Fat is a crucial dietary component that requires careful consideration. Those who are mindful of their own health, as well as that of their pets, understand the importance of monitoring fat intake. Consuming excess fat has been linked to an increased risk of developing obesity and overweight, which can lead to several health and wellbeing issues. It is crucial to understand that dietary fat comprises several distinct types, and not all fats are harmful or equal.
Many fats are essential for normal health and function, and some can even support overall health and wellbeing. In certain situations, reducing fat intake is necessary to maintain a healthy waistline or manage health conditions. However, fat is also critical to support the activity of working or sporting dogs, and in some cases, levels may need to be substantially increased in a diet.
This chapter will delve into the chemistry of dietary fat and its nutritional significance for our dogs. It is important to note that one gram of fat provides more than twice the kilocalories of protein or carbohydrate, which has significant implications for specific dietary requirements, such as managing weight loss or supporting performance output.
The Terminology
Dietary Fat
Fat is one of the energy-providing macronutrients found in food. Fat is also one of the components included in the information on the label of commercially available food. Dietary fat is a term that encompasses a range of chemically related substances that have certain characteristics – a key one being that they are insoluble in water.
Fats or Lipids?
All lipids, including fats and oils, are a group of compounds that play a crucial role in various biological processes. Fats are typically solid at room temperature, such as lard or butter, while oils like olive or vegetable oil are liquid. These variations in physical properties are due to differences in their chemical structure. Although the terms 'fat' and 'lipid' are often used interchangeably in nutrition, it is more scientifically accurate to describe the entire class of compounds as lipids.
Fats and Fatty Acids
Triglycerides, also known as triacylglycerols, TAGs, or triacylglycerides, are a common form of fat found in dog diets. The molecular structure of a TG consists of one molecule of glycerol linked to three fatty acids. Fatty acids are composed of carbon atoms in a chain, with 'branches' of hydrogen atoms, which is why they are referred to as hydrocarbons. The length of the carbon atom chain varies, and the names of fatty acids reflect the number of carbons. Dietary fat is a significant source of kilocalories in the diet, as fatty acids are a significant chemical store of energy. Most fatty acids are long chains of between sixteen and twenty-six carbon atoms, but there are also short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). SCFAs are produced by microbial digestion of fiber in the digestive system and have fewer than six carbon atoms. They can be used as a source of energy and are beneficial for digestive health. MCTs are typically between eight and ten carbon atoms long and are found in coconut oil. There may be some health benefits to including MCTs in the diet of older dogs and epileptic dogs, but care should be taken as elevated levels can reduce palatability and cause digestive upset. Additionally, MCTs are a rich source of extra kilocalories, which can be problematic for weight management.
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| Dietary fat supplies more than twice the energy per gram than either protein or carbohydrate. |
Saturated and Unsaturated fats
Fats are commonly classified as either saturated or unsaturated, with further subcategories of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These terms refer to the bonding between carbon atoms in their constituent fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids have single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds. A fatty acid with one double bond is called monounsaturated, while one with multiple double bonds is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA).
The level of saturation of dietary fats is a crucial consideration. Saturated fats, which are typically derived from animal sources such as beef, pork, lamb, and dairy, tend to be solid and have a higher melting temperature than unsaturated fats. While chemically unreactive, saturated fats can pose health problems in terms of how the body digests, absorbs, and utilizes them. Unsaturated fats, often found in oils derived from vegetables, plants, and fish, are generally considered to be healthier than saturated fats and offer specific health benefits when incorporated into the diet.
What Does Fatty Acid Saturation Mean for My Dog and How I Feed It?
Unsaturated fats are known to be more reactive than saturated fats, which makes them prone to rapid rancidity when exposed to heat, light and metals. This practical aspect is crucial as rancid fats are not only less palatable but can also pose health hazards. Rancidity leads to the creation of other chemical compounds that affect the taste of food and cause oxidative damage to the body. As such, it is vital to store unsaturated fats properly, preferably in a cool, dark place such as a fridge. Additionally, it is advisable to incorporate antioxidants such as vitamin E into diets that are high in unsaturated fats to counterbalance the potential for oxidative damage. It is also essential to store all types of prepared dog food carefully, particularly if high in fat. Dry kibble, in particular, is often surface-coated with unsaturated fats such as sunflower oil, which can quickly become rancid if not stored appropriately. Proper cleaning of food containers is also necessary to eliminate residual fat that can lead to rancidity.
