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

Dogs and cats are like humans in that we all go through a life cycle that starts from birth and ends at death. During this life cycle, different nutrient combinations and proportions are required for optimal health at each stage, such as infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. In the latter stage of the life cycle, namely the senior years or geriatric period, many physiological functions in the body deteriorate and the metabolism generally slows down compared to the previous stages in life. Generally a pet is considered to be old when it is in the latter one-third of its normal life span.

When dogs and cats get older, their organs will not be as capable as when they were young in utilizing nutrients and; often, disease conditions develop that will significantly affect the quality of their lives. Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have long been recognized as beneficial, not only during growth, but also during the aging period. These omega-3 fatty acids help in conditions common in old pets (especially dogs), such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and even behavioral modulation ¹. However, the research is new and significant investigation must continue to determine the specific amount of omega-3 fatty acids that may be beneficial in the aging process for the dog and cat.

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