Omega-6 Fats

What Are Omega-6 Fatty Acids?

Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that plays a key role in cell structure, immune function, and inflammation regulation. Like omega-3s, omega-6s are classified as essential fatty acids (EFAs), meaning dogs cannot synthesize them on their own and must obtain them from their diet.

Omega-6s are naturally abundant in animal fats, vegetable oils, and some grains, making them widely available in commercial dog foods. While omega-6s are necessary for skin health, growth, and immune function, they must be properly balanced with omega-3 fatty acids to prevent excessive inflammation and associated health risks.

Omega-6s vs. Omega-3s: Finding the Right Balance

Omega-6s and omega-3s work together to support overall health, but they have opposing effects on inflammation:

• Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to inflammatory responses, which are necessary for immune defense, wound healing, and normal cellular function.
• Omega-3 fatty acids help counteract excessive inflammation, keeping the immune system balanced and preventing chronic inflammatory conditions.

Dogs require both types of fatty acids, but the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3s is crucial. In ancestral diets, this ratio was closer to 5:1, whereas modern commercial diets—particularly those high in grain-fed meats and processed oils—can have ratios as high as 20:1, leading to chronic inflammation and related health issues.

Types of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

There are several types of omega-6 fatty acids, each with different functions:

• Linoleic Acid (LA) – The primary omega-6 in dog diets, found in poultry fat, vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, soybean), and grains. It is essential for skin and coat health and serves as a precursor to other omega-6s.
• Arachidonic Acid (AA) – Found in animal-based fats, this omega-6 is involved in inflammatory and immune signaling. Dogs can synthesize small amounts of AA from linoleic acid.
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) – Found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, and hemp seed oil, GLA has anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used in skin and joint health supplements.

Sources of Omega-6s in a Dog’s Diet

Since omega-6 fatty acids are naturally present in many common pet food ingredients, dogs typically consume plenty without needing supplementation. The richest sources of omega-6s include:

• Animal Fats – Chicken, pork, and beef fat provide high amounts of linoleic and arachidonic acid.
• Vegetable Oils – Sunflower, safflower, soybean, and corn oil are concentrated sources of linoleic acid.
• Grains & Legumes – Oats, wheat, soybeans, and lentils contain lower but still significant amounts of omega-6s.

Most commercial dog foods already contain ample omega-6s, making supplementation unnecessary unless advised by a veterinarian for specific health concerns.

Omega-6s in the Wild vs. Modern Diets

In natural, wild diets, omega-6 and omega-3 levels are more balanced because prey animals consume omega-3-rich grasses, plants, and algae-based food sources. However, in modern farming, animals raised on grain-based feeds develop higher omega-6 content and lower omega-3 levels, which shifts the ratio in commercial pet foods.

Dogs fed processed kibble or grain-fed meats are more likely to experience an omega-6 excess, while dogs consuming grass-fed meats or fresh, balanced diets may have a more favorable fatty acid profile.

When Do Omega-6s Become a Problem?

While omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, an excessive ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing the risk of:

• Joint Issues – Excess inflammation can exacerbate arthritis and mobility problems, particularly in senior dogs.
• Skin & Coat Conditions – Too much omega-6, without enough omega-3 to balance it, may contribute to itchy skin, allergies, and excessive shedding.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Stress – High omega-6 intake may increase oxidative stress, affecting heart and metabolic health.

The key to healthy omega-6 intake is not eliminating them but ensuring they are properly balanced with omega-3 fatty acids.

Do Dogs Need Omega-6 Supplements?

Because most dog foods already contain sufficient omega-6s, supplementation is rarely necessary unless:

• A dog has a specific skin or coat condition requiring additional gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
• The diet is extremely low in fat, leading to linoleic acid deficiency (rare in modern pet diets).
• A veterinarian recommends a therapeutic use of omega-6s for targeted health support.

Instead of adding more omega-6s, most dogs benefit from increased omega-3 intake to correct dietary imbalances and reduce inflammation-related issues.