Omega 6 to Omega 3

For dogs this is often more important than for humans. We get often far too much of omega 6 because of our modern diet.

Therefore, humans do have omega 6 excess. To combat this, extra omega 3 supplementing is very important.

Omega 6 is an essential fatty acid but if given in excess it produces lots of pro-inflammatory "stuff".

This is not good for the health.

Dog food contain both omega 3 and omega 6.

Some of them has more omega 6 than others. But, it is very important the ratio of omega 3 omega 6 is within special limits.

Omega 3 and 6 Best Ratio

Many studies have been done.

The best omega 3 vs omega 6 is around 1:5 - At least not more than 1:10.

This is very good for normal dog food.

Most of the good quality brands is around 1:3 to 1:5

In dog food for skin diseases this is lowered even more. Here omega 3 is especially important and therefore the ratio changed.

Best skin dog food has a omega ratio of 1:1.

To obtain that amount essential fatty acid ratio is not easy. Omega 3 (DHA and EPA) is very unstable. They will react with the oxygen in the air and they become rancid.

This is why good quality skin foods are more expensive than normal dog foods.

Often the manufacturing is more difficult and the packaging as well is demanding.

Total Omega 3 And 6

Not only the ratio between them.

The recommended minimum content of fish oil is 2% omega 6 and 0,3% omega 3.

Often it can be taken as a sign of quality if a dog food has a good ratio omega 6 to omega 3 and the total essential fatty acid content is high as well.

Not in every case but as a rule of the thumb.

From Omega 6 to Omega 3 to Dog Nutrition Advice Homepage