You may notice that your premium pet food contains fish oil or fish meal and wonder why it’s in there. It’s not added to formulations just to make the food taste better. It’s there to provide a much-needed nutrient – omega 3 fatty acids.

            Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats, but not all fats contain all of the fatty acids in the same proportions. The omega 3 fatty acids are found in higher concentrations in fish such as salmon and in certain plants and grains. One of the important omega 3s is EPA.

            Omega 6 fatty acids are also important and are more readily available in typical pet food ingredients than are the omega 3s.

            Animal nutrition research reveals that feeding a diet with adequate amounts of omega 3s in proper balance with omega 6s can help with lots of health issues. The most obvious of these is healthy skin and coat. If your pet has dull fur, itchy patches, flaky skin or hot spots, a quality premium food with properly balanced levels of fatty acids will work wonders. You’ll start to see a difference in your pet in as few as 3 to 4 weeks.

            Other conditions that may be improved when fatty acids are balanced and incorporated into the diet include:

Allergies and Autoimmune Conditions: Allergies and autoimmune conditions are thought to occur because the immune system over-reacts. Certain fatty acids can lessen the harmful effects these diseases can have on the body.

Arthritis: Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, may be helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Other Inflammatory Diseases: Other diseases which are accompanied by inflammation such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis may respond to the anti-inflammatory effects of certain fatty acids.

Heart Problems: Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids may prevent certain cardiac problems as well.

Yeast Infections: Fatty acids have been shown to slow down the growth of a common yeast infection in dogs and cats.

            Not all pet foods are the same. There is a difference in the quality of ingredients and how the foods are formulated. The premium pet foods available at Feeders Supply are designed to provide your pet with the very best in nutrition for a long and healthy life. Why would you feed anything else?