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| Fat from dry dog-food can coat food containers and go rancid. It is good practice to wash containers well with warm, soapy water between different batches of food. |
The Function of Fats
Fats play a crucial role in the body, serving a variety of essential functions. Although it is important to avoid excessive fat accumulation in dogs, adipose tissue deposits provide vital protection against physical injury and insulation against cold. For instance, protective fat layers are present in our dogs' paw-pads. Fatty acids are also essential for the development and functioning of the nervous system, and cells in dogs' tissues and organs require fats to maintain their overall structure and integrity. Additionally, dietary fat serves as a critical source of energy to support activity and is a crucial source of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Fat is Our Active Dog’s Friend
Dogs have a remarkable ability to utilize dietary fat as an energy source, unlike many other species. Their metabolism favors fat over carbohydrates or protein, which means that they typically don't experience some of the negative effects of a high-fat diet that humans do, such as high cholesterol or heart disease. However, certain breeds and types may have genetic issues related to their ability to process dietary fat, so it's important to exercise caution. Additionally, excessive dietary fat can lead to weight gain in dogs. Active, working, and sporting dogs, as well as growing dogs and pregnant/lactating bitches with high energy demands, benefit from diets that are high in fat. Furthermore, dietary fat enhances the texture, digestibility, and palatability of dogs' food. Diets formulated for weight management may not be as appealing to dogs as a result. Another significant benefit of dietary fat is that it increases the energy density of the diet, which can be crucial for dogs with high energy requirements or reduced appetites, such as very active dogs or sled dogs that engage in prolonged, endurance activities.
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| Fat is useful for active dogs. |
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a vital group of fats that play a significant role in supporting normal hormone function, circulatory health, blood-clotting, immune and inflammatory processes, and other essential functions in the body. These fats cannot be synthesised by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Inadequate intake of EFAs can lead to poor skin and coat condition and increased vulnerability to infections. Omega fatty acids, among various types of EFAs, are gaining attention for their nutritional and well-being benefits for dogs.
The Omega Fatty Acids
The omega fatty acids are categorized into distinct families of essential fatty acids (EFAs), with particular attention given to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, although omega-9 fatty acids are also of interest. These polyunsaturated fats are named for the location of the first carbon-carbon double-bond in the fatty acid chain, which confers a unique chemical structure and important health properties. Maintaining a careful balance of different omega fatty acids is crucial for good health. However, modern food production methods have led to diets with significantly higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which can have negative health and nutritional consequences. Omega-6 fatty acids are associated with pro-inflammatory processes in the body, while omega-3 fatty acids appear to manage and potentially reduce inflammation. Therefore, it is increasingly important to rebalance the dietary levels of omega-3s and omega-6s. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet should be around 5:1 and not exceed 10:1, although certain ingredients and processing methods can skew this ratio in favor of omega-6 fatty acids. Research indicates that increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acid levels can be a straightforward way to support overall nutrition and health.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Dogs require three essential fatty acids for normal biological function: linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA). All three are classified as omega-6 fatty acids. Linoleic acid is particularly significant as it serves as a precursor molecule from which GLA and AA can be synthesized by dogs. Therefore, if there is an adequate dietary supply of linoleic acid, there is no need to provide GLA or AA in the dogs' diet. Vegetable oils are a common source of linoleic acid, while animal-derived fats tend to have low levels, but are a good source of arachidonic acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential to support the normal functioning of the immune system; however, excessive levels can result in inflammation and other issues.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Oily fish, such as herring, salmon, and sardines, are widely recognized as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, these beneficial acids can also be found in select plants, seeds, and nuts, including linseed (also known as flaxseed) and certain plant-derived oils. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a key omega-3 fatty acid found in these sources, and serves as a precursor molecule for the synthesis of other important omega-3s, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Research has shown that EPA and DHA can support the healthy development of puppies' eyes, brains, and behavior, as well as aid in the management of inflammatory conditions in adult dogs. While dogs can synthesize EPA and DHA from ALA, this process is not particularly efficient. Therefore, direct supplementation with EPA and DHA is the most effective way to provide dogs with the omega-3 fatty acids they need for optimal health.
