Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a vital role in maintaining the health and happiness of all pets. That's why it is crucial to carefully choose pet food that includes omega-3s.
However, it is equally important to understand that not all omega-3s are the same.
To determine the most beneficial omega-3 source for pets, it's first important to know the differences between plant-based and marine omega-3s.
So, let's explore these differences and discover which source is best for our furry friends.
Read more: How important are the right omega-3s
To begin with, it is important to understand the fact that omega-3 fatty acids predominantly come from two sources - marine organisms like krill, which are rich in EPA and DHA, and plant sources such as flaxseed, which are rich in ALA.
Plant-based sources like flaxseed, walnuts, rapeseed, and chia seeds, contain omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
For ALA to benefit a pet’s health, it must go through a series of complex metabolic reactions to convert into EPA and DHA which are anti-inflammatory.
Unfortunately, this conversion process is naturally inefficient in dogs and cats.
Marine omega-3s, such as those derived from fish, whales, seals, and algae are usually in the form of triglyceride-based EPA and DHA.
Krill, however, is a remarkable marine ingredient that is rich in phospholipid-based EPA and DHA. Known as the "molecules of life," phospholipids play a crucial role as natural, integral parts of all human and animal cells.
These phospholipids make it easy for pets to absorb and integrate the omega-3s from krill into their vital organs, where they maintain the strength, flexibility, and integrity of the body cells.
Read more: The health benefits of krill for pets
Marine omega-3s offer many health benefits, including:
Recent research, including a study by Aker BioMarine on Alaskan Huskies, has shown the superior efficacy of marine-based omega-3s over plant-based sources in raising the omega-3 index, a measure of EPA and DHA levels in red blood cell membranes.
More than this, a new study conducted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Aker BioMarine wanted to determine what is the most effective source of omega-3 for pets. The research involved 45 Alaskan Husky sled dogs over four weeks and tested three different omega-3 sources: krill meal, fish meal, and flaxseed, each at similar inclusion levels in the Huskies' diet.
The findings were clear: krill meal significantly outperformed the other sources, even at a lower inclusion level of 3%, raising the omega-3 levels in the dogs from 1.3% to an average of 2.4%. Fish meal followed, increasing the levels from 1.3% to 1.9%, while flaxseed showed no significant impact.
Scientist Hanna Lindqvist concluded that the type of omega-3 added to pet diets does matter, and krill meal proved to be a more powerful ingredient, even in smaller quantities, demonstrating its potential to enhance the health benefits of omega-3 in pets.
"The type of omega-3 added to pet diets does matter, and the phospholipid omega-3 in krill appears to be more effective than triglyceride omega-3 from fish or alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed."
Not only is krill a great source of marine omega-3s, but it's also a great source of other essential nutrients, including marine proteins, choline, and astaxanthin.
Moreover, Antarctic krill stands out as one of the most sustainable sources of marine omega-3s globally. Its sustainability factor adds to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize both the health of their furry friends and the well-being of our planet.
Read more: More on krill is sustainable