EFAs are essential for cats, dogs, and other pets too…
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fundamentally important for all animals.
EFAs play a major role in the maintenance of healthy coat and skin for cats,
dogs, and horses. Cell membranes in the animals' skin, fur, nails and hair are
made from essential fatty acids. Like humans, animals also use EFAs to produce
hormone-like substances called eicosanoids, which are involved in many
important biological functions in the body. For example, some eicosanoids act
as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Dietary fat is also an essential energy
source for all animals. Because EFAs are obtained exclusively through dietary
intake, the health of cats, dogs, and other animals is dependent on obtaining
enough essential fatty acids in the food we give them.
Deficiencies of essential fatty acids do occur in animals, and this may be
related to their diet, or may be due to certain health conditions or diseases.
We have good intentions when we feed our pets low-fat dry foods or
home-prepared meals. However, these diets may lack sufficient quantities of
EFAs. EFA deficiency in pets may also be caused by impaired fat absorption or
impaired utilization of fatty acids, which may occur with disease of the
pancreas or liver. Some animals may also be prone to deficiency because of
metabolic differences. For instance, cats have low or no activity of the
crucial enzymes that metabolize EFAs. This results in reduced utilization of
the parent fatty acids. Consequently, cats are highly dependent on dietary
EFAs to meet their requirements.
EFA deficiencies in pets result in problems of the coat, skin, and
coloration. Symptoms include dry, greasy or dull hair coat, dry skin and
"dandruff", hair loss, sores, itching, inflammation in the ears, slow wound
healing, reduced growth rate, and loss of weight.
Conditions related to EFA deficiency include eczema, dermatitis, and
recurrent seasonal pruritus. Allergies also often lead to skin problems, such
as poor coat texture, itching, scratching, constant licking, and self
mutilation.
Because skin problems are so common with deficiencies of EFAs, EFA
deficiency is sometimes referred to as fat-responsive dermatosis.
EFA Supplementation offers clear benefits for your pets…
You can give real benefits to your cat or dog with EFA supplementation - in
particular for conditions characterized by itching and inflammation.
Supplementation with essential fatty acids has been used successfully in the
prevention and treatment of many skin conditions in cats, dogs, horses and
other animals.
EFAs can reduce inflammation in other areas of the body as well, such as
inflammation of the joints that can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness.
Research in both animals and humans is showing that EFAs may help many other
conditions as well, such as diabetic neuropathy, atherosclerosis,
hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and aging.
Providing your pets with the good fats is easy…
Veterinarians have been recommending fatty acid supplementation for cats,
dogs, horses and other pets for more than a decade. Many reputable pet food
manufacturers (such as IAMS) incorporate EFAs into their premium quality pet
foods for dogs, cats and other animals. Manufacturers typically include oils
such as borage, flax, and fish oils in pet foods to supply the essential fats
GLA (gamma linolenic acid), ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic
acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Pet owners may also wish to supplement their pet's diet themselves. Look
for high quality oils such as borage, flax, and fish oil, either in bottled or
capsule form. Oil may be mixed into the pet's food on a daily basis. Some
pets, dogs in particular, will enjoy chewing the capsules. Supplementation
with EFAs can help animals achieve a soft, silky, shiny, and healthy coat that
is indicative of good health.
References
- Bond R, Lloyd DH. Double-blind Comparison of an Evening
Primrose Oil and Fish Oil Combination in the Management of Canine Atophy.
Veterinary Dermatology. Vol. 4, pp 185-189,1993.
- Lloyd D, Thomsett LR. Essential Fatty Acid
Supplementation in the Treatment of Canine Atopy: A Preliminary Study.
Veterinary Dermatology. Vol. 1, pp 41-44, 1989.
- Scott DW, Miller WH, Reinhart GA, Mohammed HO, Bagladi
MS. Effect of an Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acid-Containing Commercial Lamb and
Rice Diet on Pruritus in Atopic Dogs: Results of a Single-Blinded Study.
Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. Vol. 61, pp 145-153, 1997.
- Watson TDG. Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats.
Journal of Nutrition. Vol. 128 (Supplement), pp 2783-2789, 1998.
Article
courtesy of FatsForHealth.com
While a glossy, beautiful coat is a sign of your pet's overall health &
well-being, skin & coat problems are one of the most frequent reasons pets see
a veterinarian. I would like to recommend
Life's Abundance Skin & Coat Formula. This supplement provides
essential fatty acids needed by your dog or cat to maintain normal skin and
hair quality.
- Benefits of Skin & Coat Formula
for Dogs & Cats
Soothes irritated skin from
the inside out.
Recommended for animals with excessive itching & scratching.
Formulated for flaky skin: dry or oily.
Promotes a shiny, healthy, full coat.
Promotes healthy skin & coat thus reduces shedding.
- Features of Skin & Coat Formula
for Dogs & Cats
Contains natural, wholesome skin &
health support nutrients including fish oil (omega fatty acids) and vitamin
E. Delicious roast beef flavor.
Fatty acids are microencapsulated for better absorption. Oil is certified
free of contaminates such as mercury & lead.
Manufactured by a pharmaceutical plant that makes human products.
Suggested daily dosage:
Less than 15 pounds: ˝ tablet
15-29 pounds: 1 tablet
30-49 pounds: 1˝ tablets
50-99 pounds: 2 tablets
100+ pounds: 3 tablets
Start off with ˝ suggested dose, gradually increasing to recommended dose
within a week.
Learn more about the Skin & Coat Formula
here.
Additional Reading:
Fatty Acids for Pets
by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM
Click here
for more information on fish oil.
