Omega 3 is a classification of fatty acids. It has so many benefits for humans as well as cats. Just as it helps improve the appearance of man’s skin, so it does to cats. Omega 3 won’t be a bad idea for your feline friend. It provides remarkable benefits and improves felines overall health.
Knowing the appropriate measure to administer it is crucial. When this is done, there will obviously be a significant improvement in your cat’s health. To learn more about why omega-3’s are vital, follow the explanations below.
What is Omega 3 Fatty Acid
It is a classification of fatty acids. It is usually polyunsaturated fats primarily present in foods. It helps to strengthen the immune systems and organs of the body. It is of different types. However, the most commonly used for cats are the Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Benefits of Using Omega 3
It provides so many health benefits for man and animals as well. Some of the benefits include overall energy for the body. Also, it improves brain health. Your furry friends become smarter and sharper. Other benefits include:
Maintaining a Healthy Skin
Omega 3 is essential in maintaining healthy skin. Your cat’s skin will be safe from disorder. It makes the skin smooth. Skin problems such as dry skin and seborrhea will be eradicated. Just as it helps in maintaining a man’s skin, so it is with your feline friend. In all, using omega 3 will give a better skin appearance to your furry companion.
Reduces Shedding
Using omega 3 also helps to reduce shedding in your pets. They help the coat maintain a better appearance. It provides a shinier, healthier, and fuller coat. The skin will not shed unnecessarily, thereby keeping it full. It is able to do this because of the fat it contains.
The hair follicles of your pets become stronger and are unable to shed quickly. This serves as a benefit for your feline friend. You can find more here on how to reduce shedding in dogs.
Reduces Irritations
Using omega 3 also helps in reducing irritations in cats. Your cat might be allergic to certain things which cause irritations. But with this supplement, such irritations will be reduced. For example, restlessness and itchiness are such irritations. These irritations may be caused by allergies such as an uncomfortable environment or unwanted food.
Improves Joint Health
Using omega 3 also improves the health of your cat’s joints. It reduces pains and swellings. This is mainly done by reducing the production of molecules. It also reduces joint inflammation. With the fatty acid, your felines are more energetic and can better move and jump around.
How to Add Omega 3 to your Cat’s Diet?
Omega 3 supplement is mostly gotten from foods. So, you must make sure to select the foods rich in them. This means that It is essential to feed your cats food rich in fatty acids. Foods like cod skin, mackerel, fish oil, salmon will do a good job.
Also, it is vital to check products that are rich in Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These are the most common fatty acids used for your cats. You can also use products with fish oil ingredients. In other words, make sure to use products that contain fatty acid and other ingredients. Add this to your pet’s diet and notice the difference. A complete and balanced diet can make a significant difference.
In adding the supplement, you should be careful not to administer an overdose. This is because the dose that is effective for humans can cause damages to pets. This doesn’t mean you will not administer a sufficient amount. It will suffice if it can get about 200 mg of DHA a day. Giving your pet an overdose can cause unnecessary fat and may lead to diarrhea. Therefore, care must be taken while administering the supplement.
How Much to Use?
It might be challenging to know the number of ingredients contained in pet food. However, you can ask the company or check online for the fatty acid content. This will help monitor the amount that will be taken by your pet a day. Fatty foods that contain EPA or DHA can be scooped in portions. This way, you know how many grams to give your cat.
For example, if a diet or food contains 400mg, then giving your pet half of such a cup will amount to 200mg. That will be enough for a day. It is still essential to do your researc`h and ascertain the foods that contain enough fatty acid. For example, not all fish contains omega 3 fatty acid. The link here healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods has more on foods with omega 3 fatty acid.
No one knows the amount of fatty acid content in sardine or salmon. Therefore, it is crucial to select the foods and supplements you give to your pets.
A better way to go around it will be to contact your vet. Your vet may recommend a good food company. These companies can help out will necessary supplements and the correct dosage.
Final Note
Omega 3 fatty acid is a good and healthy fat that enhances the overall performance of your pet. It is vital to give your pet the appropriate amount. Just as it is beneficial to man, so also it is to cats.
You can get the correct dosage by visiting your vet or a food company. When the proper dosage is given, it improves the appearance of your feline friend. It also improves its health and reduces joint inflammation.