Omega-3 and Omega-6 Ratio in Pet Food

Pet food is often high in Omega-6 but low in Omega-3. Too much Omega-6 and too little Omega-3 can lead to several health problems for your dog or cat. The difference between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is based on molecular structure. A ratio of about 4-1 Omega-6 to Omega-3 is considered optimum for dogs but many commercial dog foods contain ratios of 20-1.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3 imbalance may lead to:

  • Inflammation
  • Allergy like symptoms
  • Pour coat or skin
  • Joint problems
  • Overweight and obesity

But why is there too many Omega-6 in my pet diet?

Most live-stock is grain-fed, which is high in Omega-6. Since most pet foods including raw food contain much more Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3 fatty acids, many pet food companies have added Omega-3 fatty acids to try and compensate for this difference.  However, the cooking and processing of most commercial pet foods does destroy some of the fatty acid content. Supplementing with a bioavailable Omega-3 can restore the balance.

Why Seal Oil?

The best Omega-3 / Omega-6 Ratio

A concrete example comes to us from Norway where a study (Bjørkkjær et al. 2006) clearly concluded: “… administration of seal oil normalised the n-6 to n-3 Fatty Acid ratio and improved the bodily pain dimension of health related quality of life of patients ….”

The ratio of SeaDNA Omega-3 Seal Oil is almost 8:1 in favour of Omega-3, an excellent balance to help promote better overall health. And as science has shown us, seal oil is proven to improve the critical Omega ratio.

Contains DPA

Seal Oil contains the link in the Omega-3 chain that all other Omega-3 supplements now sold are missing: DPA (docosapentaenoic acid). This compound occurs naturally in few places: Seal Oil and a mother’s breast milk are two.  DPA amplifies the positive impact that EPA and DHA can have on your pet.

More easy to absorb

Scientific studies have shown that the mammalian molecular triglyceride structure of the seal is more easily accepted by your pet’s body than the foreign fish molecular structure. This means optimal digestion and absorption for better results.

10 X More efficient

A scientific study has shown that the maximal stimulation of endothelial cell migration by DPA pre-treatment was achieved using only 1/10 of the required EPA concentration.  These data suggest that the effect of EPA on endothelial cell migration occurs via DPA, and that DPA plays an important role in repairing damaged vessels.

So the answer to the question “Will Omega-3 help my pet” is: “Phoque” Yeah!

SOURCES:

Dr. Michael Dym. Recommended Omega-3 and Omega-6 Ratio for Pets (2011) <https://blog.petmeds.com/ask-the-vet/omega-3-and-omega-6-acid-benefits-for-pets/>

Gregory L. Tilford. Essential Fatty Acids For Increased Canine Health (2001) <https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/essential-fatty-acids-for-increased-canine-health/>

Simopoulos AP. The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Oct;56 (8):365-79.

Bjørkkjær et al. Short-term duodenal seal oil administration normalised n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio in rectal mucosa and ameliorated bodily pain in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Lipids in Health and Disease 2006, 5:6 doi:10.1186/1476-511X-5-6)

Brox J, Olaussen K, Osterud B, Elvevoll EO, Bjornstad E, Brattebog G, Iversen H: A long-term seal- and cod-liver-oil supplementation in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Lipids 2001, 36:7-13.

Brockerhoff H, Hoyle RJ, Hwang PC, Litchfield C: Positional Distribution of Fatty Acids in Depot Triglycerides of Aquatic Animals. Lipids 1968, 3:24-29.

Yoshida H, Kumamaru J, Mawatari M, Ikeda I, Imaizumi K, Tsuji H, Seto A: Lymphatic absorption of seal and fish oils and their effect on lipid metabolism and eicosanoid production in rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1996, 60:1293-1298.

Evan J. H. Lewis, Peter W. Radonic, Thomas M. S. Wolever and Greg D. Wells. 21 days of mammalian omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves aspects of neuromuscular function and performance in male athletes compared to olive oil placebo. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2015).

Toshie Kanayasu-Toyoda, Ikuo Morita, Sei-itsu Murota. Docosapentaenoic acid (22:5, n-3), an elongation metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5, n-3), is a potent stimulator of endothelial cell migration on pretreatment in vitro. 54(5):319-25 (1996).

