EFA supplement, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian. They can help determine whether your dog is likely to benefit from EFA supplementation and recommend a product that:

• Is most likely to be safe and appropriate for your dog’s needs
• Has undergone third-party testing to confirm its quality, safety, and ingredient accuracy

If you’re considering giving your furry friend EFA supplements, an online vet visit is a great tool to help choose a safe and appropriately formulated supplement as well as determine whether your dog is likely to benefit from it.

What are the symptoms of fatty acid deficiency in dogs?

Symptoms of fatty acid deficiency in dogs can include poor coat condition and dry and flaky skin. In puppies, signs can also include slowed growth and impaired cognitive function. Supplementation may provide health benefits for dogs with various health conditions, even if they do not have a deficiency.

How can I give my dog fatty acids?

Dog owners can increase their pet’s fatty acid intake through fish or vegetable oil supplementation and dietary supplements that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Talk to a veterinarian to determine if your dog may benefit from supplementation, what the proper dosing would be, and which type of fatty acids may be most effective.

How do you treat essential fatty acid deficiency in dogs?

Nutritional deficiencies in dogs are usually caused by an underlying health condition that affects how the nutrient is absorbed, utilized, or excreted, rather than by a poor diet. To treat a deficiency, the underlying cause needs to be addressed and treated.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.