Skin and coat health: Omega-3- & 6-fatty acids for dogs

The health of your dog's skin and coat is an important indicator of their well-being. Nutrition plays a crucial role, especially for dogs with allergic skin diseases.

A scientific study shows that a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in food can help significantly relieve itching and strengthen the skin barrier.

The most important findings of the study:

The food was administered to 18 dogs with allergic skin diseases and contained specially enriched amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and omega-6 fatty acids, in a ratio of 5.5:1.

The dogs received this food for 8 weeks, and 44.4 % showed initial positive results after 7-21 days, manifested as a significant reduction in itching. After returning to the original diet, the itching returned after 3-14 days. Repeated administration of the enriched food produced the same effects as the first administration.

The effect of the administered diet is thought to be due to its fatty acid profile, particularly the omega-3 content and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. The data also suggest that there may be subgroups of atopic dogs whose fatty acid metabolism differs so significantly from that of normal or other atopic dogs that controlled fatty acid intake has little or no effect on their itching.

The study highlights that omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin irritation and strengthen the skin barrier, but much remains to be learned about the use of these fatty acids to treat allergic skin diseases in dogs.

To read the original study, click here:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/instance/1189391/pdf/cjvetres00018-0067.pdf

Do you want to promote your dog's skin and coat health naturally?

When choosing food and snacks, look for high-quality sources of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and a balanced ratio of the two.

Our Dear Dog fish snacks are not only a natural source of valuable fatty acids - analyses also confirm their balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

Would you like to learn more about the nutrients in African catfish? Click here for the article "Naturally Healthy: Nutrients in African Catfish".