Featured Articles | Veterinarians
Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Promotes Optimal Neurological Development of Puppies
Although human and canine fetuses and neonates can desaturate and elongate 18-carbon omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA) to form their respective longer chain derivatives such as docosahexaenoic acid or DHA (22:6n-3) (1,2), it is uncertain whether the rate of synthesis is sufficient to meet the demands for optimal growth and development. In a study conducted by our laboratory, we found that, for puppies, the inclusion of modest amounts of DHA from fish oil in the diet during gestation, lactation, and suckling is more effective than high amounts of dietary ALA in improving electroretinographic (ERG) responses at 12-weeks of age (3).
Variations in polyunsaturated fatty acid formation in the cat and dog
Although dogs and cats are both mammals, they differ in many aspects of intermediary metabolism including specific pathways for fatty acid metabolism. Dogs have considerable capacity (relative to cats) to convert linoleic acid (LA), an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), to its longer chain and more unsaturated derivative arachidonic acid (AA or 20:4n-6). Based on the dog's capacity to synthesize AA from LA, it does not have a requirement for AA (1). The rate limiting step for the synthesis of AA from LA is the delta-6 desaturase.
Aggressive dogs may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids
Each year, millions of dogs (5 to 17 million in the U.S.A.) are abandoned and euthanized (1,2). Among the various reasons for euthanasia, behavioral problems account for 50% to 70% of all terminations (3). Aside from the uncontrollable factors that contribute to this problem such as genetics, disease, and ageing, nutritional imbalance can also be a factor. However, since this is a controllable factor, it is among the easiest to correct.
What you need to know to recommend omega-3 fatty acids for your client's dog and cat
More than ever before, pet owners are more conscious of their pet's nutrition and health status. A burgeoning area of interest to enhance pets' health is supplementing their diets with omega-3 fatty acids, especially preformed long chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 carbon fatty acid) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 carbon fatty acid). A 2007 survey of 1000 pet owners revealed that more than 80% of respondents believe that omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most essential nutrients to have in the food they and their pets eat. Here we present some basic information on essential fatty acids and, in particular, the omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutrition for the geriatric pet
Dogs and cats are like humans in that we all go through a life cycle that starts from birth and ends at death. During this life cycle, different nutrient combinations and proportions are required for optimal health at each stage, such as infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. In the latter stage of the life cycle, namely the senior years or geriatric period, many physiological functions in the body deteriorate and the metabolism generally slows down compared to the previous stages in life. Generally a pet is considered to be old when it is in the latter one-third of its normal life span.
Omega-3 fatty acids and joint health, possible actions
Fatty acid-derived compounds appear to play an important role in bone and joint health. Numerous lipid-derived hormones (eicosanoids), derived from arachidonic acid (AA, an omega-6 fatty acid) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid), regulate the inflammatory process and influence the general health status of the skeletal system in the body. In general, eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and related compounds) from omega-6 fatty acids are more potent and more pro-inflammatory compared to the omega-3 fatty acids 1. Prostaglandins produced from omega-3 fatty acids are weaker counterparts of the omega-6 derivatives and are less inflammatory, sometimes even anti-inflammatory.
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