Dog Cat

Dog Cat

The Importance of Omega Fatty Acid Supplementation in Dogs, Cats and Horses

Although many people are aware of proper nutritional supplementation for themselves, most are not aware that their beloved animal friend could also benefit by a vitamin regiment. Due to the common problems of dander, allergies, and skin infections that pets may have, it may be vital that you familiarize yourself with omega fatty acid supplementation in dogs, cats and horses.

Omega fatty acids are termed essential, as they cannot be produced by your pet's body. These essential fatty acids must be consumed in a healthy balanced diet, and there is a good chance that your pet may not be receiving everything he or she needs in commercial pet food.

There are two extremely important types of Omega fatty acids and each can contribute to the body in different ways.

Omega-3 fatty acids receive the most notoriety for the physiological benefits to the heart, skin, and brain. Proper Omega-3 levels have been linked to cancer prevention and curbing psychological disorders. Who wouldn't want these benefits passed on to their beloved animal companion?

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential, but it is important that cats and dogs have a higher ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is important as the Omega-3's can help regulate the function of the Omega-6's. Since each fatty acid competes for the same physiological areas, an unfavorable ratio of Omega 6's can lead to an increase in prostoglandins, which can create major pain sensitivity. We would certainly not want to allow this for any of our pets.

Ideally, your pet will receive a natural source of Omega fatty acids. But where to get an ideal source?

Hemp is an excellent source of essential fatty acids-with a naturally occurring 1:3 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. In addition, it is also rich in antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, calcium, fiber, iron, enzymes and more - making it an excellent addition to your pet's daily meal plan.

It is important to note that dogs and cats are predominantly carnivorous and so are built to eat meat. Hemp products need to be added as a supplement to the diet, not as a replacement.

If Omega fatty acid supplementation is good enough for you, shouldn't it be just as important for your pet?

About the Author

C. Holmes is the author of "Conscious Nutrition and the Essentials of Hemp" and founder of HemPets.ca - "For us, hemp is the ideal supplement for all sorts of animals as it contains an exceptional amount of nutrition not found in other foods, particularly that of the conventional kibble companies. Unlike many other foods, hemp is easily digestible by the body and shown to aid the system in any recovery work it needs to do, as well as for the maintenance of good health." For more information about our certified organic hemp products for pets, to read testimonials, and to sign up for our HemPets Natural Pet Health newsletter, visit http://www.hempets.ca

What is the easiest pet to have: dog, cat, or a bird?

Which is the messiest?
Which is the most needy?
Which is the most time consuming to take care of?
Which is the most expensive?

Just, what is the easiest pet to own/have/take care of - - - a bird, cat, or dog?

None of these animals are easy. They all consume a lot of time, energy and money.

They all have the potential to be messy. Dogs chew, can urinate/defecate on floors, etc. Cats can scratch furniture, they need a litter box somewhere in the house(potential smell, and mess from litter). Birds molt, throw seeds, defecate sometimes out of their cages(meaning sometimes while hanging on the side of the cage they will defecate and it will get on walls/floors/etc. They are destructive to household objects.

Dogs need walks, playtime, etc. Cats are fairly independent, but may still want attention. Depending on the type of bird you get, they can be like having a child. My bird bird hangs on the side of his cage and waits for me to get him. If I do not he screams, throws seeds, bangs toys, etc. They get jealous, and possessive. My bird will not let anyone near me.

Dogs are time consuming, as they need walks, house training, etc. Cats not so bad. Birds need you time. You also need to regularly clean water, cut up fresh fruits and veg, change toys around. Play stimulating games, etc.

All these animals are expensive. They all need regular vet care. A bird would not need vaccinations yearly, but a exam is necessary. Since birds are exotics, they often cost more. My bird became ill once, and it cost $800 for simple tests. Birds need fresh fruits/veg, which get expensive. They destroy toys(and are supposed to), so you need to constantly replace toys. Dogs and cats should also be eating a proper diet, a good quality food.

Personally I think a cat is easiest to take care of. They are often content to do their own thing, and do not need constant attention. On the flip end a bird would be the hardest. So many people get birds thinking they are like hamsters, or fish. They need an owner that can commit to them, and understand their unique social, physical, and emotional needs.

If you really want a bird, but prefer one of the easier beginner birds, go with a budgie. They still need a lot of time, attention, etc. However, they are smaller(therefore eat less fruits and veg), and tend to be cheaper. With that said, do not think these are throw away animals, and once you get tired you simply cover the cage and do something else. And they are still expensive. I rescued a budgie that had mites, and an overgrown beak, and it cost $400 to treat, and he needed monthly beak trimmings for $10 each.

The Dog, Cat, Rat