29 Dic Come funzionano gli acidi grassi Omega 3?
The Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutritive elements for humans, dogs and cats, because they cannot be synthesized by the body – therefore, they must be supplemented through diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are: ALA – alpha linolenic acid, EPA – eicosapentanoic acid and DHA – docosahexanoic acid. EPA is part of the cellular membrane, DHA is an essential element in the neuronal structures (including brain and retina), improving the neuronal and synaptic plasticity. Together, the fatty acids have a strong anti inflammatory effect, helping joint issues, skin issues and inflammatory diseases.
ALA is an Omega 3 fatty acids that can be found in plants, nuts and seeds. While humans can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, cats cannot do this. Fortunately, EPA and DHA can be found in cold water fish species. The best sources of Omega 3 for cats are the wild salmon oils.
The first benefit you will notice after giving Omega 3 supplements is a visible improvement in the quality of fur and skin, probably in just a few weeks after starting the supplements. The cats will stop excessively shedding and it will also lick its fur less (hence, ingesting less fur and having a lower risk to have digestive fur ball problems, which can require surgical intervention). Also, there are other benefits which will not be so easily visible – healthy cells, less inflammatory processes, stronger immune system, a more efficient nervous system, all these making a difference for your pet’s health.