Fats In The Canine Diet

Let’s look at our canine's requirements for fats in the diet;

In our groups, the most important thing we want to try and achieve is keeping our dogs as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Earlier today I wrote a post about the importance of protein in the diet, now We are going to take a look at fats and their importance.

The first thing we need to realize is fat does not have the same effect on the health of our canines as it does on human health. Dogs do not have the same problem with cholesterol clogging up arteries as we humans do, our dogs have unique anatomy and digestive system and are more than capable of utilizing large amounts of fat and protein, however, they cannot handle large amounts of carbohydrates.

Why are fats so important in our dog's diet?

1. They are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

2. they will keep the skin and fur on your dog's body healthy and shiny.

3. they will help protect the kidneys, heart, and liver.

4. they will help to reduce any inflammation in your dog's body.

5. fats will help to protect your dog in cold weather.

6. fats help to protect the nerves in your dog's body.

7. fats are an excellent source of fatty acids.

Good fats are sourced from good quality animal protein such as wild-caught fish like sardines or mackerel. When feeding fats it’s important they are fresh, never use poor quality fats, and don’t use if you think fish oils have gone rancid, these will make your dog sick.

Often people make the mistake of buying salmon oil, not knowing that it quickly turns Rancid and can even be rancid before opening. It is for this reason we only recommend salmon oil sold in dark-coloured glass bottles kept in the fridge - and to use the oil within one month.

If your dog is fat deficient in his or her diet then your dog's vital organs may suffer and he or she may become poorly.

Now have a look at your dog's coat, is it coarse and lacking lustre and shine, if so this may be an outward sign that something inside is not right, this almost always is corrected with the right nutrition.

Itching, inflamed skin, or flaky skin are all signs that something is incorrect in the diet.

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in animal fats and plant sources. Too much omega 6 to omega 3 can result in allergies, skin issues, and inflammation.

Fatty acids will help all dogs with renal issues, heart disease, and cancers. Because fatty acids are anti-inflammatory they will also help dogs who may suffer from any orthopaedic problems as well.

Of course, we respect the fact that every dog in is unique, and some will not be able to tolerate fats, this problem may show up in huge foul-smelling stools, or diarrhoea. The stool may be light in colour and may contain mucus. There may be other health reasons why a dog cannot digest fat, and these may be liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, and Cushing's disease. If your dog needs to lose weight, just reduce the amount of food being fed, not the amount of fat.

Things to look out for:- if your dog has loose, foul-smelling stools, this would be the time to talk things through with your holistic veterinarian and find the root cause, as there may be a serious underlying health issue.

Remember quality fats are essential for the health of your dog and will support the immune system and help to keep it strong.

Let’s take an important step forward and read exactly what is in the foods we are feeding, don’t trust the pictures on the packet, showing healthy-looking happy dogs. The contents inside the box are what matter most as they will lead to either health or disease.

We are more than happy to help you with any questions. Our two groups raw-fed healthy Cavs and home cooking for cavaliers will also help to guide and support you on your journey.

See more articles on dog food below;