What Is The Ideal Fatty Acid Ratio?

Should a pet food contain five times more n-6 than n-3? Ten times more? There is no magical n-6 to n-3 ratio, but rather, the ideal is determined by the disease condition and the life stage or lifestyle needs of each individual pet. N-6 and n-3 are also referred to as Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids. Both n-6 and n-3 help improve the condition of body cells and skin, help repair tissue and play a role in cell growth. N-6 and n-3 fatty acids are deemed essential fatty acids (EFA's) because without them classic signs of deficiency appear, including dry, flaky skin, dermatitis, inflammation and other health problems.

These fatty acids have also been found useful in helping to control inflammation in situation such as:

• Trauma, injury, burns and following surgery

• Some types of cancer and cancer therapies

• Dermatitis, arthritis, colitis and inflammatory bowel disease

Scientist have found that by modifying the amounts of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids given to pets, inflammation and some associated symptoms can be controlled. However, the optimum level of fatty acids is highly dependant on the type of inflammation. Despite claims to the contrary, there is no consensus that one n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio is ideals for all species, life stages or disease conditions. The optimal level and ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids depend on the disease condition and the specific life stage needs of each individual pet.