Information is provided on the capacity of dogs to metabolize omega-3 fatty acids (FA). Also there is a review on the effects of omega-3 FA on skin and coat, inflammatory responses, and neurologic development in puppies.

Many investigationshave studied the use of fatty acids in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies, seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular, neoplastic, ocular and musculoskeletal diseases of dogs.These studies proposed that fatty acid supplements can alter the types of eicosanoids produced, and therefore, the response in these situaions.

Talk about the importance of doing a complete nutritional evaluation of the patient before instituting a dietary change in any patient, especially an older dog or cat. The patient evaluation, the current diet, and feeding management should be included in this edvaluation. Many diseases in senior pets, as cognitive dysfunction, osteoarthritis, and obesity are “diet-sensitive”, meaning that diet can play a role in managing the effects of the disease.

Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG (MCT) can have a positive effect in cognitive function in aged dogs by providing a secondary energy source for the brain, ketone bodies.