Omega 3

WHAT ARE OMEGA-3s?

Omega 3 fatty acids are “essential fatty acids”.

They are so called because they are fatty acids necessary for the health of both dogs and cats, but their body is not able to synthesize them on its own, and therefore they must be integrated through the diet.

They are polyunsaturated fatty acids, and their name derives from the chemical composition, and more specifically from the position of the first double bond with respect to the methyl portion of the molecule.

The most important fatty acids of the Omega 3 family are the long-chain fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

DHA makes up cell membranes, therefore it has a structural function, and is particularly present in the retina, brain and reproductive organs.

EPA, on the other hand, has a functional role, and is a precursor of eicosanoids, i.e. those molecules that regulate the body's immune response.

WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

Numerous studies have shown how Omega 3 is good for pets' health.

They are important in development and maturation:

• cerebral;
• of the reproductive system;
• of the retinal tissue.

Mainly have stock:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Antithrombotic;
• Antiarrhythmic;
• Structural;
• Energy;
• Appetizing;

Therefore used to prevent/help in case of:

• Skin diseases (dermatitis, lesions, itching);
• Ulcerative colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• Cardiovascular diseases;
• “Bad” cholesterol;
• Type-2 diabetes mellitus;
• Kidney disease;
• Osteoarthritis and joint diseases;
• Cognitive dysfunctions.

Last but not least, it would appear that omega-3 fatty acids cause increased production of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine.

This allows you to respond better to nervous stimuli while also improving the symptoms linked to behavioral pathologies.

Furthermore, the effect of serotonin helps the body to cope better with stress and other activities.

WHAT CAUSES THEIR DEFICIENCY IN THE DIET?

Their deficiency in the diet causes countless pathologies, especially in some phases of life, such as growth, pregnancy and lactation.

A possible deficiency could cause:

• Growth delay;
• Reproductive damage;
• Skin lesions;
• Dry skin and dandruff;
• Dermatitis;
• Ear infections;
• Liver, kidney and neurological problems;
• Depression;
• Aggression;
• Hyperactivity disorder.

NB: even an excess of Omega 3 can lead to pathologies that should not be underestimated: avoiding "Do it yourself" and always being followed by a nutritionist is the best choice.

WHERE DO WE FIND THEM?

Omega 3 can be found in different quantities in:

• Fish;
• Aquatic flora;
• Terrestrial plants;
• Plant and hazelnut oils;
• Zooplankton;
• Marine invertebrates.

Those present in fish, and more precisely in fish oil, are those with higher concentrations of EPA and DHA and those that are mostly used in pet food.

The most common fish oils are salmon oil and cod liver oil.

But be careful, not all fish oils are the same, in fact what makes the difference is precisely the quantity of EPA and DHA they contain.

Our salmon oil and cod liver oil products are made of 100% fish oil and do not contain any type of additive.

They have a practical spray dispenser with a dosage of 0.2ml, so you simply need to dispense them on your dog and cat's food.

Try them now!

Dr. Alessia D'Alessandro