SEALING MOUNT EVEREST

With the adventure of a lifetime ahead of her, Canada’s own Robyn Moyles is set for the legendary challenge that is Mount Everest.

After months of preparation, Robbie leaves today (Friday, November 2) for a trip unlike anything she has faced before. But Moyles believes she has a secret weapon in completing her mission at the towering behemoth: SeaDNA seal products.

I’m originally from Newfoundland, so consuming seal meat was a regular delicious source of protein. I was introduced to seal oil a few years back and did my own research on the benefits of replacing traditional fish oil with seal oil. Within a short period of time I noticed a significant difference in my overall athletic well being/performance and it is a great aid for post recovery workout,” Moyles says.

Robbie has been a Crossfit devotee for almost a decade and has competed competitively for the last four years. Her work ethic and dedication has earned her podium finishes both here in Canada and internationally.

Robbie, now 52, says seal oil – quite simply – works better than other Omega-3 products, “During competing season, I double up on the products which my body responds to positively from the demands of my sport.   I’ve come to believe it’s a superior product and I’d never leave home without it.

Discover the difference between Seal Oil VS. Fish Oil

Fit, focused and prepared, Robbie will take her steps on Everest alongside an experienced Sherpa who will lead the way to base camp. Originally, Robbie had planned to be part of a small group. But as time progressed, she was the last woman standing.

Back in August, I attended a celebration. Among the friends there was a small team planning an Everest trip to base camp.  One of the team members had canceled and they needed a replacement for the upcoming expedition. I was invited along and here we are.  Interestingly enough, due to unforeseen circumstances I’m now the only one going.”

With her arrival at Everest approaching quickly Robbie says, “The excitement is ‘mounting’ (LOL).  My intention along with my Sherpa is to make it to base camp and from there move forward as he sees fit.

With her body full of SeaDNA Omega-3, Robbie will also have her bag full of SeaDNA Seal Jerky as she treks Everest. She has taken three cases of the North Jerky to give her the energy she will need and says the incredible nutrition this Canadian Superfood provides is exactly what she is looking for. “The trek is monumental and the hope is to be nourished with the scenery and seal meat along the way.”

It’s stories like this from amazing everyday folks like Robbie that we absolutely love. We will be following the inspirational Ms. Moyles through her epic adventure to Mount Everest and encourage you to follow along as well with us on Facebook and Instagram.

And to our new hero Robbie herself: Best of luck, godspeed and we are proud that our product can play even a little part of your success!

Onward and upward!

Also read:  The Canadian Omega-3 Movement

Also read: SeaDNA Seal Jerky:  THE SUPER JERKY

Also read:  Discover the DPA Difference for Joint Pain

Omega-3 supplements can prevent childhood asthma

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that women who were prescribed 2.4 grams of long-chain omega-3 supplements during the third trimester of pregnancy reduced their children’s risk of asthma by 31 per cent.

Click here to read the article.

Source: Hans Bisgaard et al. Fish Oil–Derived Fatty Acids in Pregnancy and Wheeze and Asthma in OffspringN Engl J Med 2016; 375:2530-2539 December 29, 2016 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1503734 

SEAL GNOCCHI POUTINE

Ingredients:

  • Seal merguez
  • Grain cheese (to taste)
  • Kale
  • Marinated pearl onions
  • Veal stock

For sweet potato gnocchi:

  • 500 g of sweet potato puree
  • 250g of mashed potatoes
  • 300g of flour
  • 1 egg
  • Salt

Preparation:

For gnocchi:

  1. Mix all the ingredients
  2. Spread the dough 2 cm thick
  3. Slice strips lengthwise and cut into thumb size pieces
  4. Store in freezer

For the poutine with the merguez:

  1. Preheat the fryer to 350F
  2. Cut the merguez and roast in the skillet
  3. Add the kale with the merguez
  4. Put the gnocchi in the fryer until they go up
  5. Drain and place on a plate
  6. Place merguez, kale, onions and cheese on the gnocchi
  7. Drizzle with veal stock

 

 

Recipe by: Chef Benoit Lenglet