The answer is yes. In fact, fatty acids have become the most commonly used nutritional supplements for dogs and cats. They've been successfully used long enough that most conventional veterinarians now include them in the treatment of at least some diseases.

The facts on fatty acids
Medicinal fatty acids are divided into two categories: omega-3 and
omega-6. In general, omega-6s tend to promote inflammation, whereas omega-3s reduce it. Omega-3 fatty acids are therefore used in diseases where anti-inflammatory activity is needed, and can be substituted for medications such as corticosteroids. Omega-6s, meanwhile, are used mainly for coat and skin maintenance.

The most commonly used fatty acid supplements are fish and flaxseed oils, both of which contain omega-3s. Flaxseed oil actually has more omega-3s than fish oil, but in an inactive form; research studies have therefore indicated that the latter is most beneficial for both people and animals. For this reason, fish oil is generally recommended as the omega-3 fatty acid supplement of choice.

Active omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are derived from the oils of coldwater fish such as salmon, trout, or most commonly, menhaden fish. Flaxseed oil, meanwhile, comes from the seeds of the flax plant and has been proposed as a less smelly alternative to fish oil. It contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 that is ultimately converted to EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil is also a source of omega-6 fatty acids.

Animals with inflammatory diseases may respond to supplementation with flaxseed oil. However, many animals, as well as people, cannot efficiently convert ALA to the more active EPA and DHA. In one study, flaxseed oil was found to be ineffective in reducing symptoms or raising levels of EPA
and DHA in humans. Nor was flaxseed oil as beneficial as fish oil in animals with kidney disease. So 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. In fact, there is little evidence that flaxseed oil is effective for any specific therapeutic purpose aside from improving the coat and skin, although the lignans contained in the oil may have
anti-cancer benefits.

How can fish oil help?
Fish oil supplementation may help animals with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and cancer and has demonstrated benefits in animals with allergies, kidney disease and heart disease. It might also help with diabetes: just as people with this disease can have fatty acid derangement and require supplementation, this may also be true for animals. Fish oil has also shown benefits as an anti-depressant in people with mild depression.

back to Animal Wellness Magazine home

Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. His veterinary practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, is located in Plano, Texas. You can contact him at www.petcarenaturally.com or naturalvet@juno.com.