Omega 6 In Dogs
We have told you that Chicken may not be your best source of protein because it is commonly associated with allergies. It is considered pro-inflammatory.
And for our dogs with the “hot-headed” attitudes and over-aroused behaviors that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine 5 Element Theory — chicken is a hot protein that fuels these behaviors. The protein is considered “hot”.
Sources of high Omega 6 include corn — which we don’t want in our dog’s diet, but surprisingly with the recent discussions heart health issues in grain-free foods, some vets are actually recommending a return to the corn-based diets, and chicken is often a common protein because it’s cheap. In fact, the pieces and parts that become chicken meal is even cheaper and lands in your dog’s food often as a significant portion of the protein calculation. And don’t even get me started on corn.
Other Omega 6 sources include Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, and Flaxseed Oil, which contain plant-based Omega 3 — but they also contain Omega 6.
Excess inflammation in the body can lead to health problems that may include flea allergies, arthritis, auto-immune disease, and other far more serious conditions.
We also know that chicken and corn are high in Omega 6 but typically very low in Omega 3. Unless the chicken is free-range organic, it’s likely to have only negligible amounts of Omega 3. Not enough to create the ratio needed to have the Omega 3 reduce the inflammatory factors.
Some of you may have switched away from chicken-based diets. Some of you may be supplementing Omega 3 or offering fish and sardines weekly. Now, some of you might not be getting enough Omega 6.
Omega 6 Requirement For Dogs.
We all need Omega 6
And it also needs to be in a balanced ratio with Omega 3. The ratio is 4:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3.
If you’ve switched away from chicken where is your Omega 6 coming from??? For most people feeding kibble, it’s most likely being supplemented in the recipe because AAFCO requires recipes to be balanced according to certain standards. It is estimated that kibble diets currently are 30:1 — therefore woefully deficient in Omega 3
The home-prepared recipe may be the one that is falling the shortest. It’s a common mistake to omit Omega 6. But it’s as simple as adding in Safflower Oil, Hemp Seeds or Peanut Butter in proper amounts (4:1) Eggs are also a great source of Omega 6 and they don’t create the same inflammatory response for most dogs that chicken would. Funny how things work from the same source.
What does Omega 6 Do?
Omega 6 fatty acids play an important role in brain health as well as growth and development. omega-6s help promote skin and hair growth, support good bone health, regulate metabolism, and support the reproductive system.
As a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), these fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce risks of cancer.
The only way you or your dog can receive these fatty acids is from within the diet. Meaning, they have to be delivered in foods containing them.
Omega 6, like Omega 3 is an important source of energy for your dog’s body.
You need Omega 3s to need to help with brain health, heart health, skin conditions and so much more. If you need a good source of ethically sustained omega oils / fish oils — be sure to check out Volhard’s Krill Oil, or Young Living Omegagize.
Look at 4 Leave Rover Safe Sea or Adored Beast Sea and Soil. https://linktr.ee/welloiledk9
Confused? Don’t be.
On one hand, you’re being told they are pro-inflammatory and that inflammation isn’t good for any of us. On the other hand, you’re being told these are actually essential fatty acids everyone needs. Both are true and the key is balanced ratios — and the sources from which it comes.
At the risk of creating more confusion — did you know there is an Omega 9 too?
While I could create recipes that balance this — hopefully, you’re starting to see how many things need to be balanced, how many things need to be included, and the sources matter. Yes, I can create a recipe that does all this, and I can help you do the same. But all this important detail is one of the primary reasons I continue to use a pre-made base mix paired with daily protein sources. I don’t have to think about it. I don’t have to source ingredients. I don’t have to do a lot of mathematical calculations (even though my degree in college was a double major in math and computer science!).
Volhard just makes a convenient high quality product, I know, and trust. And put my name on to recommend to you & offer you ongoing support & consultations as long as you’re using the products.