Pet Articles: Wellness

DHA — the Necessary Nutrient for Puppies and Kittens

Omega 3 fatty acids are receiving a lot of press in this health-conscious era. Foods like salmon and cod liver oil are loaded with this heart-healthy nutrient. Omega 3 fatty acids can help lower your chance of heart disease plus mitigate joint and arthritis pain.

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puppy smiling

Like nutrients and vitamins for humans, Omega 3 fatty acids are also good for our furry family members, especially when they’re young.

Good fat

Omega 3 fatty acids refer to a group of “good fats,” including Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

DHA plays a leading role in fostering brain and eye development, and helps boost cognitive development. Naturally found in breast milk, DHA is crucial in supporting the early stages of human and puppy/kitten development.

Brain booster

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association concluded that feeding newly weened puppies (between eight weeks and a year old) foods high in DHA resulted in better cognitive, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions than puppies that did not have DHA in their diets.

Healthy brains are composed of approximately 60 percent fat, often referred to as “gray matter.” Fatty acids are abundant in our brains, so diets rich in fatty acids like DHA help develop and replenish this essential brain component.

See the difference

DHA-rich diets also support healthy vision and help puppies’ and kittens’ retinal development. Other fatty acid benefits include: supporting healthy gums, better digestion and reduced inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids also help our best pals have healthy skin and show off a shiny coat.

Pet parents who feed their puppies a diet high in DHA have even noticed behavioral benefits. Their pups seem easier to train and get along with other furry companions and humans more readily.

Sourced from fish oils

The study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that foods fortified with fish oil were the best way for furry family members to get their DHA.

Blue Buffalo® nutritionists and veterinarians purposely developed dog and cat food that’s made with high-quality proteins and fish oils so our furry companions get the DHA they need, no longer obtained from their mother’s milk.

You can find many delicious, nutritious BLUE options for pups and kittens, all containing this essential fatty acid so important for their health and well-being, throughout all their life stages.

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