1.    Why do cats and dogs need omega-3?

Omega-3 fatty acids are “good fats” that are essential for optimal health.  Like humans, animals must obtain omega-3 from the diet as it is not produced in the body.  EPA and DHA are the active forms of omega-3 required by the body to perform vital functions.  Insufficient omega-3 intake can have a significant impact on overall health. 

Typically the diet of dogs and cats is augmented with kibble made from cereal-type grains, and vegetable oils which are very high in omega-6 fatty acids and extremely low in omega-3.  This has led to a deficiency in omega-3 where the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 may be as high as 1:15 instead of the optimal 1:1.

Clinical research has established a link between chronic inflammation and a broad range of degenerative conditions such as heart disease, immune dysfunction, arthritis and behavioural disorders.

2.    Is Ascenta omega-3 for animals pharmaceutical grade?

The term “Pharmaceutical grade” is typically used in reference to fish oils.  “Pharmaceutical grade” is not a regulated classification therefore misuse of the term is quite common. Typically the term refers to fish oil supplements that comply with the quality and purity standards set forth by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).  The CRN Fish Oil Monograph is an internationally accepted standard that defines strict limits for product quality and purity. Products that meet or exceed these standards are qualified to use the term Pharmaceutical grade. Ascenta omega-3 for animals far exceeds the requirements of the CRN Monograph and therefore exceeds “pharmaceutical grade".

3.    Is Ascenta omega-3 for animals molecularly distilled?

Yes, molecular distillation is an important step in the processing of high quality fish oils. The primary purpose of distillation is to purify and concentrate the oil. Although heat is applied to the oil during the distillation step, the oil is not degraded because the process occurs under high vacuum and in the absence of light. This means air (oxygen) and light are removed to prevent the oil from oxidizing (degrading). 

4.    Is Ascenta omega-3 for animals third-party tested?

Yes, every batch of Ascenta omega-3 for animals is tested for quality, purity and label claims by an independent laboratory.

5.    What is Pure Check?

Pure Check is a quality assurance program through which Ascenta third-party tests every batch of product for quality, purity and label claims.  The Pure Check quality tests results are posted on our website for consumers to see.  Ascenta is the only developer

of natural health supplements to provide consumers with this level of transparency assuring them that their product is of the highest quality.

6.    How does IFOS testing differ from the Pure Check testing?

IFOS and Pure Check are very similar. Both are third-party testing programs to evaluate fish oil quality, purity and label claims. The reference standard for both programs is the CRN Fish Oil Monograph which is considered the benchmark for pharmaceutical quality oils. The only major difference between IFOS and Pure Check is that IFOS is voluntary and the manufacturer does not have to test every batch nor are they required to post any batches that test poorly. Though Pure Check, Ascenta tests every batch of product and posts all results on its website.

7.    What types of fish are used for Ascenta omega-3 for animals?

The fish used in the making of Ascenta omega-3 for animals are Sardina plichardus (pacific sardine) and Engranlis ringens (Pacific anchovy), which are caught in the clean, cold waters off the coast of Peru. These fish species are both members of the herring family. 

Because Ascenta is highly committed to sustainability, we only utilize fish that are sustainably harvested. For this reason we do not use Atlantic Cod (including Norwegian Cod), Tuna, Shark, or Swordfish. The Pacific sardine and anchovy used in Ascenta omega-3 for animals come from a highly regulated fishery which is currently undergoing sustainability certification by the Marine Stewardship Council.

8.    Is the oil in Ascenta omega-3 for animals cold-pressed?

No.  Plant based oils such as olive oil often use the term “cold pressed” however this is misleading. Cold pressed olive oils typically require a process temperature in the range of 30-50°C (86-122°F). In the case of fish oil pressing, the optimal temperatures range between 60-80°C (140-176°F). Using too low temperatures requires longer processing time and results in increased oxidation due to air exposure.

During the subsequent distillation (purification) stage of the process, higher heat (200°C) is required. Although this step uses high heat, it is performed in the absence of air (vacuum) and light which prevents degradation of the oil. Regular quality checks throughout the process assures the oil is not been damaged.

9.    Why can Ascenta omega-3 for animals become cloudy in the refrigerator? Is it harmful?

The development of cloudy sediment near the bottom of the bottle after refrigeration is completely normal and does not affect quality.  All natural oils have a temperature at

Which, the liquid will change to a semi-solid state.  You will have already witnessed this if you’ve ever put olive oil in the fridge.  Returning the olive oil to room temperature causes it to go back to a completely liquid state. The temperature of your fridge is near the temperature where natural fish oil begins to turn cloudy and thicken. The fish oil will still be pourable and taste the same under these conditions. A slight increase in your fridge temperature or storing the fish oil on the fridge door shelf may prevent this from happening.

10.  How does flax oil compare to Ascenta omega-3 for animals?

Omega-3 fatty acids derived from plants are primarily in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an inactive form of omega-3 that requires extensive metabolism in the body into the active forms EPA and DHA.  A comprehensive review of the research on ALA metabolism by humans concluded that ALA results in insignificant amounts when converted to EPA and DHA (3.8% and 1% respectively). Because fish oil provides the active forms of omega-3, EPA and DHA, its health benefits are greater and supported by a large body of research.

11.  Does Ascenta omega-3 for animals contain protein?

No, Ascenta fish oil is highly purified resulting in complete removal of proteins.

12.  Does Ascenta omega-3 for animals come from wild or farmed fish?

Our fish oil comes from wild, cold water Pacific sardine and anchovy, members of the herring family.  These are small fish that feed primarily off plankton and algae. Because they are very low on the food chain, these fish contain very low levels of contaminants compared to other fish.

13.  Does Ascenta omega-3 for animals taste fishy?

A fishy taste is only a characteristic of lesser quality fish oils.  Using advanced processing and effective antioxidant protection, we are able to produce the purest fish oils for animals.  The purified oil’s natural fish taste is used in the feline formula, while an all natural smoky meat flavor is added to the Canine formula to increase its sensory appeal.

14.  Why is Ascenta omega-3 for animals packaged in an amber glass bottle?

The stability of the product is better maintained in a darker glass bottle as it does not let light directly affect the product.  Furthermore, glass is easily recycled all over the world.