Is Your Pet Deficient In A Key Nutrient? by Jade Beutler,R.R.T,R.C.P.  Millions of Americans
across the country rely
upon their pets for comfort
and companionship. Many
refer to their pets as better
and more reliable friends than
a human could ever be.
Mourning the loss of a pet is
par with losing a loved family
member. Research has shown
us that the unconditional
love of an animal can help us
recover from illness and
depression, lower blood
pressure and extend life span.
There are currently over 70
studies exploring the
interrelationship between
humans and animals. Our
beloved pets have become an
significant part of our culture.
It makes good sense to insure
their health and longevity
through sound nutrition.
An important relationship exists between the types and amount of fats in an animals diet and its overall health and development. Of particular importance are the dietary fats classified as essential. Essential nutrients are nutrients that must be supplied in diet as food or supplements but cannot be manufactured by the body. There are two essential fatty acids: linolenic (an Omega-3 fatty acid), and linoleic (an Omega-6 fatty acid). The essential fatty acids are found most abundantly in unrefined polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Essential fatty acids are important in the diet of humans and animals as they serve as powerful protection against degenerative disease and illness. Thousands of studies have been conducted on the therapeutic and preventative properties of these key nutrients, including treatment and protection against cancer, arthritis, auto-immune, kidney and cardiovascular disease.  In the wild herbivorous
animals obtain the two
essential fatty acids in plant
foods that they eat. Essential
fatty acids are primary
components of cells and are
readily incorporated in the
tissues of these animals. As
the food chain would have it,
carnivorous animals obtain
these important nutrients by
eating the essential fatty acid
rich tissues of their prey.
Not only are the essential fatty acids important, but the ratio in which the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are supplied in the diet is equally important. The ratio of essential fatty acids found in the diets of non-domestic animals equals about 75% as Omega-6 fatty acids, and 25% as Omega-3 fatty acids, about a 4 to 1 ratio. Interestingly these animals do not suffer from the advanced degenerative diseases becoming common to domestic animals. The Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids interrelate and compete to create a delicate balance in the body that when in harmony composes a chorus of vibrant health. When either fatty acid is deficient or supplied out of proportion to the other the delicate balance is thrown off, setting up an environment of degenerative and ill health. Unfortunately, modern manufacturing of pet and animal foods has caused an over abundance of Omega-6 fatty acids, at the expense of the Omega-3 fatty acids in these sources. Oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are purposely avoided by animal food manufacturers because, unless protected from light, heat and oxygen, they may go rancid, lessening the shelf life and palatability of their product. This has resulted in a gross deficiency of these vital nutrients in these foods and ultimately in our pets. Just how important are the Omega-3's to the health and development of animals? Studies on rats and rhesus monkeys showed that dietary restriction of Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation interferes with normal visual function and may impair learning ability in offspring, and make the brain more susceptible to environmental toxins and alcohol. Many of these abnormalities appear to be irreversible. During pregnancy the forebrain, retina and liver show preference toward Omega-3 fatty acids while the Omega-6 fatty acids decrease during development underscoring the interrelationship between the two. Essential fatty acids are converted in the mother and passed through the umbilicus to the fetus or in breast milk to the infant serving to develop the brain, nervous tissue and retina of the eye.  Flaxseed oil may be
emerging as an antidote to the
widespread problem of lack of
Omega-3 fatty acids in
humans and animals.
Flaxseed is unique amongst
vegetable oils as it contains a
whopping 55% Omega-3 fatty
acids as linolenic acid. A
groundswell of nutrition
conscious veterinarians are
beginning to recommend to
their clients that they
supplement their animals diet
with a daily dose of flaxseed
oil, poured right over the food.
The vets are finding
remarkable results in clearing
up skin conditions, relieving
arthritic and inflammatory
pain, as well as improved
over all pet health. Mr.
Paul Stitt, while
addressing a scientific
conference in North
Dakota reported that flax
increased bone strength
as well as improved the
silkiness and sheen of
animals fur. When the
diets of horses were
fortified with flax, within
three weeks their coats
developed a beautiful sheen,
and dandruff was greatly
diminished. Within 9 months
cracked hooves were
completely healed. When a
pregnant mare was fed flax,
her offspring were larger, and
grew faster than when
previous to being fed flax.
Further research indicates
that horses fed flax and
injected with the deadly
organism Escherichia coli
were better protected than
those not fed flax, suggesting
enhanced immunity in these
animals. Select Alaskan sled
dog mushers are fortifying
their dogs diets with flax oil
as it serves as a source of
valuable energy, keeps less
desirable saturated fats
mobile in the blood stream,
increases oxygen uptake to
the cell, decreases recovery
time from strenuous exercise,
and prevents and heals worn
and chaffed paws. Numerous
studies conducted on animals
and humans show that flax
has powerful anti-tumor
properties and may reduce
tumor size by 50%.
Veterinarian Dr. Collett of Sylmar California suggests supplementing an animals diet with about 1 teaspoon of flax oil per every 25 pounds of body weight. This recommendation will serve to adequately supply the valuable Omega-3 fatty acids while balancing the Omega-6 fatty acids supplied in the animal food. Supplementing the diet with Omega-3 rich flaxseed oil may insure a longer, healthier, happier and more productive life for you and your pet. Flaxseed for human and animal consumption can be found at finer health food stores, veterinary offices and select pet food stores.  References:
1. Simopoulos AP: Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. Am J Clin Nutr 54:438-63, 1991. 2. Belch JF, et al.: Effects of altering dietary essential fatty acids on requirements for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study. Ann Rheum Dis 47:96-104, 1988. 3. Kelley DS: Alpha-linolenic acid and immune response. Nutrition 8:215-7, 1992. 4. Serraino M and Thompson LU: The effect of flaxseed on early risk markers for mammary carcinogenesis. Cancer Letters 60:135-42, I991. 5. Serraino M and Thompson LU: Flaxseed supplementation and early markers of colon carcinogenesis. Cancer Letters 63:l59-65, 1992. 6. Stitt P.: Efficacy of Feeding Flax to Humans and other animals: 52nd Annual Flax Institute of the United States, 37-40, 1988. 7. Ratnayake, W.A.: Flaxseed: Chemical Stability and Nutritional Properties; Proceedings of the 54th Annual Flax Proceedings, 37-47, Jan. 1992. |