Arachidonic acid (AA) is a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid involved in immune signaling and inflammatory response. Unlike cats, who cannot synthesize AA and require it directly from food, dogs can produce arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, making it a non-essential (but still useful) dietary nutrient. AA is a precursor to prostaglandins and other signaling molecules that regulate inflammation, blood clotting, and immune responses.
A cooked egg provides roughly 70–80mg of arachidonic acid — dogs have no specific requirement since they synthesize their own. Chicken, eggs, and fish naturally provide arachidonic acid as part of their fat profile. Most dogs get more than enough through standard meat-based diets.
0.06% of daily nutrient intake
Arachidonic Acid makes up 0.06% of your dog's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
True deficiency is essentially impossible in dogs because they synthesize arachidonic acid from dietary linoleic acid. This is primarily a concern for cats, not dogs.
Excess arachidonic acid can amplify inflammatory pathways, potentially worsening conditions like allergies, arthritis, and inflammatory skin disease. This is another reason to balance omega-6 intake with adequate omega-3s.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | medium 10-25kg | 0 | 200 | mg | Dogs synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid. No dietary requirement exists, unlike for cats. |
Source: NRC 2006
