Ahiflower: A new earth-friendly Omega choice

Fish oils are a formidable and essential component of a pet’s diet, benefitting skin and coat health, cerebral development, inflammation prevention, cardiovascular health, to name a few. It’s well known that plant-based omega fatty acids can’t compare to the omega-3 content of oils derived from fish.

Until now.

Introducing, the almighty Ahiflower® - let’s learn what the seeds from this tiny white flower can bring to your pet’s bowl to contribute to overall health and wellness.

 It was thought that fish oil could never be replace by plant oil in the pet food industry, because of some fatty acids that are typically NOT found in plant oils (EPA, DHA, DPA, etc).

However, the growing awareness surrounding the quality and sustainability of fish oils, and the fish industry, has found us seeking for alternative sources of these essential fats. Unfortunately, to achieve the benefits that these unique oils offer, we are dependent on the fish industry.  Environmental factors like pollution and overfishing, market supply, demand, and sustainability, impact this highly regulated Canadian industry.

Nature’s Crop is a Prince Edward Island-based international company devoted to finding an earth and sea friendly alternative to fish oil. They didn’t just achieve their goal, they went above and beyond by offering us a completely sustainable and balanced source of omega-3, 6, and 9. Ahiflower crops are 100% regenerative and non-GMO. One acre produces as much oil as 500,000 anchovies – this means that a lot of fish are left in the ocean. It is the richest source of omega-3, with over 65% total omega-3, and a ratio of 4:1 omega-3: omega-6.

More about the Ahiflower®

The seed of the Ahiflower® has an omega-3 profile unlike any other plant. True to its plant status, it doesn’t actually contain EPA or DHA. Instead, it is a rich source of SDA (approximately 20%), a step along the path between ALA and EPA during fatty acid biosynthesis. Why does this matter? Our pets aren’t able to make EPA from ALA so by providing SDA, the essential precursor, pets are able to boost their own production of EPA, and all the fatty acids following along the path, including DHA!

For a visual of the omega pathway, refer to the graphic below.

Other plant-based oils can make EPA and DHA from their precursors as well, but very inefficiently. The SDA in Ahiflower® oil is much more readily converted (by almost 3 times) into EPA and DHA, making it a more direct source of these essential omega-3 fatty acids compared to other plant oils. This means that the amount of oil needed to get the same amount of essential fatty acids is much smaller (about 1/3).

Additionally, for all nutrition nerds (like me), Ahiflower ® oil’s omega-6 profile also includes GLA – a beneficial omega-6! An omega-6 that works with omega-3 in reducing inflammation!

Apart from the science, what else sets Ahiflower ® oil apart from conventional fish oils?

• It’s clean sensory with no fishy smell, taste, or “burps”, making it ideal for picky pets.
• It’s also free of heavy metals and contaminants that can sometimes be a concern for fish oils from improperly regulated fisheries.
• It promotes natural collagen synthesis to benefit skin, coat, and joint health - the omega-3 SDA and omga-6 GLA fatty acids highly contribute to collagen synthesis.
• It has prebiotic properties, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
• It’s unique fatty acid composition promotes the natural conversion and balance of omegas in the body.
• The dosage is considerably less – providing abundant SDA, the direct precursor for all the essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Cost and Dosage Comparison of all Thrive Oils

This earth and ocean friendly little white flower packs a plant-based, omega-3 punch! A long sought-after alternative to fish oil with a balanced omega-3,6,9 profile, Ahiflower ® oil benefits the whole body from skin to joints to gut (and beyond). Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and picky pet approved, making it a great way to meet your pet’s omega needs, naturally.