EICOSAPENTAENOIC & DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (EPA+DHA)
In addition to ALA, the NRC lists dietary requirements for EPA and DHA as essential omega-3 fatty acids. Many raw diets are deficient in EPA/DHA and use commercially farmed meats. These meats provide high levels of omega 6 fatty acids and little to no omega 3 fatty acids. This imbalance of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids can cause inflammation throughout the body. The addition of EPA and DHA to a raw diet helps correct this imbalance and meet recommended allowances for these two essential fatty acids.
Recommended Allowance (RA) of EPA+DHA per 1000kcal:
ADULT DOG - 110mg recommended allowance PUPPY - 130mg Recommended Allowance
EPA and DHA are found primarily fatty fish and shellfish. The inclusion of fatty fish, fish oil, or krill oil in a raw diet are excellent whole foods to fulfill these requirements. Ideal fish options include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring since they also provide Vitamin D. Below are EPA and DHA values in various fish per 1oz (28g):
Atlantic Mackerel - 1oz (28g): 748mg Data Source
Wild Atlantic Salmon - 1oz (28g): 565mg Data Source
Atlantic Herring - 1oz (28g): 484mg Data Source
Canned Sardines in Oil - 1oz (28g): 414mg Data Source
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