How We Think About Omega-6 When Building Complete and Balanced Meals for Cats

Written by Dr. Hannah Godfrey, PhD, Animal Nutrition

When people hear about fats in pet food, they often think of calories. But fats do much more than provide energy. Certain dietary fats are essential nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. One of the most important groups is omega-6 fatty acids.¹

At Tom&Sawyer, we prepare meals based on nutrients delivered by high-quality, human grade ingredients. That means we look beyond just whether a recipe contains chicken, salmon, or sunflower oil. We also ask: Does this recipe provide the right balance of essential fatty acids to support a cat's health? The answer starts with understanding omega-6s.

What Is an Omega-6 Fatty Acid for Cats?

Omega-6 fatty acids for cats are essential dietary fats that support normal feline health. Two of the most important omega-6 fatty acids in cat food are linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA).¹

Omega-6 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fats that play important roles throughout the body. The most common omega-6 fatty acid in pet foods is linoleic acid (LA). Another important omega-6 fatty acid for cats is arachidonic acid (AA). Different fatty acids have different jobs in the body.

Some common fatty acids found in cat foods include:

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

• Linoleic acid (LA)

• Arachidonic acid (AA)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Together, these fatty acids help support normal growth, skin health, immune function, reproduction, and many other biological processes.¹

Where Do Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Cat Food Come From?

Omega-6 fatty acids in cat food can come from both plant and animal ingredients. Plant oils often provide linoleic acid, while animal-derived ingredients can provide both linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.¹

Different ingredients contribute different fatty acids to a cat's diet.

Plant oils are often rich in linoleic acid, including:

• Sunflower oil

• Safflower oil

• Canola oil

Animal-derived ingredients which provide both linoleic acid and arachidonic acid include:

• Poultry

• Animal fats/oils

• Eggs

• Fish

Why Do Cats Need Omega-6 Fatty Acids?

Cats need omega-6 fatty acids because they are essential nutrients, not optional extras. Unlike some other mammals, cats cannot efficiently make enough arachidonic acid from linoleic acid alone, which makes dietary arachidonic acid (AA) especially important.¹,²

Omega-6 fatty acids are not optional nutrients. They are essential for normal feline health.

Most mammals can take linoleic acid and convert it into arachidonic acid using enzymes in the body. Our feline fur-iends are different!

Cats have limited activity of an enzyme called delta-6 desaturase, which means they cannot efficiently make enough arachidonic acid from linoleic acid alone. Because of this limitation, cats require a dietary source of arachidonic acid, particularly during growth and reproduction.² Animal-derived ingredients naturally provide this nutrient.

This unique aspect of feline metabolism is one of the reasons why formulating complete and balanced cat food requires special attention to fatty acid nutrition.

Is Omega-6 Bad for Cats? Why Balance Matters

Omega-6 is not inherently bad for cats. The real goal is not to remove omega-6, but to provide enough omega-6 while also balancing it with omega-3 fatty acids in the full recipe.³

One of the biggest misconceptions about omega-6 fatty acids is that they are inherently "bad" because it can promote inflammation. But in reality, it is much more nuanced.

Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids work together in the body. Omega-6-derived compounds generally support normal inflammatory responses, while omega-3-derived compounds often help resolve inflammation. Both pathways are necessary for the overall health of our kitties.

Problems can arise when diets contain plenty of omega-6 but too little omega-3. Since these fatty acid families share some of the same metabolic pathways, the balance between them matters.

Research in dogs and cats suggests that lower omega-6-to-omega-3 ratios may help support healthy inflammatory responses, although the ideal ratio has not been definitively established.³ Current evidence suggests that ratios below 10:1 may be beneficial in many situations.

How We Formulate Complete and Balanced Cat Food: Nutrients First, Ingredients Second

At Tom&Sawyer, we formulate complete and balanced cat food by looking at the entire nutrient profile, not just one ingredient. A recipe is only as strong as the way its proteins, fats, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals work together.

