Essential Fatty Acids

Feed an essential fatty acid supplement made just for dogs and cats.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are components of all cell membranes and help maintain cellular function and integrity. EFAs are fragile nutrients which are often destroyed in the processing of dog and cat foods.

Dogs and cats’ bodies require EFAs in the diet in proper ratios to function well.
EFAs cannot be synthesized by a dog’s or cat’s body in adequate quantities, and so must be eaten in their food. EFAs play a part in a healthy immune system and inflammatory response. When a dog or cat suffers from itchy, flaky skin, constant shedding, pesky fleas, or even joint stiffness, most dogs and cats improve with the simple addition of an EFA supplement.

Salmon or marine fish oils are good sources of EFAs.
Dogs and cats metabolize fatty acids differently than other animals. While small amounts of flaxseed oil can be a good source of EFAs for dogs, large quantities of vegetable oils may make a dog’s itchiness and inflammatory conditions worse. Cats lack the enzymes necessary to metabolize vegetable oils thoroughly. Marine fish oils, including salmon oils are good sources of EFAs for both dogs and cats.

The nutrient needs of each dog or cat can be different.
Breed, age and health background can create different demands for, and abilities to use and digest, EFAs. Mud Bay staff can help you decide if an EFA supplement is right for your dog or cat. A teaspoon or more fed daily or just 2 or three times a week may help to improve skin and coat, immune system, inflammatory response, and joint, cardiac, digestive and nervous system function. Proper EFA supplementation may offer a protective, preventative health benefit too.

For more detailed information and help for your dog or cat, please stop by one of our stores and pick up a free copy of Mud Bay's brochure, A Short Guide to Essential Fatty Acids.

Mud Bay stocks a variety of EFA supplements. Please visit any of our stores and we’ll be happy to help you find out which digestive supplements may help your dog or cat.

Bad breath, itchiness, digestive difficulties and/or the poor condition of a dog or cat’s skin and coat are often the first signs that something isn’t working for them. Poor quality foods, allergies, digestive tract imbalances, and even immune system function may be parts of the cause.

However, these can also be clear signs of an underlying disease that requires veterinary attention. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian to first find out if a dog or cat is suffering from more serious underlying health issues, before putting too much effort into a nutritional solution.