Your Dog Advisor
Is fat important in a Dogs Diet?
Yes, fat important in a Dogs Diet.
Let’s check out why and what kind of fat is necessary for a Dog to stay healthy.
Dog owners know that to stay healthy, Dogs need high-quality protein, fat, and a full vitamin and mineral supplement in their diet.
Fat is one of the most common essential nutrients in Dogs food.
For a healthy adult Dog to maintain a balanced diet 10-15 percent fact is necessary.
Therefore, a healthy Dog fat and calories should be provided in correct proportion.
I know you’re too fond of your Dog, but that doesn’t mean you can feed him with anything, especially those extra treats and table scraps.
A balanced diet that you required to follow for your Dog, plus regular exercise and last but not least a healthy hygiene living condition.
The calories in pet food are made up of varying amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins that Dog needs depending on their breed, size, and age. Fat is the main source of stored energy.
What are Fats?
Fat is the major storage form of energy source in the Dogs body. It gives more than twice as much energy to your dog as carbohydrates and proteins do.
All fats provided to your Dog are made up of building blocks called fatty acids. These fat can be classified into saturated, unsaturated, or polyunsaturated.
There are some fats that Dog body cannot produce, it has to be supplied externally through other food such fats are known as essential fatty acids.
They serve as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins. These essential fatty acids are split into two groups called omega- 3 and omega-6.
What are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) for Dogs?
As I already mentioned there are some fatty acids which Dogs body cannot synthesize in its singular form. Fatty acid rich food must be supplied to Dog.
EFAs(1) are fat-carried nutrients that are very important for Dogs.
To maintain healthy muscle organ function and structure, cell membranes, strong immune system, to build liver cells, maintain healthy coat and hair and all physiologic effects in the body EFAs is necessary.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which are omega-3 fatty acids.
Arachidonic Acid (AA), Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) the omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid. These are the essential fatty acids needed for your Dog.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids(2) are polyunsaturated fatty acids which is necessary to maintain normal metabolism and optimal health.
Omega-3 fatty acids is needed for growing puppies for brain development, function of central nervous tissue, and vision.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): a plant-based omega-3 found in flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnut oil, and soybean oil.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): cold water fish oils good sources found in de-boned salmon and salmon oil.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): a marine-based omega-3 found in de-boned salmon, salmon oil, and algae extract.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is considered to be the most important essential fatty acid for Dogs.
Omega-6 fatty acids include: Linoleic acid (LA), its active form, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA), necessary for cell membrane structure and cell function, normal reproduction, growth, immune function, skin and coat health.
Arachidonic Acid (AA): Fats from animals and fish, such as chicken, lamb, and salmon, evening primrose oil, , and borage seeds are the richest dietary sources of arachidonic acid
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA): Vegetable oils safflower and sunflower oils, as well as corn and soybean oils.
Linoleic acid (LA): Vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, soybean, corn, and canola oils as well as nuts and seeds.
Most fats and oils are higher in omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids, but a balance of both is essential in Dog products.
A ratio of about 4-1 Omega-6 to Omega-3 is considered optimum for Dogs.
What foods are high in fat for dogs?
Fish oil like salmon can reduce inflammation and help protect against conditions such as arthritis, heart disease or cancer.
Vegetable oil like coconut oil helps to maintain a healthy skin and coat and digestive system.
Meat of chickens, rabbits, lamb can be added in diet for fat, which functions as a main source of energy stored.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Fat and fatty acids is an unavoidable nutrients for a Dog to survive. Fats used in Dog products are extremely digestible and it’s the energy source to Dogs. Food fats also tend to improve the Dog’s food’s flavor and texture.
And when it comes to fatty acid, each fatty acid plays a distinct function in your Canines body, providing a balance of Linoleic acid, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids exclusively through dietary sources helps to ensure perfect health for your Dog.
Provide polyunsaturated fat to your Dog and limit or avoid saturated and trans fat. Essential fatty acids are necessary to keep your Dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Reference and further reading
(1) Essential fatty acids The Skinny on Fat: Part 2 – Essential fatty acids and inflammation
