Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Pets (supplements for)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are widely used as supplements in pets, especially dogs and cats, with strong scientific support for several indications. The primary uses include supporting skin and coat health, managing inflammatory conditions (like arthritis), and supporting cardiovascular, renal, and cognitive function.

Clinical studies in both dogs and cats have demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation can help reduce inflammation associated with allergic skin disease (atopy) and osteoarthritis. For example, randomized controlled trials have shown improvements in pruritus and coat quality in atopic dogs when omega-3s are added to the diet. In cases of osteoarthritis, omega-3s have been shown to decrease lameness and improve mobility in dogs.

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are known for their cardiovascular and renal protective effects. In cats with heart disease or chronic kidney disease, supplementation may help reduce proteinuria and slow disease progression. There is also emerging evidence suggesting cognitive benefits in aging pets, similar to findings in humans.

Veterinary organizations, such as the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, recognize the value of omega-3 supplementation for specific conditions. However, the exact dosage and EPA:DHA ratio may vary depending on the condition and species. Overall, the preponderance of evidence supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a scientifically validated adjunct therapy for several chronic pet health conditions.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Pets (supplements for)

Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness