Fats and fat content play an important role in your dog's diet, especially in the form of raw, uncooked fat.
Fats supply cells, enzymes, and hormone material, and are a powerful source of energy.
Fats are composed of fatty acids and the ones of importance to your dog are linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic. These are not produced in the body so need to come from the dog's diet.
Essential fatty acids, (over 70 have been discovered in nature) play a role in the biochemical pathways within the dog. They are important for a wide array of cell structure components and chemical reactions within the body including hormonal and energy activities. They also serve as building blocks for the hormones estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. They are also important for a healthy nervous system and are classified into the types, Omega 3, 6, or 9.
The liver and other tissues produce many of the fatty acids needed but the dog cannot make Linoleic Acid, (Omega 6) which is classed as an essential fatty acid as it needs to come directly from the diet.
Plants are an excellent source of Linoleic Acid as is sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, and vegetable oils such as, corn, soy, peanut, and safflower. It is also found in chicken and pork fat but not in beef, or other red meats.
Sources are also obtained from dried beans, (kidney, soy beans,) and from certain fish. Fish oils are rich in both Linolenic Acid and Arachidonic acids and are the most easily converted. Support nutrients are needed to make sure the fatty acids are broken down correctly. These come in the form of Vitamins F. A. D. E. AND K. and are called, fat-soluble vitamins.
Discover the DEADLY Secrets of Commercial Dog Food
A well-balanced maintenance kibble dog food should contain between 5% and 13% fat. Performance dogs, pregnant bitches or nursing mothers should have foods containing as much as 25% fat. This is a good reason to choose a quality brand pet food over the cheaper versions. If fats are to be stored by pet food manufacturers, preservatives, either natural or chemical, must be added. Check the contents of the food that you are feeding your pet with to see if it meets their daily requirements and is sourced from quality products.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be supplemented in capsule form. Generally the dosage is 1,000mg (180 EPA- 120 DPA), BUT IT IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONSULT YOUR VET FIRST. The benefits of Essential Fatty Acids in the diet have been shown to assist and improve muscle mass, control inflammation, help the immune system and skin, and improve the condition of the coat.
Fats also make dog food more palatable. A healthy, nutritious diet will result in a sleek and shiny dog that is bounding with energy.
Discover the DEADLY Secrets of Commercial Dog Food
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