Three Cheers for Omega-3!

Do you take omega-3 supplements to improve your own health? If you’re like a lot of people, you’re adding omega-3 to your diet because of the great health benefits these “good fats” deliver. They may improve heart health, reduce inflammation throughout the body, reduce joint pain — even improve some skin conditions.

And, once again, what’s good for you is good for Fido and Fluffy. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy growth and development in dogs and cats.

What can omega-3 do for your pet’s health?

  • Promote heart health
  • Keep the coat and skin healthy and supple
  • May help reduce inflammation throughout body including the joints
  • Support the immune system
  • Promote healthy brain function

Since omega-3 essential fatty acids aren’t made in the body – neither our bodies nor our pet’s bodies make them – these important nutrients must come from our diets. Foods including cold water fish like salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, and soybeans are all rich in healthy omega-3.

But I’m guessing while some of you might eat salmon, tofu, and walnuts regularly to boost your omega-3 levels, you aren’t feeding those foods to your pet every day, right? Fortunately, there are many omega-3 nutritional supplements on the market formulated specifically for dogs and cats. And we’re seeing a definite uptick in orders for these important products.

But not all nutritional supplements are alike. When you’re buying nutritional supplements, for yourself or your pet, it’s important that you check the quality and purity to ensure you’re getting what you need – and what you pay for.

Ascenta Omega 3 for Pets with PureCheck

I’m really excited about one of our newest omega-3 supplements– Ascenta Omega3. This liquid nutritional supplement is available in canine and feline formulas that can be added directly to your pet’s food. But here’s what’s different about Ascenta Omega3: the quality and purity are guaranteed. Ascenta has an independent verification system that confirms the purity and exact make up of each batch of Ascenta Omega3 so you can check the levels of the supplement you order online to ensure its quality. That’s a valuable resource and good peace of mind.

Have you tried Ascenta Omega3 yet? If you’re one of those cutting-edge pet parents that’s already using Ascenta Omega3, weigh in and let us (and everyone else) know how it’s working for your pet. Please feel free to leave a product review on the Ascenta product page or leave a reply below.

Cheers!

Wes

Omega Fatty Acids are an Important Addition to Any Diet

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to” is a common catchphrase most of us have heard. It can be applied to nearly any commercial good, from automobiles to appliances and even to homes. But we rarely hear it when discussing pet food, as this is a talking point that is largely ignored. As the nation embraces organic eatables, we are simultaneously serving our dogs and cats less nutritious meals than we did in the past.

Most of the dry or canned pet foods that are sold at local supermarkets are heavily processed and contain copious amounts of “filler”, an ingredient that is added to provide dietary fiber and/or bulk. Common examples include corn, soy, weeds, straw, citrus pulp, and cereal by-products. It does not contain any nutritional value, but it helps keep costs low; many animal lovers truly care for their dogs and cats, but rarely have the cash to feed them as if they were human beings.  Gourmet, organic, and specialized pet foods can be more expensive than anything you might feed your child.  It is no wonder then why most pet owners often have to go with the more affordable alternative. What’s more, they shouldn’t feel bad about it! Even though they are heavily processed, these foods are not necessarily unhealthy. With that said, they may lack some of nutrients your cat or dog needs to stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and this is especially true for older pets that naturally slow down as they age. If they do not get the nutrients they need with each meal, they may be more susceptible to age-related injuries and ailments.

Just as their owners do, dogs and cats can benefit from daily nutritional supplements. These pills, tablets, and chewables are designed to make up for a dietary deficiency caused by commercial pet foods, or because they have higher needs for certain nutrients than the average pet. A good supplement can give them everything they need to keep their coats and skin healthy, shinny, and supple.

Derma-3, Optima 365 and True-Dose are Available at VetRxDirectOmega-3s and Omega-6s are the two main classes of fatty acids that help support skin and coat health in our pets. Unfortunately, they are sorely lacking in most commercial pet food brands. The only way to ensure that your furry friend gets enough of them is to feed him dietary supplements on a regular basis, like Optima 365 and Derma-3. These polyunsaturated fats are actually produced in the canine and feline body, but neither makes enough of them to support healthy functions. They must get the remainder from their diets, which may be difficult if you feed them commercial pet food. There are also liquid forms of supplements that will do everything from improve joint health to sooth emotions to have a pet that feel superb on multiple levels.