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| Oily fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Tinned sardines can be a useful addition to our dog’s diets. |
EPA and DHA
Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant health benefits of EPA and DHA for various species, including dogs and humans. These fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly valuable for dogs suffering from joint and skin conditions. Additionally, EPA and DHA contribute to the overall wellbeing of dogs by supporting the health of their eyes, hearts, reproductive systems, nervous systems, and cognitive function. Furthermore, diets that are high in EPA and DHA are crucial for the growth and development of puppies, with many puppy diets featuring elevated levels of these fatty acids.
Due to the limited efficiency of the body's synthesis of EPA and DHA from ALA, plant-based sources of omega-3 are not optimal. While plant sources do provide some nutritional benefits in the form of ALA, the most effective way to provide your dog with pre-formed EPA and DHA is through direct supplementation. Marine algae is highly efficient at converting ALA to EPA and DHA, making oily fish, such as sardines, and marine algae powder reliable sources of these key fatty acids. While fish oil supplements are an option, concerns regarding contamination, rancidity, and sustainability are increasing. Green-lipped mussels and marine algae powder are excellent alternative sources, particularly for dogs that cannot consume fish or those with dietary restrictions. Always ensure that supplement labels declare levels of ALA, EPA, and DHA to make informed decisions about their use. It is important to note that a well-formulated diet may already contain an appropriate ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, and excessive omega-3 intake can have adverse effects on blood-clotting and other systems. Therefore, it is essential to monitor overall omega-3 levels for your individual dog's situation.
Fat Requirements
The appropriate amount of dietary fat for dogs is contingent upon individual circumstances. Canines that are highly active, underweight, pregnant/lactating, or in the midst of growth will benefit from diets that contain higher levels of fat. Such diets are energy-dense, palatable, easily digestible, and supply the necessary calories. Nevertheless, even dogs on weight-management plans require some fat in their diet, as dietary fat serves as a source of essential fatty acids and vitamins.
How Much Fat is Needed?
Properly formulated diets are essential in supplying adequate energy levels to dogs. Fat is a crucial component in providing calories for energy, as well as essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. It is important to note that the quantity of fat added to a diet will vary depending on the individual requirements of each dog. For adult dogs, a minimum of 5.5g fat per 100g of food (DMB) is recommended, while reproducing and growing dogs require a minimum of 8.5g. Adult maintenance diets usually contain between 12 and 16 per cent fat (DMB), although some may have lower levels. Diets for weight management or specific health conditions often have less than 10 per cent fat (DMB), while diets for dogs requiring more energy may have higher fat levels, sometimes exceeding 20 per cent (DMB). It is important to keep in mind that most dog food supplies more than the minimum fat requirement, especially when considering feeding for weight management. When comparing high-moisture foods, such as raw or tinned, with low moisture/dry foods, the value on the pack will need to be converted to DMB for accurate comparison, and the actual dry matter fat content of the food will be much lower. If you are preparing meals at home, it is important to formulate and assess their nutritional profile on a DMB basis.
Summary
- Fat supplies more than twice the calories per gram than carbohydrate and protein.
- Dogs will preferentially use dietary fat for energy instead of carbohydrate or protein, so active, reproducing and growing dogs will benefit from diets higher in fat than standard maintenance diets, and it is our dogs’ friend.
- Diets or supplements that are high in fat can rancid quickly, so correct storage in a cool, dark and air-tight environment is good practice.
- Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, are often added to diets high in fat and should be supplemented if dogs are consuming high-fat diets.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your dog’s immune, heart, eye, brain health and to support puppy learning and development.
- Oily fish, such as herring or sardines, can be a tasty, omega-3-rich treat for your dog.
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