Dogs & cats are carnivores, so it should come as no surprise that fat (not carbohydrate) is essential to their health, and that the best fat source is from animals, not plants.
FATS vs. CARBOHYDRATES – AN ENERGY PERSPECTIVE
When it comes to dealing with fat, a dogs' metabolism is much more effective than the human metabolism. And while fats and carbohydrates can both provide energy, they function very differently in the body of a dog or cat.
It is important to note that while fats are essential in the diets of dogs and cats, carbohydrates are not.
Dogs metabolize fat the way humans metabolize carbohydrates. In other words, fat is their fuel – not carbohydrate, and fat (not carbohydrates), provides them the ability to function at their greatest peak of health.
UNDERSTANDING OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
While many people understand the importance of essential fats such as Omega 3 in their pet’s diet, fewer know the importance of the Omega 3 source.
There are the three kinds of Omega 3:
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), from animal sources
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), from animal sources
- ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), from plant sources
Although similar in appearance, these Omega 3 fatty acids are, in fact, very different.
EPA and DHA are ‘long chain’ Omega 3s that are typically derived from oily fish, such as salmon or herring. Easily absorbed by the body, EPA and DHA are highly bio-available and are the Biologically Appropriate choice for dogs & cats.
ALA is a bit different. Extracted from plants such as flax, canola or coconut, ALA is a ‘short chain’ Omega 3 that is not readily absorbed or utilized by carnivorous animals, like dogs & cats.
Although reputable sources like the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition report that Omega 3 from plants (ALA) is of little nutritional use to dogs & cats, conventional pet food makers continue to use sunflower, flax, coconut or canola oils, largely due to lower cost and longer shelf life.
ORIJEN USES ONLY OMEGA 3 FROM ANIMAL SOURCES
Because your companion dog or cat not only biologically craves fat sources from animals but also processes them with greater ease. The result is outstanding physical conditioning and a lustrous skin and coat that reflects peak inner health.