Although the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 are both important for the health of dogs and cats, optimal health is positively influenced by obtaining the correct ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6. For example, too much of Omega-6, which is a pro-inflammatory works and a lack of Omega-3, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, leads to various health problems. For example, too much Omega-6 can cause problems like itchy skin, dandruff, and other types of inflammation.
Extensive research conducted in the United States by the National Research Council (NRC) has resulted in a recommended ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 of 2.6:1 to 26:1, and the ideal ratio is around 6:1 or 7:1.
Most commercial foods contain ratios of Omega-6 and Omega-3 greater than 20:1. For technical and economic reasons, manufacturers use a lot of cereals and vegetables in their recipes, which have a high concentration of Omega-6. It is also technically more difficult to add Omega-3 to industrial food: too much oil would make the kibbles too greasy or too brittle.
It is important to understand that many functional ingredients are sensitive to heat, acidity and moisture generated during food manufacturing, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, even though they were incorporated during the manufacturing process, Omega-3 loses a large part of its effectiveness during the high temperature extrusion of the kibble. Unless they have been encapsulated during processing, Omega-3s are much more effective when added to the food rather than including them directly in the formula. To protect their effectiveness, there is another technique: low temperature extrusion. At Treatsy, we guarantee that our treats are cooked at a temperature below 38°C, to preserve the integrity of the nutrients and the benefits they can provide for the health of dogs and cats.
Finally, the conservation of essential fatty acids in industrial dry foods, such as kibble, is complicated: the oxidation of Omegas by the air reduces their beneficial effect on health.
This is why incorporating the Omega-3 fatty acids in their natural form, as an oil, is beneficial; it maximizes the health benefits for your pet. Next to that, you should pay attention to the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 and to the packaging, which should provide protection to light in order to prevent oxidation.
