The role of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the nutrition of dogs and cats: a review.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential in all mammalians for normal growth and prevention of several diseases. Because of the seed oil production tendencies and the feeding techniques of farm animals, in the Western countries, diets for humans as well as homemade diets for dogs and cats are usually very high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have shown that an optimal omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio (about 6 to 1) in the diet of dogs and cats may reduce the incidence of some diseases, such as cancer and sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, the use of fatty acid supplements has proved to be beneficial in the treatment of several pathogenic conditions, such as chronic inflammatory diseases, atopy, chronic renal insufficiency, and some types of cancer. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the type and quantity of fat sources that are used when diets for dogs and cats are formulated, in order to assure the optimal amount and balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the food.