Active omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are derived from the oils of coldwater fish such as salmon. Plant based oils such as Flaxseed oil contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 that must be ultimately converted to EPA and DHA by the body. Flaxseed oil is also a source of omega-6 fatty acids. Pet food is usually deficient in omega-3’s but higher in omega-6.
Animals as well as humans cannot efficiently convert ALA to the more active EPA and DHA that is found readily available in salmon oil. Benefit from flax oil is usually seen in skin and coat although some animals with inflammatory diseases may respond. As stated previously, Salmon oil can help animals with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and cancer and benefits animals with allergies, kidney disease and heart disease. It may also help with diabetes and act as an anti-depressant.