Alpha-linolenic acid

What is alpha-linolenic acid?

ALA is a triple unsaturated fatty acid that belongs to the omega-3 fatty acids. It is the precursor for the formation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are also important omega-3 fatty acids. These are primarily responsible for the function of the nervous system, the retina and the immune system. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect against cardiovascular diseases.

Where is alpha-linolenic acid found?

ALA is mainly found in plant sources, such as green leaves, algae, linseed, hemp seeds, walnuts and chia seeds. Some vegetable oils are also rich in ALA, such as linseed oil, hemp oil, walnut oil or rapeseed oil. Animal sources of ALA, on the other hand, are rather rare. Only fish that feed on algae contain significant amounts of ALA. Most other animal products have a higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.

What are the benefits of alpha-linolenic acid for your dog?

ALA has many positive effects on your dog's health. Here are some of them:

• ALA improves your dog's skin and coat quality by preventing dry skin and making the coat shiny.
• ALA supports brain and eye development in puppies and promotes learning ability and memory in adult dogs.
• ALA strengthens your dog's immune system and helps him fight infections and allergies.
• ALA reduces inflammation in your dog's body, which can lead to various diseases such as arthritis, diabetes or cancer.
• ALA protects your dog's cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure, regulating cholesterol levels and improving blood clotting.

What are the disadvantages of alpha-linolenic acid for your dog?

ALA also has some disadvantages or risks that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:

• ALA can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea or bloating in some dogs, especially if fed too quickly or too much.
• ALA can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners or antidepressants. If your dog is taking such medications, you should speak to your vet before feeding ALA.
• ALA can go rancid quickly if it is not stored properly. This can affect the taste and quality of the oil and can even be harmful to health. You should therefore always check the expiry date and store the oil in a cool, dark place.
• ALA can increase the need for other essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) or vitamin E. You should therefore make sure that your dog gets a balanced diet that contains all the important nutrients.

What is the best way to feed alpha-linolenic acid?

To reap the benefits of ALA for your dog, you should follow a few tips. Here are some of them:

• Feed ALA in the form of high-quality vegetable oils or seeds that are high in ALA, such as linseed oil, hemp oil, walnut oil or chia seeds. Avoid oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids, such as sunflower oil or safflower oil.
• Feed ALA in combination with animal sources of EPA and DHA, such as fish oil or krill oil. These are particularly important for cats, which cannot convert ALA into EPA and DHA well. But dogs also benefit from an additional supply of EPA and DHA.
• Feed ALA in an appropriate dosage depending on your dog's weight, age and health status. A general recommendation is to feed about 50 mg of ALA per kg of body weight per day. This corresponds to about one teaspoon of linseed oil for a 10 kg dog.
• Feed ALA slowly and gradually to avoid digestive problems. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it over several days or weeks. Mix the oil well into your dog's food and always offer him fresh water.