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lil fu fu girl · 08-20-2010, 08:46 PM

Fats are grouped according to their chemical structure, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are the two King Pins.
Omega 6 fatty acids are found in vegee oil such as corn, sunflower, soybean, and safflower.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, certain plants, and nut oils.

Although they are both grouped in the PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) group, they have different effects on the body. While Omega 3's tend to reduce inflammation, which is helpful in chronic diseases such as arthritis or RA, Omega 6's tend to promote inflammation.

Like our body system, the dog's system is designed to have a balance of both of these fatty acids in their diet; all of which must come from food intake as these are not produced in their, or our system.
If you look at most dog foods today they contain corn(grain,oil, or meal), vegee oil, beef fat(lard or tallow); and usually in the top 5 ingredients. So essentially are dogs are getting more than their share of Omega 6's , and little to no Omega 3's.

So what would be the issue with a supplement of Omega 6?

Over doing Omega 6's, through food and additional supplements, can cause some serious problems. Excessive intake of omega 6 fatty acids suppress cells that are key in the dogs body’s natural cancer fighting ability, such as in the suppression of T cells. Their inflammatory action, is also key in promoting cancer and joint health issues. This overload of Omega 6 can also be very detrimental to the dogs liver, causing damage to the functionality of the organ, which these little ones are already prone to having. Also, Omega 6's compete with Omega 3's for a common enzyme in their conversion process.
So long story short, Omega 6 supplements are definitely not good for the pup, due to the issues above. If anything, I would be looking for more Omega 3 foods to be added into their normal dietary routine.

Hope this helps

08-20-2010, 08:46 PM	#2
lil fu fu girl No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,410	Fats are grouped according to their chemical structure, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are the two King Pins. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in vegee oil such as corn, sunflower, soybean, and safflower. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, certain plants, and nut oils. Although they are both grouped in the PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) group, they have different effects on the body. While Omega 3's tend to reduce inflammation, which is helpful in chronic diseases such as arthritis or RA, Omega 6's tend to promote inflammation. Like our body system, the dog's system is designed to have a balance of both of these fatty acids in their diet; all of which must come from food intake as these are not produced in their, or our system. If you look at most dog foods today they contain corn(grain,oil, or meal), vegee oil, beef fat(lard or tallow); and usually in the top 5 ingredients. So essentially are dogs are getting more than their share of Omega 6's , and little to no Omega 3's. So what would be the issue with a supplement of Omega 6? Over doing Omega 6's, through food and additional supplements, can cause some serious problems. Excessive intake of omega 6 fatty acids suppress cells that are key in the dogs body’s natural cancer fighting ability, such as in the suppression of T cells. Their inflammatory action, is also key in promoting cancer and joint health issues. This overload of Omega 6 can also be very detrimental to the dogs liver, causing damage to the functionality of the organ, which these little ones are already prone to having. Also, Omega 6's compete with Omega 3's for a common enzyme in their conversion process. So long story short, Omega 6 supplements are definitely not good for the pup, due to the issues above. If anything, I would be looking for more Omega 3 foods to be added into their normal dietary routine. Hope this helps Last edited by lil fu fu girl; 08-20-2010 at 08:49 PM.