At Tom&Sawyer, we do not judge ingredients as "good" or "bad" sources of fat. Instead, we evaluate what nutrients those ingredients contribute to the final recipe. We also have to consider how much of that ingredient is in our final recipe.

For example:

• Chicken provides protein, arachidonic acid, and other important nutrients.

• Fish contributes EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.

• Plant oils may contribute linoleic acid and other fatty acids.

• Eggs provide both protein and essential fatty acids.

Rather than focusing on a single ingredient, we look at the complete nutritional picture - how those ingredients come together in balance!

Step 1: Meet Essential Fatty Acid Requirements

Every recipe must provide enough linoleic acid and arachidonic acid to support feline health and meet complete-and-balanced standards according to AAFCO.

Step 2: Consider the Entire Fatty Acid Profile

We evaluate not only how much omega-6 is present, but also how much omega-3 is present and where those fatty acids come from.

Step 3: Balance the Recipe

A recipe rich in omega-6 may benefit from ingredients that contribute omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish or fish oil. The goal is not to eliminate omega-6, but to create an appropriate balance that supports overall health.

Step 4: Look at Interactions with Other Nutrients

Nutrition never happens in isolation. Fatty acids interact with:

• Vitamin E, which helps protect fats from oxidation

• Other fatty acids competing for metabolic pathways

• Overall dietary fat levels

• Life-stage requirements such as growth, reproduction, and adult maintenance

That is why complete and balanced formulation requires evaluating the entire nutrient profile, not individual nutrients one at a time.

What Happens If Cats Don't Get Enough Omega-6 Fatty Acids?

If cats do not get enough omega-6 fatty acids, skin, coat, growth, reproduction, and normal physiological function may be affected. Deficiencies are uncommon in complete and balanced commercial cat foods, but they can happen when diets are improperly formulated or fed long-term without meeting nutrient requirements.⁴

Because omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients, cats cannot stay healthy without adequate amounts in their diet. Deficiencies are uncommon in complete and balanced commercial foods, but they can occur when diets are improperly formulated or fed long-term without meeting nutrient requirements.

One of the first systems affected by omega-6 deficiency is the skin.

Poor Skin and Coat Health

Omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, help maintain the skin's protective barrier. When cats do not consume enough omega-6 fatty acids, the skin can become dry and less effective at retaining moisture. This may lead the following clinical signs:⁴

• Dull coat

• Increased shedding

• Poor coat quality

• Skin irritation.

Impaired Skin Barrier Function

The skin acts as a shield against the outside world. Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the structure of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Deficiency can weaken this barrier, making it more difficult for the skin to perform its normal protective functions.

Growth and Reproductive Challenges

Arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, is especially important for growth and reproduction. Cats have a limited ability to produce AA from linoleic acid, which means they rely on dietary sources to meet their needs.²,⁴ Insufficient intake of AA may have greater consequences during periods of rapid growth, pregnancy, and lactation, when demands for this nutrient increase.

Effects on Normal Physiological Function

Omega-6 fatty acids are involved in cell membrane structure, immune system signaling, and the production of important compounds that help regulate normal inflammatory responses. When omega-6 intake is inadequate, these biological functions may not operate optimally.

Why Cats Need More Than Just "Enough" Omega-6

Cats need adequate omega-6 fatty acids, but they also need the right overall fatty acid balance. The goal is not to minimize omega-6 intake, but to provide sufficient amounts while maintaining a healthy omega-6 and omega-3 ratio in the full diet.

While deficiency is a concern, nutrition is not simply about maximizing one nutrient. Cats need adequate omega-6 fatty acids, but they also need appropriate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Both families of fatty acids play important and complementary roles in the body. The goal is not to minimize omega-6 intake but to provide sufficient amounts while maintaining a healthy overall fatty acid profile.

How Tom&Sawyer Brings Omega-6 and Omega-3 Balance to Your Cat’s Bowl

Tom&Sawyer brings omega-6 and omega-3 balance to your cat’s bowl by using human grade ingredients that naturally contribute essential fatty acids, then balancing the full recipe so it supports complete feline nutrition.

