Fats
Fats
Dietary fats are required to:
- supply energy: dietary fat provides the pet with 2.25
times more calories per weight unit than protein or
carbohydrates;
- aid absorption of the fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A,D,
E and K): dietary fat provides a physical environment in the
gut that enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Dogs and cats need at least 1-2% dietary fat in their food to
absorb fat-soluble vitamins;
- supply essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty
acids.
The essential fatty acids are needed:
- as constituents of cell membranes to maintain fluid
membranes that allow passage of molecules;
- for the synthesis of diverse, active substances in the
body, i.e., prostaglandins;
- to control water loss through the skin.