Going to the dogs…and cats…and horses

Prepared Foods, June, 2002 by Claudia D. O'Donnell

Essential Nutrient Research Corporation (ENRECO[TM] Inc.), a division of Natural Ovens Bakery Inc., Manitowoc, Wisc., provides consumers and their pets an education as to the benefits of dog treats high in omega fatty acids and antioxidants. With its use of flaxseed and tuna oil to create a pet food with 5% omega-3s and 2% omega-6s, this product, which has been on the market for a bit, was ahead of its time.

Although the company also uses flaxseed in human-oriented products such as breads, muffins, cookies and supplements, its website notes a range of animal foods and feeds such as Omega Gold[TM] for pigs, Omega Horseshine[TM] for horses, and Super Egg Stabilized Flax for chickens.

The company highlights current research that suggests, in pet foods, the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s should be between 2:1 and 5:1. "However, commercial pet foods have ratios of 20:1 to 50:1, causing them to be extremely omega-3 deficient."

Statistically, pet foods have been the most popular category for omega fatty acid use, with references to benefits for skin and coats (presumably fur coats), the most common claim worldwide. (See article on Prepared Foods' website below.)

www.PreparedFoods.com/archieves/2002/2002_4/0402lipids.htm

www.flax.com

www.enreco.com

www.naturalovens.com/new/index.htm