From the 1970s, approximately, information began to be given about the benefits of omega 3. Over the last few years, a large number of nutritionists have echoed its advantages and disadvantages, encouraging the population to include it in their diet and that of their pets. Of course, rigorous care must be taken to avoid such drawbacks as much as possible.
That said, omega 3 for cats can be very beneficial, but why? What is omega 3 for in cats and what foods rich in it are good for these animals? In this article on our site we clear up all related doubts and explain how to give omega 3 to a cat
What is omega 3?
Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that bring various benefits, but because mammals cannot produce them, they must obtain them from sources that nature provides (tissues of some fish and seafood and vegetables such as canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc).
There are different types of omega 3:
- Hexadecatrienoic acid (HTA).
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): is associated with benefits in the cardiovascular system of mammals.
- Stearidonic Acid (SDA): Synthesized from ALA, it is known to be found in black currant seed oils, hemp and echium.
- Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA): it has been found in some mussel species and it has been described that it can inhibit cyclooxygenase, which makes it a mild anti-inflammatory.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): in human medicine it is famous for being efficient against some types of hyperlipidemia.
- Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): it has been popularized that its consumption in humans could reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's, although it is a hypothesis which is 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 3 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 feline as follows:
- They are very efficient anti-inflammatories: ETA is associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenases (a protein that intervenes in the formation of those responsible for phlogosis), so it ends up inhibiting inflammation and helping with joint and/or muscle pain).
- They act as cognitive stimulants: some studies have described that omega 3 can bring important benefits to the brain in dogs and cats, for which is encouraged to include it in the diet in the correct way.
- They have anti-stress properties: It has been popularized that the correct use of omega 3 could be associated with the production of chemical substances such as serotonin and dopamine which, among other things, counteract stress in mammals. Do not miss the article with the Symptoms of stress in the cat to learn how to identify it.
- They have anticancer properties: It has been proven that in humans the use of omega 3 reduces the chances that a person may suffer from cancer breast or colon. In animals it is still being studied.
- Counteract excess fat: It has been proven that EPA can counteract hyperlipidemia, eliminating or reducing excess fat called “bad fats.”
- They act as cardiovascular protectors: this action is associated with ALA, which has been included in numerous studies with good results in its mission to improve the cardiovascular quality of mammals.
What is omega 3 for in cats?
After reviewing the benefits of omega 3 for cats, we can verify that these fatty acids serve the following purposes:
- They improve cardiovascular and joint he alth, so they are recommended in cases of degenerative diseases or diseases related to the bone system, such as osteoarthritis.
- They favor the condition of the cat's skin and hair, therefore it is recommended to include them in their diet and buy a cat shampoo containing omega 3.
How to give omega 3 to a cat?
There are two ways to give omega 3 to a cat: through food or through supplements In the first case, there is the possibility of acquiring a dry feed or canned food enriched with these fatty acids, of using salmon oil or of giving the animal foods rich in omega 3.
In the second case, which includes supplements, it will be the veterinarian who prescribes the dose of omega 3 for cats and the frequency, since these are products with a higher concentration.
Foods rich in omega 3 for cats
It is no coincidence that for some years now, in all cartoons or children's entertainment, the cat has been shown eating fish. Many marine species are a source of many types of omega 3, and as we have already mentioned in previous sections, they bring many benefits to the he alth of our feline. However, you should always go to the veterinarian when it comes to including any type of nutrient in your diet so that we know exactly what we are doing and can obtain benefits and not disadvantages.
The most famous species that by nature provide us with omega 3 and that we can give our cat are:
- Oily fish: tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardine, etc.
- Seafood: prawns, ribs, mussels, etc.
- Green leafy vegetables: cucumber, lettuce, spinach, etc.
- Vegetable oils: flaxseed oil, olive oil, walnut oil, soybean oil, etc.
- Nuts: Almonds.
Side effects of omega 3 in cats
Taking into consideration that we are mentioning substances that are still under study, we cannot rule out that these effects are associated with other chemical substances that have their sources. The adverse effects of these fatty acids usually appear when there is an excess of them in the diet, therefore, we must bear in mind that we cannot exaggerate with any substance due to the many benefits that have been discovered. The most characteristic symptoms that will be seen in a cat when it has ingested in excess a product that contains omega 3 are:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Every substance has its dose and exceeding it causes unwanted effects. This dose must be adjusted to the species, breed, sex, age, weight and many other factors inherent to the pet. You should consult your veterinarian if you want to include new substances in your diet, even though their benefits have become popular.
