Omega-6 Oil for Cats

Omega-6 fatty acid plays a crucial role in your cat's health.
i Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Some people take vitamins to supplement nutritional deficiencies. Similarly, cats obtain certain nutrients from the foods they eat. Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that feline bodies need but don’t naturally produce on their own. Omega-6 oils found in food and supplements can help improve your cat’s health.

Omega-6 Overview

Omega-6, comprised of linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), is in a class of dietary fats deemed essential for optimal health in people and animals. Feline health depends largely on diets that are rich in high quality fat sources like omega 6 fatty acids. Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that directly impacts metabolic activities such as neurological development, immune competence, energy generation and fat metabolism.

Benefits of Omega-6

Omega-6 is one of the essential fatty acids that your cat’s body needs in order to stay healthy. The major benefits of omega-6 oils for your cat include improved health in your cat’s skin, coat and joints. If your cat is prone to skin infections that lead to hot spots, supplementing her diet with both omega-3 and omega-6 oils can help reduce outbreaks and strengthen her immune system health.

Best Sources of Omega-6 Oils

Not all omega-6 fatty acids are created equally. While some sources of omega-6 fatty acids are considered “bad” because they can cause inflammation, there are other sources of omega-6 that are highly beneficial and promote healthy skin and coat in cats. The best sources of omega-6 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties include sunflower oil, safflower oil and soybean oil. Omega-6 fatty acids are also included in most commercial cat food products.

Balancing Fatty Acid Ratios

For optimal health benefits, a particular balance between the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is required. Your cat may suffer from a variety of health problems if she obtains omega-6 fatty acids from her food but is deficient in omega-3. Omega-6 is a sort of double-edged sword in this regard because receiving too little or too much of it can negatively impact your cat’s health. Research results indicate that the ideal ratios for a healthy pet range from 5:1 to 10:1 of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Ask your vet for advice on which ratio would be most beneficial for your cat’s unique needs.

Considerations

Given in the right proportion to omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids could potentially eliminate the need for certain drugs like anti-allergy or anti-inflammatory medications.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

the nest

×