Just as omega 3 is important for human health, it is equally important for cat health. Omega 3 fatty acids provide innumerable benefits for felines. In addition to keeping a cat’s fur looking sleek and shiny, omega 3 can also help keep a kitty’s organs, joints, and immune system functioning properly. Choosing a healthy cat food with the right amount of omega 3 is crucial.
Types of Omega 3 in Cat Foods
There are three kinds of omega 3 in cat foods:
- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
EPA and DHA come from fish sources like fish meal or oil. ALA comes from vegetable sources like soybean oil or flaxseed.
Cat foods that contain omega 3 from a fish source are the healthiest for cats. This is because cats are better able to use these types of omega 3. Cat foods that contain omega 3 from a vegetable source are more difficult for cats’ bodies to use.
Omega 3 Nutritional Requirement for Cats
It is not known what the specific omega 3 requirement is for cats. Research has been and is being conducted to determine the particular health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids to cat health. However, omega 3 is not currently officially recognized as a necessary component of a healthy cat diet.
How to Choose a Healthy Cat Food with Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Since omega 3 is not officially recommended as essential to cat health, it is not required for cat food manufacturers to list the amount of omega 3 their products contain. Nevertheless, the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats believes that the omega 3 requirements for cats are moderate, so choosing a cat food that contains fish or fish products will likely supply a sufficient amount of omega 3 fatty acids to be beneficial to a feline’s health.
The Bottom Line on Omega 3 in Cat Foods
There are two considerations to remember when choosing a healthy cat food with enough omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish sources are better for cats than omega 3 from vegetable sources. Choose a cat food that lists fish or fish products in the ingredient list. Cat omega 3 requirements have not yet been determined but are likely quite low. The bottom line is that as long as a cat food contains fish in some form or another, the pet food probably contains enough omega 3 for a healthy cat diet.
Source:
Will My Cat Get Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Petfoods? (Omega-3 Learning for Health and Medicine)
Aimee Larsen Stoddard - Aimee is a professional writer/editor. She has a BA in English and is currently completing an MS in Theology.
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