If your pet is on a diet because he’s overweight or has an intestinal disease that keeps him from absorbing fatty acids as he should, it may cause skin and coat problems. Itching or inflamed skin and a dull coat are the most common symptoms of this physical ailment, whether it is caused by diet or a medical issue. Taking a simple supplement should help him return his skin and coat to their former glory.

What Supplements are Available for Skin and Coat Health in Pets?

Fatty Acid Supplements for Dry Skin in Pets

Just as it is for us, skin is the single largest organ for both dogs and cats. As a result, it is subject to a whole host of problems, the most common of which is dermatitis.  Although all domesticated animals with feathers or fur scratch and lick every now and then, when the itching is nearly nonstop, the problem may be a diagnosable disorder.  There are many reasons why your furry friend is scratching incessantly. Fortunately, all of them are treatable.

Types of Dermatitis in Pets

Environmental, parasitic, infectious, and allergic reactions are quite common in pets, but may be difficult to diagnose, since there are many causal agents. The nutritional form of the disease, on the other hand, is typically much easier to treat. Often the result of cheap pet foods, these brands do not contain the protein, vitamins, and minerals your dog or cat needs with each meal. As a result, his coat may become dry and dull and hair loss may ensue. Dry, flaky skin is another common symptom.

Signs of Nutritional Dermatitis in Pets

As much as their owners may love them, millions of cats and dogs live their entire lives in discomfort because they consume low quality pet foods. Most of these economical brands are chock-full of unhealthy fillers and ingredients our pets literally cannot stomach.  In more extreme cases, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite inevitably ensue. But for the average cat or dog, itching and scratching are the most common symptoms of nutritional dermatitis.

Even after their pets exhibit the aforementioned symptoms, some owners are reluctant to switch their pet’s food. It isn’t because they don’t care. In most cases, they believe the labels on the cans, bags, and boxes describe nearly every food as “complete and nutritionally balanced.”

How to Fight Nutritional Dermatitis in Pets

Our cats and dogs are mainly meat eaters. So, when you feed them foods that contain corn, wheat, and soy, it’s no wonder they have trouble processing it.  Proper nutrition can and often does improve minor health issues, such as dry skin. It can also make a remarkable difference in comfort and quality of life. With that said, improved eating habits alone may not be enough to restore your pet’s coat and skin.  When combined with a healthy diet and prescription medications, supplements can help clear up most acute or chronic skin problems.

What are omega fatty acids for pets?

Americans have always adored panaceas. Hey, who wouldn’t   A single pill or nostrum that can solve all our problems…what could be better? Omega fatty acids are the latest catholicon pet owners have embraced with open arms.  A blend of acids derived from natural oils, they are said to support heart and skin health. But do they really work?

Although they may not be a cure-all, there is amble evidence to suggest fatty acid supplements are salubrious for both humans and their pets. When taken on a daily basis, they can be used to treat the itching and scratching often associated with dry and flaky skin.

Common Omega Fatty Acid Supplements for Pets

Omega 3-6-9Omega 3, 6, 9 for Dogs and Cats: Sold in soft gel capsules, this daily supplement provides all the healthy benefits of fatty acids in a single dose. Although it is formulated for management, Omega supplements can also help restore normal coat and skin health in pets that suffer from pruritis and seborreheic diseases and conditions.  This particular medication contains heavy doses of Vitamins A and E and other natural antioxidants, which have been proved to add moisture to dry skin.

Optima 365 GroupOptima 365: A dog or cat with dry or unhealthy skin will invariably have a dull, lackluster coat. Some pets even experience increased shedding because their skin is dry and flaky. A daily supplement can help correct these problems in short order. Most contain Omega fatty acids, which can produce real results in only a few weeks.

Sold in chewable tablets and liquid form, Optima 365 is an oral supplement for dogs and cats. Numerous laboratory tests have shown that it can significantly reduce shedding, particularly in aging dogs. Skin and coat health should improve soon after the supplement is administered.

essential fatty acid bath oilEssential Fatty Acids: A topical solution sold in spray form, this Essential Fatty Acids supplement contains omega fatty acids mixed with natural moisturizing factors. It is designed specifically to replenish the epidermal barrier in dogs and cats to restore proper moisture balance to skin immediately following medicated or routine shampooing.

Have you tried any of these products or any other omega fatty acid supplement with your pet. Let us know you experiences and suggestions in the comments section below. Thank you.