International Omega-3 Learning and Education Consortium for Health and Medicine

Each year, millions of dogs (5 to 17 million in the U.S.A.) are abandoned and euthanized ^1,2. Among the various reasons for euthanasia, behavioral problems account for 50% to 70% of all terminations ³. Aside from the uncontrollable factors that contribute to this problem such as genetics, disease, and ageing, nutritional imbalance can also be a factor. However, since this is a controllable factor, it is among the easiest to correct.

Behavior is regulated in the central nervous system through the actions of neurotransmitters and hormones. Dietary factors may directly contribute to the availability of these factors (e.g., tryptophan as the precursor of serotonin, and tyrosine as a precursor of the catecholamines) or indirectly influence the environment where the actions of these factors take place.

It is well known that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA), have important roles as structural constituents in the brain. Recent studies also established that omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper brain and eye development. There is evidence that a dietary supply of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA could modify aspects of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems ⁴ and; subsequently, affect cognitive performance and behavior. It is also shown in humans ^5,6, as well as in rats ⁷, that alterations in omega-3 fatty acids and an elevated ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids are linked to behavioral alterations, including aggression. Reports also showed that, relative to normal dogs, aggressive dogs showed lower circulating DHA concentrations and a higher ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids in the measurement of baseline fasting plasma PUFA composition ⁸. Considering the fact that the most abundant fatty acid in the brain is DHA, it is apparent that deficiency in this essential nutrient could have a profound effect on the behavior of the dog.

In conclusion, dietary DHA, as well as its precursor omega-3 fatty acids [alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)], could be a potential resource in fending off canine behavioral problems. Along with the increased awareness of the important roles omega-3 fatty acids play in general pet health, a number of commercial dog food products are now enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. As petfood products continue to focus on omega-3 fatty acid enrichment, the gap in nutritional management of canine behavioral issues will start to diminish.

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