A shiny, healthy coat is often seen as a sign of a well-cared-for pet—but achieving that glossy shine takes more than just adding fat to their diet. While many commercial pet foods are high in calories and fat, most of that fat comes from saturated and monounsaturated sources that lack the essential nutrients needed for optimal skin and coat health. These fats offer energy but fall short when it comes to providing the essential fatty acids for pets, like omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, that support pet skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote a glossy dog or cat coat. In this article, we’ll explore how essential fatty acids play a key role in your pet’s overall wellness and how to ensure they’re getting the right balance for long-term coat health.

What are the Two Most Important Fatty Acids to Your Dog or Cat?

Essential fatty acids are classified as polyunsaturated fats. The most common types of fatty acids are the omega-6 and omega-3 series of fatty acids. These two types of fatty acids cannot be synthesized by dogs and cats, and therefore are considered essential fatty acids (EFA’s) and must be supplied in the pet’s diet.

Why Are Fatty Acids Good For Dogs and Cats

Essential fatty acids have an important function within the body because they are required for normal tissue structure and function. They are responsible for the luster of the normal hair coat and the continuity of the skin. In addition, these fatty acids are proving to be effective as a supportive therapeutic tool for a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, inflammatory skin diseases, and even cancer. The enthusiasm for supplementing the pet’s diet with these types of fatty acids is enhanced since they are primarily derived from natural products, such as vegetable oil or marine fish oil.

Should I Give My Dog Omega-3 or 6?

Based on the clinical research conducted over the past decade, it has been learned that there are differences between omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. For example, when managing inflammatory conditions, it is now known that omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory and will cause more inflammation to occur, whereas omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and will minimize the inflammatory response. Which is more desirable? The answer is obvious…the results achieved with omega-3 fatty acids. Another example is that omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to be immunosuppressive, which is not good for young or older pets, while omega-3 fatty acids are not immunosuppressive, so the pet’s immune system is supported and benefits from the use of omega-3 fatty acids. Based on this information and other clinical research, it is now known that omega-3 fatty acids are more beneficial for the pet and will provide several benefits for managing a variety of disease conditions.

Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Essential for Your Pet’s Skin, Coat, and Overall Health