Fresh salmon has long been touted as a major source of protein and a rich resource of omegas 3, 6, and 9. However, most pets are unable to produce these omegas and supplementation may be required to ensure cats and dogs can take full advantage of their associated benefits, including supporting shiny coats and fur1, to enable optimal health. So, when it comes to pet nutrition, adding a quality and reputable source of salmon oil to your dog or cat’s diet could raise its nutritional profile.
For instance, the main omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is vital for the cognitive and neurological development in puppies, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). These are long chain fatty acids, containing 20 or more carbon atoms. Of these, omega-3 acids are considered most important for the vital role they play in laying a foundation of structural components for healthy cell membranes.
Omega-6 and 9 fatty acids are found in many different pet foods today, specifically those that contain vegetable plant and seed oils, nuts and animal fats. These are often easier for cats and dogs to convert and extol the health benefits associated with them, however even essential fatty acids must be consumed within the right proportions.
Getting the balance right
It is not just a question of giving animals salmon fish oil on a regular basis though. As many commercial dog foods contain prominent levels of omega-6 but not omega-3, it is critical to get the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 right during dosing. While omega-6 has certain health benefits, an unbalanced diet that delivers too much in omega-6 can contribute to inflammation, which is contra-indicated in several pet ailments and general poor health.
The current consensus is that the ratio should be between 10:1 and 5:1, any lower and your dog risks developing any of the many conditions linked to omega-3 deficiency2. Although omega-9 is considered a non-essential fatty acid and not as important as omega-3, it does assist with immune function2.
Achieving a more balanced diet with biomega‘s Salmigo® Salmon Oil
Adding biomega‘s Salmigo® salmon oil into petfood applications may help to contribute to a more balanced diet, as our salmon oil contains approximately 15% EPA, DPA and DHA, with the ratio between total omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids being around 1:1. In addition, our ingredient contains about 44% omega n-9 fatty acids. This ratio makes it great for incorporating into premium pet snacks and treats as it’s both palatable and delivers a beautiful red-orange colouring due to its inclusion of astaxanthin.
Not only is Salmigo® Salmon Oil highly nutritional, but the ingredient is also able to meet the demands of today’s pet nutrition market due to the way it’s sustainably and naturally processed in our modern biorefineries. To retain a high nutritional profile, the nutrients are gently separated from food grade salmon raw material via continuous enzymatic hydrolysis – only water is used in the process, with no added chemicals or derivatives. This means it has also been certified as 100% Norwegian for clear and clean labelling.
For more information on how to use biomega’s Salmigo® Salmon Oil during the development phase of your pet food product, please contact the sales team today!
Reference:
1 VCA Hospitals, 2022 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/the-importance-of-your-pets-skin-and-coat-and-the-role-of-diet
2 Salmon Oil for Dogs: Benefits, Risks, and More (veterinarians.org)