How Much Omega-3 Fatty Acid Does Your Cat Need?: How to Pick a Cat Food with The Right Amount of Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acid is important to cat health. But how much of this fatty acid does a cat need, and how do you pick a cat food with the right amount?
Omega-3 can help keep a cat’s coat looking sleek and healthy, but did you know that this fatty acid has other benefits for felines as well? Omega-3 helps ensure a feline’s immune system, organs, and joints continue working properly. It is also especially beneficial for kittens and pregnant cats.
The Three Kinds of Omega-3 Found in Cat Foods
Three types of omega-3 are found in cat foods—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA come from a fish source, such as fish oil or meal, and ALA comes from vegetable source, such as flaxseed or soybean oil. Cats’ bodies can more easily use EPA and DHA than ALA, so cat foods that contain omega-3 from fish sources are better than those that contain omega-3 from vegetable sources.
What Are the Omega-3 Requirements for a Cat?
The omega-3 requirements for a cat have not yet been determined. Despite substantial ongoing research that suggests the health benefits of this fatty acid to feline health, omega-3 is not yet officially recognized as essential to a cat’s diet.
The National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats provides some rough omega-3 guidelines for cat health. Dry kitten food should contain 0.02 to 0.03 percent ALA and 0.01 to 0.02 percent EPA and DHA. Dry adult cat food should contain 0.01 percent EPA and DHA.
How to Choose a Cat Food with the Right Amount of Omega-3
Manufacturers are not required to list the amount of omega-3 in cat foods on the labels since this fatty acid is not officially recognized as essential to cat health. The National Research Council suggests that cats’ omega-3 requirements are moderate, so cat foods that contain fish or fish products likely supply enough fatty acid to a feline’s diet. Check the ingredient list of cat foods to verify that fish or fish products are listed before you decide which one to purchase.
Sources:
Will My Cat Get Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Petfoods? (Omega-3 Learning for Health and Medicine)
Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids Essential for My Dog and Cat? (Omega-3 Learning for Health and Medicine)
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Comments: 4 | Post a CommentPost a Comment
lillyrose | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
great advise, I must say Omega 3 is just so beneficial to all of us never mind the cat!
Dennis Sandler, M.D. | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article. I have some articles that I’ve written on omega 3 fish oil too on my website http://www.myherbalsupplement.com – We also offer highest-quality, physician recommended natural & herbal supplements. I’d love if you checked it out.
J J Neuman | Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
I’ve always bought the Science Diet products for my cat….so far, so good, she’s nine and very healthy. Thanks for this info as I took the advice into consderation yesterday when I was shopping to restock her food. Natural Choice had a rep in the pet store and she agreed with your info on Omega 3, although the percentages in their food were a little higher than those recommended in your article. At any rate, my advice is to cat owners is to spend a little more money (if they can) to buy the heathly stuff and you’re cat will live longer.
ysener | Jan 14, 2011 | Reply
Interesting article.