Omega-3s provide benefits for pets including supporting a healthy heart, brain, joints, immune system, and coat, according to the press release, but the nutrient is often lacking in pet diets. Testing can help pet owners monitor the pet’s diet.
There are two major differences between a human test and a pet test: The optimal Omega-3 Index for pets is around 3%, as opposed to 8% for humans; and rather than being self-administered, the test must be carried out by a veterinarian.
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“There is a rising trend among veterinarians and pet owners of giving companion animals like dogs omega-3s either in fortified foods or supplements,” said OmegaQuant’s Director of Research, Kristina Harris Jackson, who developed the Omega-3 Index for Pets. “Like in humans, the omega-3s EPA and DHA can help with health issues that have an underlying inflammatory component, but it’s important to know how to dose them. With high concentrate fish oils, for example, you need to make sure you aren’t overdoing it on the EPA and DHA, while at the same time giving pets enough to achieve therapeutic omega-3 levels. We believe this test will close the loop for pet owners and veterinarians and give them the ability to deliver omega-3s to their pets with a bit more precision and peace of mind.”
