Fatty acids are organic compounds crucial in various biological processes within your dog’s body. They are a type of lipid, a class of molecules that includes fats, oils, and other related substances. Fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules and are involved in numerous metabolic and physiological functions.

Fatty acids consist of a chain of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end and a methyl group (-CH3) at the other. The length of the carbon chain and the presence of double bonds between carbon atoms determine the specific type of fatty acid. 

There are several types of fatty acids: saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for dogs.

The National Research Council states that the ratio should be between 2.6:1-26:1 Omega-6:Omega-3. The AAFCO guidelines state that the maximum ratio should be 30:1. However, based on the natural prey that canines eat in the wild, the ideal ratio is 4:1-5:1 Omega-6:Omega-3. This balanced ratio reflects a more natural and healthier intake of fatty acids. It can help minimize the risk of excessive inflammation caused by an imbalance between these two fatty acids.

Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play important roles in the body's functioning and overall health. They are considered essential fatty acids, meaning your dog’s body cannot produce them, and they must be obtained through the diet.

Omega-6 fatty acids are characterized by multiple double bonds in their molecular structure between carbon atoms. This structure gives them distinct properties and functions within the body. The primary omega-6 fatty acid essential for dogs is linoleic acid.

Linoleic Acid is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for dogs. Linoleic acid is vital for various bodily functions, including the structure and health of cell membranes, skin and coat health, reproductive health, and immune system support.

Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the body's inflammatory response. While inflammation is a normal and necessary part of the immune system's defense mechanisms, excessive inflammation can lead to chronic health conditions, so balancing Omega-6 fatty acids with Omega-3 fatty acids is crucial. An excessive intake of Omega-6s without sufficient Omega-3s can promote inflammation.

Omega-6 fatty acids are commonly found in vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower, and various nuts and seeds. 

Fat from grain-fed animals is high in Omega-6. Pasture-raised cows and chickens forage for species-appropriate food. Cows naturally graze on grasses, and chickens feast on insects, seeds, and worms. In commercial operations, the animals are fed inexpensive, low-quality grains for faster growth to increase profits. Unfortunately, as a result, this produces more Omega-6 fatty acids in the animals’ meat, which is then used for commercial dog food.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also polyunsaturated fatty acids essential for your dog. One form of Omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is found in certain plant oils, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. While ALA is considered essential, your dog cannot convert it into the more biologically active forms (EPA and DHA) efficiently.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the more biologically active forms of Omega-3 fatty acids. They are primarily found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and certain algae. These forms of Omega-3s have significant health benefits and are considered particularly important for overall health.

The health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids that benefit dogs with cancer include:

Anticancer Properties: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anticancer properties, potentially inhibiting the growth of specific cancer cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They can help modulate the body's inflammatory response and contribute to a healthier balance between inflammation and anti-inflammatory processes.

Heart Health: Omega-3s are associated with cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease by supporting heart health, promoting healthy blood vessel function, and helping to regulate blood pressure. Many of the chemotherapeutic drugs have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.

Immune System Support: Omega-3s support immune system function and promote the body's ability to fight off infections. The threat of infections is a constant concern for dogs with cancer.

When Omega-3 fatty acids are supplemented, the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 changes, helping to minimize the inflammatory response. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to shrink tumors, minimize weight loss, and reduce depression in our dogs. 

Natural sources of Omega-3 include small oily fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, capelin, and smelt. Plankton and krill also contain Omega-3s. The best fish to feed are wild-caught fish that are thin, fatty, and oily. Predatory fish, because of their longer life span and place in the food chain, allow for a more significant mercury accumulation in their systems, causing heavy metal toxicity. The smaller the fish, the less likely it is to contain high levels of toxins. 

Freezing freshly caught fish for a minimum of three weeks is recommended to kill any parasites that might be present.  This includes whole fish purchased from a local market. However, you don't have to worry about this precautionary measure if you buy fileted fish without organs from the grocery store. 

Why Balancing is so Important for Dogs with Cancer

Because the primary functions of Omega-3 (reduce inflammation) and Omega-6 (increase inflammation) are essentially the opposite, the dog diet must supply them in the correct ratio.  Many commercial kibble products are high in Omega-6, even those labeled as ’complete and balanced.’ Adding raw fish to a kibble diet can aid in balancing Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids.			

Maintaining the correct ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is essential for dogs with cancer. The DHA in raw fish has also been shown to reduce inflammation, boost cardiovascular health, and reduce the spread of cancer throughout the body.

The optimal ratio of Omega fatty acids has a wide range. The National Research Council states that the ratio should be between 2.6:1-26:1 Omega-6:Omega-3. The AAFCO guidelines state that the maximum ratio should be 30:1. However, based on the natural prey that canines eat in the wild, the ideal ratio is 4:1-5:1 Omega-6:Omega-3.

