These omega-3s that nourish cells and soothe inflammation in dogs
Omega-3s have become essential in pet nutrition, but few owners really know what they mean. EPA et DHA, the two most active forms. These fatty acids play a fundamental role in the health of our dogs: joints, skin, brain, immune system, heart functions... Nothing escapes them.
In this article, we decipher their mechanism of action, their multiple benefits, their sources, as well as the importance of the omega-3/omega-6 ratio to restore a beneficial nutritional balance on a daily basis.
EPA and DHA: What exactly are we talking about?
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, part of the marine omega-3 family. They differ from ALA (alpha-linolenic acid, of plant origin) in that they directly bioavailable form : they can be used immediately by the body without transformation.
EPA: the inflammation-regulating acid
EPA is a precursor to mediators called E-series resolvinsThese compounds act as modulators of inflammation: they limit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE2), reduce the activation of neutrophils and macrophages, and accelerate the natural resolution of inflammatory processes.
In dogs, this results in a reduction of chronic inflammatory phenomena, whether they are joint, cutaneous, intestinal or even renal.
DHA: the structuring acid of the brain and membranes
DHA, on the other hand, is a major constituent of cell membranes, particularly in the brain, eyes, and central nervous system. It is involved in membrane fluidity, cell signaling, synaptic transmission, and neuroprotection.
In puppies, it is crucial for cognitive development; in adults, it supports brain function, vision, and neuronal regeneration mechanisms.
Physiological effects in dogs
EPA and DHA act on several physiological levels. Here is an overview of their clinically documented effects:
| System | Observed effects |
|---|---|
| Articular | Improved mobility, reduced stiffness, cartilage support |
| Dermal | Reduction of pruritus, improvement of coat appearance, reduction of inflammatory dermatoses |
| Cardiovascular | Mild hypotensive effect, reduction of heart rhythm disturbances |
| Cognitive | Better attention, memory, learning in puppies and senior dogs |
| Renal | Reduction of proteinuria and slowing of progression of renal failure |
| Immune | Modulation of the inflammatory response and reduction of oxidative stress |
These effects have been validated by clinical trials in dogs.
What are the sources of EPA and DHA?
There are 3 main families of natural sources:
Marine animal sources
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies): rich in marine triglycerides, often used in oil.
- Crustaceans such as krill or New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus): Contains EPA, DHA and ETA, another rare anti-inflammatory omega-3, and also contains phospholipids.
- Calanus finmarchicus (arctic copepod): very rich in EPA/DHA wax esters.
Marine plant sources
- Marine microalgae (Ex. Schizochytrium sp.): rich in DHA and sometimes in EPA, widely used for vegan formulations.
Classic plant sources
- Flax, hemp, chia seeds : rich in ALA (plant omega-3), but not very effective in dogs (less than 5% transformed into EPA/DHA).
Why enrich food with EPA and DHA?
The omega-6 / omega-3 ratio: an often neglected nutritional balance
One of the most common nutritional imbalances in dog diets is the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3.
Industrial kibble and pâté generally contain too much omega-6, derived from vegetable oils (sunflower, corn, soybean), and very little marine omega-3Result: a ratio that often exceeds 10:1, or even 20:1.
This imbalance promotes a pro-inflammatory terrain, because omega-6 (especially arachidonic acid) participates in the synthesis of powerful inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins E2 and leukotrienes B4.
Omega-3 EPA and DHA, on the other hand, allow modulate this response : they promote the production of resolvins, protectins and maresins, which facilitate the natural resolution of inflammation.
A study conducted by Wander et al. (1997) showed that dogs fed an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2.6:1 developed a better immune response, reduced oxidative stress and improved lipid profile, compared to those fed a 31:1 ratio.
According to several veterinary publications, an optimal ratio is between 2:1 and 4:1 to support the dog's overall health, including outside of any pathological context.
Which form of EPA and DHA should you choose for your dog?
Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal, as EPA and DHA can exist in different chemical forms, which directly influence their bioavailabilityTheir digestive tolerance and their oxidation stability.
The form the most natural and the most widespread is that of triglycerides, which is found in fish or green-lipped mussel oils. In this structure, the omega-3s are bound to a glycerol molecule, as in conventional dietary lipids. This form is well tolerated by dogs and offers good intestinal assimilation, especially when protected by antioxidants such as vitamin E.
Omega-3s can also exist in the form of phospholipids, as in green-lipped mussel oil. In this case, they are integrated into the membrane of small lipid particles, which facilitates their incorporation into cells. This is a very well-absorbed form, but generally more expensive and less concentrated in EPA/DHA.
Another more concentrated form, resulting from purification processes, is that of ethyl esters. The fatty acids are bound to an alcohol (ethanol) here, which produces oils that are very rich in omega-3. However, this form is less well tolerated in some sensitive dogs, and it is often less stable in air and light.
Finally, a more recent source, still little used but promising, is that of wax esters, present in the oil extracted from the Calanus finmarchicus, a small arctic copepod. These esters offer excellent oxidative stability, and early studies suggest good omega-3 assimilation. However, to date, no clinical studies have been published on the use of omega-3 wax esters in dogs. Therefore, there is a scientific gap regarding the safety, bioavailability, and physiological effects of wax esters in dogs.
In summary, the most recommended forms for daily supplementation in dogs are those from natural marine sources in the form of triglycerides et phospholipids, which guarantee both effectiveness, digestive tolerance and safety of use.
For further : What dosage of Omega-3 for joint problems in dogs?
PERNIXOL® : a concentrated source of EPA and DHA of natural origin
PERNIXOL® is a liquid food supplement developed by the SENSILIA Laboratory. It combines two marine sources selected for their richness in EPA and DHA:
- New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil, naturally rich in EPA and DHA in the form of marine triglycerides and phospholipids.
- Seaweed oil, derived from microalgae schizochytrium sp., a pure, plant-based source of DHA.
This dual source offers an excellent balance between assimilation, digestive tolerance, and oxidative stability. PERNIXOL® fits easily into the daily feeding routine for dogs who need a natural joint support and a mobility preserved over time.
Bibliography
- Vaughn DM et al., Effects of dietary fish oil on inflammation and immune responses in dogs, Am J Vet Res. 1994.
- Freeman LM et al., Dietary fish oil supplementation reduces arrhythmias in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, J Vet Intern Med. 1998.
- Zicker SC, Cognitive and behavioral effects of dietary supplementation with DHA in puppies, Vet Ther. 2007.
- Brown SA et al., Dietary fish oil reduces proteinuria in dogs with chronic renal disease, J Vet Intern Med. 1998.
- Hall JA et al., Dietary fish oil and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis, J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2012.
- Wander RC et al., The ratio of dietary (n-6)/(n-3) fatty acids influences immune system function, eicosanoid metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and vitamin E status in aged dogs, J Nutr. 1997.
- Bauer JE, Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals, J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011;239(11):1441–1451.
