We talk a lot about the importance of Omega 3 fatty acids, and you may have heard about the wide range of the health benefits they provide. But why exactly are Omega 3s so crucial for dogs battling cancer? And what exactly is the difference between “good” fats like Omega 3s and “bad” fats? Here, we’ll dive deeper into those questions to help you fill your dog’s bowl with the right fuel.
What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats. Dogs need Omega 3s but can’t produce them on their own (neither can humans, for that matter), which means they must get them from their diet. For this reason, Omega 3s are referred to as an “essential” nutrient.
The three most important types of Omega 3s are EPA, DHA, and ALA. Both EPA and DHA are found in fish, while ALA is found in plants and seeds. Although dogs can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, the conversion process is highly inefficient and it’s optimal to ensure your dog has a healthy amount of all three.
Interestingly, while these fats originate in marine life and plants, other protein sources like beef also contain these Omega 3s by way of the grass that they consume – which is one of the many reasons why grass-fed protein sources are a healthier and more nutrient-rich option than grain-fed ones.
The Many Health Benefits of Omega 3s
Omega 3s are anti-inflammatory, and many of the powerful benefits that they provide for dogs are related to conditions that are caused or exacerbated by excess inflammation. To name a few, Omega 3s help:
- Improve cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of heart disease
- Strengthen the immune system
- Aid in brain development and cognitive function
- Promote healthier joints
- Support a healthier skin and coat
Health Benefits of Omega 3s for Cancer Patients
Omega 3s aid your dog’s fight against cancer in multiple ways. Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer, and there is evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3s have a tumor suppressing effect.
Good Fats & Bad Fats
We’ve established that getting Omega 3s into your dog’s diet is beneficial, but it’s also important to understand the role that other fats play, and why the right balance of different kinds of fats in your dog’s diet matters just as much – if not more so – than the raw amount of each kind of fat.
Whole Foods v. Supplements
There are many Omega 3 supplements on the market, and you might be wondering whether simply adding some Omega 3 supplements to your dog’s diet provides all of the benefits that you need. While supplements are certainly better than nothing if your dog’s diet is deficient, they aren’t an ideal substitute for ensuring that your dog’s diet naturally contains a sufficient amount of Omega 3s, for several reasons.
As noted above, the balance of fats that your dog consumes matters. If your dog’s diet doesn’t have a proper balance of different fats, simply adding Omega 3 supplements won’t necessarily get your dog to a healthy ratio.
Additionally, the whole foods sources that provide Omega 3s are rich in other essential vitamins and minerals that you don’t get from the supplement form.
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The phrases “good fats” and “bad fats” get thrown around a lot. While those terms can sometimes be oversimplifications, it’s clear that Omega 3s are a “good fat” that should be a key feature of any dog’s diet - and particularly for dogs with cancer.
