Content
- What is omega 3
- Benefits of Omega 3 for Cats
- What is omega 3 for cats
- How to give omega 3 to a cat?
- Omega 3 dose for cats
- Foods rich in omega 3 for cats
- Side Effects of Omega 3 in Cats
From the 70's onwards, information about the benefits of omega 3 began to be disseminated. In recent years, a large number of nutritionists have talked about its advantages and disadvantages, encouraging people to include it in their diet and in the food of their pets. Obviously, strict care must be taken to avoid these disadvantages as much as possible.
That said, omega 3 for cats can be very beneficial, but why? What is the use of omega 3 in cats and what foods rich in this fat are good for these animals? In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will clarify all related doubts and explain how to include this substance in your feline's diet - Omega 3 for cats: doses and uses.
What is omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have many health benefits. However, as mammals cannot produce them, they must obtain them from sources provided by nature (tissues from some fish, molluscs and vegetables, such as canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc.). ).
there are different types of omega 3:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): is associated with benefits in the cardiovascular system of mammals.
- Stearidonic Acid (STD): Synthesized from ALA, is known to be found in blackcurrant, hemp and echium seed oils.
- Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETE): has been found in some mussel species and has been reported as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, making it a mild anti-inflammatory.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): in human medicine it is famous for being effective against some types of hyperlipidemia.
- Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): it was popularized that its consumption in humans could reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease, although this is a hypothesis still under study.
- tetracosapentaenoic acid.
- Tetracosahexaenoic acid (nisinic acid): Found in cod, Japanese sardine and shark liver oil.
Benefits of Omega 3 for Cats
As mentioned in the previous section, there are many types of omega 3s, and just as they have different chemical characteristics, they also have different effects individually. We can generalize the benefits of these fatty acids in our felines as follows:
- They are very effective anti-inflammatory drugs: ETA is associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenases (a protein that interferes with the formation of those responsible for phlogosis), so it ends up inhibiting inflammation and helping with joint and/or muscle pain.
- Act as cognitive stimulants: some studies describe that omega 3 can bring significant benefits to the brain of dogs and cats, so it is recommended to include it in your diet in the right way.
- Have anti-stress properties: It has been popularized that the correct use of omega 3 may be associated with the production of substances such as serotonin and dopamine that, among other things, combat stress in mammals. Don't miss the article with stress symptoms in cats to learn how to identify them.
- It has anti-cancer properties: It has been proven that the use of omega 3 in humans reduces the chances of a person suffering from breast or colon cancer. In animals, this property is still being studied.
- Fight excess fat: it was possible to prove that EPA is capable of combating hyperlipidemia, eliminating or reducing the excess of the so-called "bad fats".
- Act as cardiovascular protectors: this action is associated with ALA, included in many studies that have shown its good results in the mission to improve the cardiovascular quality of mammals.
What is omega 3 for cats
After reviewing the benefits of omega 3 for cats, we were able to verify that these fatty acids serve the following purposes:
- Improve cardiovascular and joint health, therefore, are recommended in cases of degenerative diseases or related to the bone system, such as osteoarthritis.
- Favor the condition of the cat's fur and fur, therefore, it is recommended to include them in your diet and buy a shampoo for cats that contains omega 3.
How to give omega 3 to a cat?
There are two ways to give omega 3 to a cat: through food or supplements. In the first case, there is the possibility of purchasing dry feed or canned food enriched with these fatty acids, using salmon oil or giving the animal foods rich in omega 3.
Omega 3 dose for cats
In the second case, which includes supplements, the veterinarian will regulate the dose of omega 3 for cats and its frequency, since they are products with greater concentration.
Foods rich in omega 3 for cats
It is no accident that for several years, in every cartoon or children's entertainment, the cat was shown eating fish. Many species of marine fish are the source of various types of omega 3 and, as we mentioned in previous sections, bring many health benefits to our felines. However, you should always see your veterinarian when including any type of nutrient in your diet, so that you know exactly what you are doing and can reap benefits rather than disadvantages.
The most famous species that by nature provide omega 3 and you can give your cat are:
- fatty fish: tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.
- seafood: shrimp, mussels, etc.
- green leaf vegetables: cucumber, lettuce, spinach, etc.
- vegetable oils: flaxseed oil, olive oil, walnut oil, soybean oil, etc.
- Dry fruits: almonds.
Side Effects of Omega 3 in Cats
Considering that we are talking about substances still under study, we cannot rule out that these effects are associated with other chemical substances present in their sources. The adverse effects of these fatty acids usually appear when there is an excess of them in the diet; therefore, you should keep in mind that you cannot overdo it with any substance, even though many benefits have been discovered. The most characteristic symptoms that will be observed in a cat when ingesting in excess of a product that contains omega 3 are:
- vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Every substance has its dose which, when exceeded, causes unwanted effects. This dose must be adjusted to the species, breed, sex, age, weight and many other factors inherent to the animal. Your veterinarian should be consulted if you wish to include new substances in your cat's diet, even if their benefits have become popular.
If you want to read more articles similar to Omega 3 for cats: benefits, doses and uses, we recommend that you enter our Balanced Diets section.