In 2015, AAFCO approved specific fatty acids ratios for pet foods. Omega fatty acids are used by the body to reduce inflammation and are building blocks for many biochemical pathways. Some of these fatty acids are essential, meaning the body cannot make its own. Diet is the richest source of omega fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are necessary in dogs, cats and humans; the ratio they are delivered to the body matters as well.
AAFCO recommends the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio be less than 30:1. This means for every measurement of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, the maximum omega-6 allowed is 30 measurements. Omega-6 fatty acids are most commonly sourced from meat, but are also found in high concentrations in corn, soy and other grains. Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly sourced from fish and shellfish, but also flax seed oil and other seed plants. A manufacturer is permitted to produce a food with a lower ratio than 30:1, but for most commercial pet foods, the higher ratio will be most typical.
In conventionally raised, grain fed beef, the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio is close to 12:1. Grass fed beef has a much lower profile – 2.5:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Corn and soy contain only omega-6 fatty acids; which may explain why most commercial pet foods have such a high ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3. If a pet food is based on corn and meat fed a corn-based diet, the food will be quite high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids must be consumed for a body to function and to balance the omega-6 fatty acids. Fortunately, most meats provide some omega-3 fatty acids, even if the animal was raised on grain, enough to fulfill AAFCO recommendations. While the body needs both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for health, there are numerous studies that document the inflammatory effects of high levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.
Consumption of too many omega-6 fatty acids leads to inflammation, heart disease, cancer and autoimmune disease, at least in humans (the expectation is the case is the same for dogs and cat). Similarly, too few omega-3 fatty acids will also lead to inflammation. In human studies, a ratio of 10:1 or less omega-6 fatty acid to omega-3 is most healthful. Less than 5:1 is even better, linked to reduced signs of asthma, arthritis and chronic disease in humans.
Initially, it seems shocking that AAFCO standards would allow such high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 in pet food. However, by understanding the majority of conventional pet foods consist predominantly of corn and corn-fed meats, it is easier to understand the high ratio. Home-prepared, raw and select premium pet foods made with grass fed meats will have a much lower omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. Even some premium, grain-free pet foods will have lower fatty acid ratios due absence of corn and soy from the label. However, careful research of each food is required to determine presence of other crop foods with high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids.
Such a high ratio of 6:3’s in commercial pet food explains why so many pet owners find benefit from feeding fish oil to their pets – there are not enough omega-3 fatty acids in their pets’ diets. For this reason, it benefits most pets have fish oil added in small quantities to their food. Some owners may find no change in their pets’ appearance with fish oil – these animals may do better with flax seed oil or freshly ground flax seed added to the food.
Typical portions of fish oil would be ½ to 1 teaspoon per cat per day; 2 teaspoons for a 30 pound dog per day. Fish oil should be refrigerated when opened so it does not become rancid; rancid oil loses its health benefits. Gelcaps are another great way to add oil supplements to pet food without having to worry about shelf life.
AAFCO standards are written for 2 reasons:
- To make sure there are enough minimum nutrients for dogs and cats to live.
- To fit into the manufacturing paradigm of commercial pet food.
The standard for pet food based on real food should be different – sadly, said standard is currently unrecognized.
Dr. Cathy Alinovi DVM
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Cathy treated 80% of what walked in the door — not with expensive prescriptions — but with adequate nutrition. Now retired from private practice, her commitment to pets hasn’t waned and she looks forward to impacting many more pet parents through her books, research, speaking and consulting work. Learn more at drcathyvet.com
Kathy Gilchrest
May 31, 2016 at 1:30 pm
I have a dog who is allergic to all forms of fish
Christine
May 31, 2016 at 4:40 pm
FYI – There is a sentence in this article that may need editing: “Some owners may find to change in their pets’ appearance with fish oil – these animals may do better with flax seed oil or freshly ground flax seed added to the food.”
Judy Clark, RN
May 31, 2016 at 10:18 pm
Dog has Triglyceride level of 1000, not over wgt, been placed on lo-fat prescription foods which are full of by-products, grain, etc. primary symptoms are loose, mucusy stools, poor appetite. Has always been fed organic, holistic human grade, grain free dog foods. Condition since we rescued her @ 3mo old. She is now 3yrs old. Want her to feel happy & healthy. All other labs & x-rays normal.
Dr Cathy
June 1, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Have you checked her for SIBO – small intestinal bacterial overgrowth? It’s a blood test commonly run at Texas A&M University GI Lab.
Mary Marseglia
May 31, 2016 at 11:05 pm
How about feeding some form of small fish few days a week like sardines instead of commercially made Fish or krill oils(which are actually better than fish oils for pets & humans 🙂 ) supporting the multi-hundreds of billions Supplement Industry. They are almost as bad as the PFI
Maggie
June 1, 2016 at 12:13 am
Great article, thanks. I also wonder how the fragile omega 3s can survive in tinned cat food with the high temperature processing. My cat had an itchy skin problem. I bought krill oil for pets from mercola.com. It comes in an airtight pump that keeps it fresh. It has solved the itchy skin. Unfortunately, she hates the taste, but she allows me to catch her and squirt it into her mouth. I think I will also try some freshly ground flax seed in her food. People should know Dr. Budwig said flax seed goes rancid within 20 minutes of grinding, so don’t pre-grind a bunch of it, and don’t buy the already ground flax seed.