Many nutritional benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have become well established in the last 15+ years of pet nutrition research and product innovation. What started as a way to improve skin and coat and a variety of dermatitis conditions, has blossomed into discoveries related to a whole host of benefits from proper fatty acid nutrition. Notably, benefits to renal, coronary, bowel and joint health, tumor prevention, wound healing, neural and visual health and insulin/diabetes management in dogs and cats (Pike and Miller, 2000) to name a few. The omega-3s are thought to work by maintaining cellular membrane integrity, by serving as endocrine precursors (eicosanoids) and/or as anti-inflammatory intermediates (Bauer, 2004). Because of this body of evidence, omega-3 fatty acids, for the first time, will be considered as conditionally essential nutrients in the soon to be released Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (NRC, 2006).
Fish oil
Great omega-3 source (but not without challenges)
