Holistic Health Hub

Introduction to Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Dogs

Omega fatty acids are essential components of canine health, forming key parts of cell membranes and playing vital roles in immunity, hormone production, and inflammation regulation. They can be broadly categorized into omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, each with unique roles and dietary sources.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are essential polyunsaturated fats that support brain function, cardiovascular health, skin and coat condition, and anti-inflammatory processes. Conversion of plant-based omega-3s to biologically active forms in dogs is inefficient, making direct dietary sources important.

Key omega-3 fatty acids:

  • ALA (18:3n-3, Alpha-linolenic Acid): Found in leafy greens, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and their oils. ALA is a precursor to other omega-3s, but conversion is limited.

  • SDA (18:4n-3, Stearidonic Acid): A precursor to DHA, sourced from ahiflower, echium, and hempseed oils.

  • ETA (20:4n-3, Eicosatetraenoic Acid): Precursor to EPA, primarily found in green-lipped mussel oil.

  • EPA (20:5n-3, Eicosapentaenoic Acid): Converted from ETA but with low efficiency; best sourced directly from cold-water oily fish, krill, calamari oil, and phytoplankton.

  • DPA (22:5n-3, Docosapentaenoic Acid): Precursor to DHA, present in small amounts in cold-water oily fish.

  • DHA (22:6n-3, Docosahexaenoic Acid): Final product in the conversion pathway, with roughly 1% of dietary ALA converted to DHA. Direct sources include salmon, sardines, mackerel, algae oil, krill, and calamari oil.

Note: Plant-based omega-3s (ALA) are inefficiently converted into EPA and DHA in dogs, so they should not be relied upon as the sole source of omega-3s.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6s are essential or conditionally essential polyunsaturated fats. Dogs can synthesize some omega-6s from precursors, but linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) must be provided in the diet. Omega-6s are crucial for skin and coat health, reproductive function, and inflammatory balance.

Key omega-6 fatty acids:

  • LA (18:2n-6, Linoleic Acid): Found in sunflower, safflower, and other seeds and seed oils. Truly essential in the diet.

  • GLA (18:3n-6, Gamma-Linolenic Acid): Can be synthesized from LA or consumed from evening primrose oil, ahiflower oil, hempseed oil, and black currant oil. Precursor to DGLA (20:3n-6) or Arachidonic Acid (AA).

  • AA (20:4n-6, Arachidonic Acid): Can be converted from LA and is abundant in meats, poultry, and eggs, especially from animals fed high-grain diets.

Conversion Pathways and Limitations

To convert ALA to EPA/DPA/DHA or LA to AA, delta-5 and delta-6 desaturase enzymes are required. Conversion efficiency is limited by:

  • The length of the metabolic pathway

  • The availability of enzymes

Because of this, dietary direct sources of EPA, DHA, and AA are preferred when possible. However, dogs can synthesize most of these fatty acids endogenously, with the exceptions of ALA and LA, making these truly essential in the diet.

Clinical Relevance

Diets lacking sufficient ALA and LA can result in:

  • Poor skin and coat quality

  • Reproductive challenges

  • Other health complications related to fatty acid deficiency

Ensuring a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports cell membrane integrity, hormonal balance, immunity, and inflammation regulation, which are foundational for overall canine health.

Jackie Gowland