Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids whose double bond is located at a specific position, namely the third last carbon compound of the molecule. These fatty acids are essential, i.e. they cannot be produced in sufficient quantities in the body and must be supplied with food. An important omega-3 fatty acid for dogs and cats is alpha-linolenic acid. It is contained in some plant seeds, the highest content is found in linseed oil. Special omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ETA (eicosatrienoic acid) from the green-lipped mussel are found in algae, mussel and fish oils. All omega-3 fatty acids have in common that they can have an inflammation-modulating effect. They compete in the metabolism with pro-inflammatory substances and change the biochemical processes in the direction of anti-inflammation through their presence.
This effect can be used in various diseases that are associated with inflammatory reactions. These include joint diseases, skin-fur problems, but also organ diseases such as renal insufficiency or cardiovascular disease.