Fats
Fats are a rich source of energy, providing more than twice as much energy per gram than protein and carbohydrate. In terms of nutrition, fats deliver essential fatty acids and provide the necessary environment for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the gut. Fats (and oils) from both animal and vegetable origins provide varied sources of essential fatty acids. Ingredients such as beef tallow and seed oils are regularly used in pet food to deliver these nutrients. Fatty acids are required for a number of processes in the body including maintenance of a healthy skin and coat, a strong immune system and reproductive function.
Fatty acids
Energy source, transport of fat-soluble vitamins
Background
Fatty acids are the main constituent of fats and consist of a carbon chain varying in length and chemical structure. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are named according to the absence or presence respectively of at least one double bond within the carbon chain.
Role in the body
Saturated long-chain fatty acids are used exclusively for energy within the body whilst the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is more diverse. Fatty acids are termed essential when they cannot be generated within the body. The omega-3 and omega-6 groups of PUFAs represent the key essential fatty acids in mammalian nutrition.
Common sources
Vegetable oils, e.g. sunflower and linseed, and animal fats, e.g. fish oil and beef tallow.
Deficiency and excess
Deficiency of fatty acids can result in fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (vitamins A, D, E and K) and poor skin and coat condition.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Anti-inflammatory action, cell oxygenation, physical effort
Background
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alphalinolenic acid (ALA) together form the omega-3 family of PUFAs.
Role in the body
There is evidence to suggest that omega-3 PUFAs are required in the diet of gestating animals for normal embryonic growth and development. However, in the adult cat and dog, there is insufficient evidence to support an absolute minimum requirement of omega-3 PUFAs in the diet. Whilst not essential for adult cats and dogs, omega-3 fatty acids may provide a number of functional benefits including improving skin and coat condition and acting as anti-inflammatory agents. In the ageing animal, omega-3 PUFAs may help prevent deterioration of cognitive function by improving brain oxygenation.
Common sources
Rich sources of ALA include flaxseed oil, whilst the most abundant source of DHA and EPA is marine fish oil. Alternatively, EPA and DHA can also be found in phytoplankton and single cell algae.
Deficiency and excess
Excess omega-3 PUFAs can lead to impairment of immune function in dogs.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Skin health, coat condition, reproduction
Background
Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid are essential fatty acids belonging to the omega-6 family of PUFAs. Dogs can synthesise arachidonic acid from dietary linoleic acid but cats are unable to carry out this conversion step, making arachidonic acid an essential nutrient in the diet of cats.
Role in the body
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for healthy reproduction since they are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that regulate a number of reproductive processes including ovulation and parturition.
Common sources
Arachidonic acid can be found in animal fats such as beef tallow and poultry skin. Linoleic acid can be found in vegetable oils such as sunflower oil.
Deficiency and excess
A deficiency in omega-6 fatty acids can cause poor reproductive performance, poor skin and coat condition resulting in dry, irritated, flaky skin and a dull appearance of the coat.
