Holistic Health Hub

Fatty Acids and Inflammation in Dogs and Cats

Fatty acids play a critical role in the health of pets, but they also influence inflammation. Inflammation is not inherently harmful — it is part of the body’s natural immune defense — but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to conditions such as skin disorders, “allergies,” joint discomfort, and arthritis. One of the key dietary drivers of inflammation is an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fatty acids.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Essential but Inflammatory in Excess

Linoleic acid (LA) is an essential omega-6 fatty acid and must be present in the diet. However, LA also serves as a precursor for arachidonic acid (AA), a fatty acid found in high levels in poultry and some other meats. While AA is important for normal immune and reproductive function, excessive intake can promote inflammation.

When AA is elevated relative to other fatty acids, it can initiate inflammatory immune responses, contributing to:

  • Chronic skin irritation

  • Exacerbation of “allergic” symptoms

  • Increased inflammation in arthritis

This does not mean omega-6 fatty acids should be avoided. Instead, they must be balanced with omega-3 fatty acids that counteract inflammatory pathways.

The Balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3

A healthy diet should contain more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s, but the ratio is important.

  • National Research Council (NRC): 2.6:1 up to 26:1 omega-6:omega-3

  • AAFCO standards: up to 30:1

These broad allowances in commercial diets are often linked to the high prevalence of inflammatory conditions seen in pets today. Nutritionists generally recommend aiming for a much narrower ratio — ideally 3:1 to 5:1 or less.

While fish oil is often recommended to improve this ratio, it is important to understand that not all fatty acids in fish oil are anti-inflammatory, and quality varies greatly.

Key Anti-Inflammatory Fatty Acids

Three fatty acids are most important in reducing inflammation:

  • Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) – derived from LA or plant oils such as hempseed, evening primrose, or ahiflower oil.

  • Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA) – found in green-lipped mussel oil; a potent anti-inflammatory that supports cartilage repair and immune balance.

  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) – a major omega-3 fatty acid in marine oils that strongly reduces inflammation and modulates immune activity.

These cannot be produced in sufficient quantities from plant precursors (LA and ALA) alone, making direct dietary sources necessary.

Note: Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), another omega-3 abundant in fish oil, is not strongly anti-inflammatory. Instead, DHA plays vital roles in brain development, vision, and nervous system health.

Understanding Fatty Acid Ratios in Foods

Different foods naturally provide varying balances of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Plant-Based Sources (LA : ALA)

  • Leafy greens: 1:1

  • Most vegetables: 1:1 to 4:1

  • Hempseeds: 2.5:1

  • Chia seeds: 3:1

  • Flaxseeds: 4:1

  • Most nuts: 5:1 or higher

  • Most grains: 20:1

  • Sunflower seeds/oil: 70:1 or higher

Animal-Based Sources (AA : EPA/DHA)

  • Wild-caught fish: 1:1 or less

  • Farmed salmon: 1:1 or higher (depends on feed)

  • Wild game meats: ~3:1

  • Grass-fed meats: 3:1 to 5:1

  • Grain-fed meats: 5:1 or higher

  • Chicken: 15:1 to 17:1

These differences explain why diets based heavily on poultry and grain-fed meats often drive inflammation unless balanced with oily fish or other omega-3-rich foods.

Ingredient Selection and Considerations

  • Grass-fed meats – contain not only a better omega-6:3 balance but also higher levels of vitamin precursors, antioxidants like glutathione, and nutrients compared to grain-fed meats.

  • Plant oils – ALA-rich oils such as soybean or canola oil are common in commercial foods, but they are often mass-produced, genetically modified, and not ideal sources of fatty acids.

  • Fish oils – while rich in EPA and DHA, they vary in quality. Solvent-extracted fish oils may contain contaminants like mercury or environmental toxins. Farmed fish oils often contain more omega-6 than wild sources and are less sustainable.

  • Green-lipped mussel oil – an excellent source of ETA, highly anti-inflammatory, and sustainable.

  • Ahiflower oil – a rich plant source of SDA and GLA, supporting anti-inflammatory pathways.

Practical Application

For optimal health and reduced inflammation in pets:

  • Provide a balance of grass-fed or wild meats, oily fish, leafy greens, and appropriate seeds or seed oils.

  • Avoid reliance on high-LA oils such as sunflower or soybean oil.

  • Complement plant sources of fatty acids with animal-based EPA, DHA, and AA to ensure complete coverage.

  • For pets with chronic inflammation, joint disease, or skin conditions, consider supplementation with ETA (green-lipped mussel oil) and GLA (ahiflower or evening primrose oil).

Conclusion

Inflammation is a direct reflection of dietary fatty acid balance. While omega-6 fatty acids like LA and AA are essential, they must be carefully balanced with anti-inflammatory omega-3s such as EPA and ETA, along with GLA from select plant oils.

A diet built on diverse, high-quality, species-appropriate foods — not simply fish oil supplementation — provides the most effective and sustainable way to manage inflammation and promote long-term health in both dogs and cats.

Jackie Gowland