When it comes to putting this science into practice for your kitty, we’ve got you covered! At Tom&Sawyer, we know every feline fur-iend is unique, which is why we’ve carefully prepared a variety of gently-cooked cat meals to meet their specific needs.

We use real, restaurant-quality human grade ingredients like lean poultry and eggs that naturally deliver those essential arachidonic and linoleic acids. From there, we include a special human grade omega 6 and 3 oils such as sunflower oil and fish oils, to carefully balance the omega 6 & 3 fats. This allows the real benefits of our whole food ingredients, helping support your fur baby's soft, shiny coat.

Depending on your cat's palate and health needs, we have a few paw-some options:

• Chicken Cacciatore lower-fat senior cat meal*: Inspired by the rustic Italian classic, this meal features tender chicken which is a fantastic natural source of omega-6s. It is lower in fat and features optimized nutrients specifically designed to support heart and kidney health in senior cats.

• Wild West Kangaroo limited-ingredient cat meal for sensitive tummies*: If your kitty has a sensitive tummy or food allergies, this limited ingredient diet is a great choice. It uses wild kangaroo as a novel protein, paired with coconut milk, pumpkin, and omega-3 fish oil for a simple, focused approach to healthy skin and coat.

• Bento Box complete and balanced cat meal with salmon, turkey, and eggs*: For cats who love variety, this recipe is packed with multiple protein sources, including turkey, sockeye salmon, and eggs. It offers a rich, diverse mix of fatty acids and antioxidants to support overall nourishment for cats of all ages.

No matter which gently-cooked recipe your cat chooses, providing them with this careful nutritional balance helps support their long-term health.

Benefits of an Appropriate Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Balance

An appropriate omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid balance can help support skin and coat health, cell structure, immune function, normal inflammatory responses, growth, and reproduction in cats.¹,³

The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can help provide benefits to our cats and their overall health.

Healthy Skin and Coat

Omega-6 fatty acids help maintain the skin barrier, which keeps moisture in and environmental irritants out. Adequate omega-6 intake supports healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat.

Cell Structure

Every cell in a cat's body contains fatty acids within its membranes. Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the structure and function of these cell membranes.

Immune Function and Inflammation

Omega-6 fatty acids are used to produce signaling molecules called eicosanoids, which help regulate immune responses and inflammation. While inflammation often gets a bad reputation, it is a normal and necessary part of healing and immune defense.

Growth and Reproduction

Cats need omega-6 fatty acids to support normal growth and reproduction. Arachidonic acid is especially important during life stages with higher metabolic demands, such as growth, pregnancy, and lactation.

In Conclusion: Omega-6 for Cats Is Essential, But Balance Is Everything

Omega-6 for cats is essential because it supports healthy skin, immune function, cell membranes, growth, and reproduction. Cats also have a unique requirement for arachidonic acid, which makes omega-6 nutrition especially important in feline diets.¹,²

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients that help support healthy skin, immune function, cell membranes, growth, and reproduction. Cats have a unique requirement for arachidonic acid, making omega-6 nutrition especially important in feline diets.

At Tom&Sawyer, we prepare our cat meals with a fresh, human grade, nutrient-first approach. Instead of focusing solely on individual ingredients, we focus on delivering the right balance of essential fatty acids, including both omega-6 and omega-3 fats, to support long-term health, using fresh, human grade ingredients!

* currently available in Canada only

Resources

1. Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

2. Rivers, J. P. W., Sinclair, A. J., & Crawford, M. A. Inability of the cat to desaturate essential fatty acids. Nature. 1975. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1186900/

3. Burron S., Richards T., et al. The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid. Journal of Animal Science. 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11161904/

4. MacDonald ML, Rogers QR, Morris JG. Essential fatty acid requirements of cats: pathology of essential fatty acid deficiency. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 1983. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049889/