Get the “fat” on supplementation ……
As a rule, our Raw Essentials range does not need added supplementation. The food is vibrant and alive with vitamins, minerals, live enzymes and essential fatty acids.
Dr Lyn Thomson may use targeted supplementation in certain cases for a short period of time.
We do not endorse the current trend to sell inadequate processed food alongside expensive supplementation.
Fatty acids are among the most commonly used nutritional supplements for dogs and cats. Medicinal fatty acids are divided into omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In general, omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation, whereas omega-3 fatty acids act to reduce inflammation. As such, omega-3 fatty acids are used as therapy in diseases in which anti-inflammatory activity is needed. The fatty acids can substitute for medications such as corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammation.
OMEGA-3's from fish or flax?
A common mis-conception is that fish oil and flax oil are interchangeable. However, only fish oil provides pre formed EPA and DHA, the fatty acids your pet can actually use. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which can be partially converted to EPA and DHA but in our cats and dogs this is very ineffective, and is limited by a diet high in omega 6's from corn and safflower oils, and deficiency of co-factors such as vit B3, B6 and Vit C, zinc and magnesium.
Our pets need to utilize animal origin essential fatty acids. Fish oil is a supplement they can utilize.
Our cats and dogs are designed to eat animals that have already converted the plant origin essential fatty acids (such as flax oil) into its active form.
Possums, rabbits and hare grazing on native pastures and berries are full of useful essential fatty acids for your cats and dogs.
Oily fish like pilchards and sardines are packed full of essential fatty acids.
FLAX OIL SUPPLEMENTS ARE NOT USEFUL TO YOUR PETS
The omega-3's found in fish oil and in the body fat of grazers such as rabbit, possum and hare are in an active form.
In research studies, fish oil has shown positive benefits in helping pets with disease, whereas flax seed oil has not been as beneficial. For this reason, fish oil is recommended as the omega-3 fatty acid supplement of choice.
While flaxseed oil has been suggested as a substitute for fish oil, there is no evidence that it is effective when used for the same therapeutic purposes as fish oil.
Most important - first try hard to get your pet to regularly eat oily fish, pilchards, sardines, mackarel, are all great. Fresh is best, or tinned if fresh is hard to find (only in spring water).
Choosing a fish oil supplement is tricky - here's why .........
There are many fish oil supplements on the market. And many things to consider. Are the oils from farmed or wild fish, are they from clean or polluted waters, are they being fished sustainably?
Our choice of the best fish oil supplements for pets are the Nordic Naturals - Omega-3 for Pets, from 100% wild Arctic Cod, harvested through sustainable fishing practices.