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Required Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a requirement in everyone's diet, for both human and animal. However, the body cannot produce EFAs on its own, so it must be added to the diet all day. The two most generally known fatty acids are omega 3 (linoleic acid) and omega 6 (alpha-linoleic acid). The diets of our pets, like public, tend to include more omega 6 fatty acids rather than omega 3. This is an imbalance that needs to be enhanced upon.

Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary because they assist with the proper formation of cell membranes, cardiovascular functions, nourish the lining of the digestive tract, and work to keep your pet's skin and coat smooth, soft and shiny. Another necessary function of omega 3 fatty acids is that they work to reduce inflammatory problems inside the body. If you discover your pet's coat is dull and brittle or if he/she tends to have dry skin and scratch a lot, it may possibly be due to a lack of this particular fatty acid.

There are different types of required fatty acid supplements that are available, however which selection you choose to supplement your dog or cat's diet be able to be a bit of a dilemma.

Pure plant oils such since flax oil, evening primrose oil, safflower oil or a blend of plant oils is a terrific alternative to fish omega-3 fats. These be supposed to be "cold-pressed" oils, as opposed to oils that are typically extracted with chemical solvents. The problem using plant oils is that animals have a harder time converting the fatty acids to a form finest used by the animal's system. 

Fish oils, such since salmon oil, halibut liver oil, or cod liver oil are more simply converted and used by an animal's body. The downside is that fish oils often contain deadly toxins, including high levels of dangerous PCBs, dioxins and detectable levels of mercury. Farmed salmon is the worst for contamination and contains less omega 3 acids than wild salmon. Now nearly 30% of every fish are farmed, using salmon being inside the 90% farmed range. As healthy, farmed salmon are often carriers of illness and parasites. When supplementing your pet's diet using fish oils, decide oils that come from wild sources, not farmed.

There are also blended fish and plant oil supplements available. These often include a mixture of salmon or cod liver oil and flax, safflower or other such oils that give a mixture of 3 to 4 parts omega 3 oils to 1 part omega 6 oils. Giving your animal a combination fish/plant supplement might be a terrific alternative to think, because they should contain fewer toxins as they are not strictly fish oils, yet still be supposed to be greater assimilated by the animal's body than straight plant oils.

You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. You wish to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have heard all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there really a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended specifically for seniors? How do you know when to switch your pet to a different diet?

The best resource for advice about dogs diet is your pets vet. Only you and your trusted veterinarian know the particular needs of your pet. Talk with your vet about any concerns and questions you may have. Your veterinary surgeon will aid you with any changes, that is if any, require to be made to your dogs diet.

If your senior dog does not have any health disorders and keeps a healthy weight, then there will be no need to alter your dogs diet from adult to senior dog food. But, on the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping there weight down or digestive troubles, you may want to change diet. If weight is the only problem, then consider lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dogs diet needs.

A senior dog is classed as a dog in the last third of their life span. Larger dogs, for instance a Great Dane, live to be about 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may want to consider a senior dogs diet. A poodle, on the other hand would not reach senior status until about age ten due to the longer life expectancy. Primarily, the decision to alter your dogs diet should be based on health condition rather than actual age in years. Your vet will help you to make up one's mind when the satisfactory time is to switch your dogs diet.

Dog food especially prepared for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fibre for the various needs in your dogs diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation, this extra fibre will assist remedy this problem.

Renal failure can be a health problem for senior dogs. How can your dogs diet assist with this problem? Cutting down the amount of protein in your dogs diet will reduce the work load of the kidneys. For the most part, this is the reason, senior dog food often has lower protein content than regular adult formulas.

Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to promote excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet declines to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist canned varieties.

If your veterinary recommends, supplements may be helpful as part of your senior dogs diet. Some pets are unable to eat properly due to oral issues. Other older pets are unable to gain all of the nutrients from their food for different health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be advantageous to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.

Glucosamine helps to promote joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip displasia.

Vitamins C, A, and E, help reduce the natural aging process and encourage better health for senior dogs. You should talk to your veterinary surgeon about adding such supplements to your dogs diet.

You wish what is best for your pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that meets their particular nutritional requirements. You and your veterinary surgeon can work together to decide what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dogs diet directly affects his or her health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dogs diet closely with the aid of your veterinarian.

For further free information be sure to visit Free Dog Diet Tips