As carnivorous mammals, cats need to subsist on a diet that includes various proteins and nutrients to stay healthy. As a result, cat foods and snacks contain an assortment of both fish and meat.
In recent years, the benefits of Omega-3 on cat health (especially their kidneys) has been a topic of much interest. As such, we must ask ourselves - how does Omega-3 actually help our cats’ kidneys?
Role and Types of Omega-3
The 2 main types of Omega-3 fatty acids are Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both EPA and DHA offer different types of health benefits.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): Reduces inflammation and rebalances immune function
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Helps develop and maintain the brain and vision
Primary Sources of Omega-3
Omega-3 can generally be found in saltwater fish and marine algae. Among these, the primary sources of Omega-3 for cats are as follows.
Saltwater Fish
- Salmon: Approx. 1.8 g of EPA and 1.2 g of DHA per 100 g
- Mackerel: Approx. 1.4 g of EPA and 1.1 g of DHA per 100 g
- Sardines: Approx. 1.0 g of EPA and 0.7 g of DHA per 100 g
- Herring: Approx. 1.1 g of EPA and 0.9 g of DHA per 100 g
Marine Algae
- Sea Mustard:Approx. 0.5 g of EPA and 0.2 g of DHA per 100 g
- Laver: Approx. 0.4 g of EPA and 0.1 g of DHA per 100 g
- Sweet Kelp: Approx. 0.3 g of EPA and 0.1 g of DHA per 100 g
Omega-3 and Kidney Health
The health benefits of Omega-3 for cat kidneys are as follows.
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Anti-inflammation
Feline kidney disease and inflammation sometimes go hand-in-hand. As such, the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 can reduce inflammation of the kidneys and prevent the kidneys from being further damaged. -
Lower Blood Pressure
As high blood pressure can cause kidney disease to worsen, it can be devastating to cats who are affected by the disease. Omega-3 can reduce blood pressure by expanding the arteries, which may reduce strain on the kidneys. -
Protect Kidney Tissue
Omega-3 can also directly protect kidney tissue from harm. According to research done on this subject, Omega-3 reduces the oxidative stress of kidney cells, which in turn stabilizes the cell membrane and prevents damage to kidney cells. -
Reduce Proteinuria
Proteinuria refers to a condition where reduced kidney functions leads to protein being leaked from the body through urine. One study found that cats who took Omega-3 exhibited a noticeable decrease in the amount of protein found in their urine.
Other Beneficial Effects
Omega-3’s benefits are not limited to a cat’s kidneys - it provides various health benefits to other parts of a cat as well.
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Cardiovascular Health
Omega-3 can reduce blood cholesterol to lower blood pressure. This, in turn, will help maintain cardiovascular health. -
Enhanced Brain Function and Vision
DHA plays a vital role in the development of your cat’s brain and vision. It is especially important in the case of cats who are still growing and elderly cats. -
Strengthened Immunity
Omega-3 enhances the immune system to help your cats fight off infections and diseases.
Notable Research
"Nutritional Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats & Dogs"
Today's Veterinary Practice, 2018
In this study, cats suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) were given a diet supplemented with Omega-3. As a result, their kidney functions improved, while their inflammation levels decreased.
"Omega-3 fatty acid-derived mediators that control inflammation and tissue homeostasis"
International Immunology, 2020
According to this study, research was conducted on the potential beneficial effects Omega-3 could have in reducing inflammation, and it was shown to have positive effects on kidney health as well.
In Conclusion
Omega-3 can have a vast range of positive effects on your cat’s kidney health. Mechanisms such as anti-inflammation, blood pressure reduction, kidney tissue protection, and proteinuria reduction can help stall the progress of their kidney disease and keep it from worsening as well as improve their kidney’s functions. All of these changes ultimately will improve your cat’s health and greatly boost their overall quality of life.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in keeping your cats healthy, and can help you optimize your cat’s kidneys. Thus, it is clear that the consumption of Omega-3 can help protect and improve the kidney health of cats.