There’s a common misconception that Omega-3s and Omega-6s are fully balanced in commercial dog food. So, the question that comes to a dog parent’s mind is, “Why do I need to try to balance Omegas in a food that claims to be ‘complete and balanced?’

Research has discovered commercial kibble is high in Omega-6 fatty acids and low in Omega-3s, leading to an unbalanced ratio. Even with fish oil, the ratio can remain unbalanced due to fish oil oxidation and rancidity. 

Dogs fed a fresh or raw diet are less likely to have unbalanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratios, primarily if provided with a variety of proteins. Grass-fed beef and elk tend to have a more balanced ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 and can also be fed to help maintain the correct ratio of fatty acids.

Poultry is a good source of protein for a raw dog diet. However, it is high in omega-6, with the breast meat containing more than double the amount of omega-6 as thighs. Adding seafood as a source of omega-3 offers a way to balance the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. 

Fatty fish should only comprise a small part of the entire diet, approximately 10%. Larger fish species that have the potential to have higher mercury content should be avoided. Recommended fish include:

Atlantic Mackerel: Compared to other fatty fish, Atlantic mackerel contains the most significant amounts of EPA and DHA. Furthermore, mackerel has considerable Vitamin D, making it an excellent addition to a raw diet. 

Atlantic Herring: High quantities of EPA and DHA are also found in Atlantic herring. Herring, on the other hand, has a lower Vitamin D content than mackerel. 

Pink Salmon: Salmon is another fatty fish widely available with many EPA and DHA fatty acids. Salmon has a higher vitamin D level than other fish species despite being somewhat lower than mackerel. Wild Alaskan salmon is the best choice. Wild-caught salmon from the Pacific Northwest states should be gently cooked to kill off Neorickettsia helminthoeca, a bacteria that causes salmon poisoning disease found primarily in this region. 

Sardines: Sardines are one of the market's most prevalent fatty fish selections. They contain high levels of EPA and DHA and a modest amount of vitamin D. Sardine also has' soft, digestible bones that are beneficial for joint pain and reduced mobility.

Green or Blue-Lipped Mussels: Technically considered a shellfish, mussels are also a good source of Omega-3s, zinc, and magnesium. They are most commonly known for their anti-inflammatory effects in dogs suffering from arthritis. 

Additional information about adding seafood to your dog’s diet can be found in Dive into Seafood for Your Pup. 

Green-lipped mussels (GLM) are naturally anti-inflammatory bivalves with no known side effects and are naturally high in Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to these benefits, GLMs aid in immune and circulatory system function. They offer a great alternative source to avoid feeding your dog raw fish.  

GLMs can be fed raw, dried, or powdered as a meal topper! GLM supplements have been shown to enhance joint stability, cartilage maintenance, and cardiovascular health. Plus, they’re the perfect addition to your dog’s diet to boost immunity!

Although fish oil is not usually recommended as a substitute for seafood, some dogs may have an intolerance or allergy to seafood and shellfish. Fish oil can oxidize relatively quickly, especially when exposed to factors that promote oxidation, such as light, heat, and oxygen. 

Oxidation can lead to the breakdown of the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, resulting in a rancid smell and taste and a reduction in the oil's health benefits. Consuming oxidized fish oil may also have adverse effects on health.

Purchase fish oil in small quantities and in capsules to reduce oxidation. Capsules lessen the oil’s exposure to air and make it easier to provide your dog with an exact oil dosage. Other ways to minimize oxidation are to purchase capsules packaged in tinted glass bottles and store the capsules refrigerated or in a cool, dry area and air-tight containers. 

When purchasing fish oils, look at the ingredients. Single-ingredient products are best. Many fish oils are made from a conglomeration of fish that contain fillers. Look for one that lists a single source, such as Wild Atlantic salmon oil.

Avoid oils from farm-raised fish, which may contain antibiotics or other contaminants. Purchase oils minimally processed as ultra-processed oils will not have the same bioavailability as minimally processed oils. 

Krill oil, although an excellent source of Omega-3’s, could produce blood-thinning effects. If you choose krill oil as your dog’s source of Omega-3s, stop administering the oil about ten days before any surgical procedure. Add it back to your dog’s bowl ten days after the procedure.

The best source of Omega-3s is small oily fish, like sardines, mackerel, or anchovies. 

Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the mental health professional  Inflammation and cancer

Effects of feeding a high omega-3 fatty acids diet in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis  

Effect of a diet enriched with green-lipped mussel on pain behavior and functioning in dogs with clinical osteoarthritis - PMC  

Omega 6 Fatty Acids and Cancer

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