Dry Coat- Recommended Supplement?

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Tucker's coat seems to be very dry this winter. Any supplement recommendations?  He is currently on Canidae.  Fish oil, veg. oil supplements. Not sure what would be best.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is true; however, the specific kind of Omega 6 fatty acid in the EPO is GLA or gamma-linolenic acid, which is found in certain plant oils and is NOT plentiful in dogs' diets. (Or many peoples' diets) It has anti-inflammatory properties and also is believed to act positively on the immune system; it is being considered as a treatment for certain forms of arthritis, heart disease, and cancer in addition to being used to treat atopic dermatitis allergies.

From the Univ. Of Maryland:
The average North American diet provides more than 10 times the necessary amount of linoleic acid and tends to have too much omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids, another important class of EFAs. In fact, for optimum health, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be between 1:1 and 4:1. The typical North American and Israeli diets are usually in the range of 11:1 to 30:1. This imbalance contributes to the development of long-term diseases such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis, and depression as well as, possibly, increased risk of infection.

Interestingly, not all omega-6 fatty acids behave the same. Linoleic acid (not to be confused with alpha-linolenic acid, which is in the omega-3 family) and arachidonic acid (AA) tend to be unhealthy because they promote inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of the diseases mentioned when consumed in excess. In contrast, GLA may actually reduce inflammation.

Much of the GLA taken from the oils mentioned or as a supplement is not converted to AA, but rather to DGLA. DGLA competes with AA and prevents the negative inflammatory effects that AA would otherwise cause in the body. Having adequate amounts of certain nutrients in the body (including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, B3, and B6) helps to promote the conversion of GLA to DGLA rather than AA.

[Sandra Griffith]

Thank you so much. I hadn't realized that GLA was a form of omega 6. Does this mean that it would be beneficial to add both EPO in addition to salmon oil to ensure that the proper amount of omegas are being given as they are in effect two different entities?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, but some dogs develop loose stools from too much of the EFAs. That would be the only negative effect.
Many premium dog foods include EFAs in the proper ratios; adding salmon oil can sometimes cause loose stools, it did for Jack. The specialist then recommended I give just the EPO and he has no digestive problems with that. I think Nancy's dogs had a similar situation. Experimentation is the best way to tell what works for your particular dog.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Yes, my guys (and I have three) had very loose stools with salmon oils, but no negative side effects with the EPO.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

IIf for your- OMG 3, If for doggie- Omg 3, 6. Like Karen said above- humans consume way to much Omg in the diet.