The essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) are necessary components for reproduction, formation of cell membranes, normal hair development and wound healing.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

• Linolenic acid
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in both animal (I.e. fish/marine oils) and plant sources, although the plant based sources (I.e. flax and hemp seeds) only supply linolenic acid.

Omega-6 fatty acids:

• Linolenic acid
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

Omega-6 fatty acids are naturally found in animal based protein sources and are therefore readily supplied by the raw diet.

Omega-9 fatty acids:

• Oleic acid

It is believed that some species of animals (dogs and cats included) cannot convert linolenic acid to the other essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. For this reason dogs and cats should also be supplemented with oil that contains EPA and DHA; versus one that supplies omega-3 fatty acids solely from linolenic acid.

Another important factor when discussing essential fatty acids is balancing the Omega-3 to Omega-6 in your pet’s diet. At this time less is know about the benefit of Omega-9 fatty acids for our pets. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to be seen as pro-inflammatory, whereas Omega-3 fattyacids are viewed as anti-inflammatory – each playing their own role in various functions of the body. Balancing them, to a certain extent, is based upon these principles. Because Omega-6 fatty acids are supplied in the diet it fits best into this theory to give your pet oil containing primarily omega-3 fatty acids (especially one including EPA and DHA).