The role of fat in dogs

Fat is a high-energy food. Calculated on a dry matter basis, each gram of fat can provide 8.5 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME), and its absorbability exceeds 90%. . For adult dogs, the dietary fat content should not be less than 5% ME; for puppies, pregnant and nursing dogs, the dietary fat content should not be less than 8% ME. Dogs that exercise a lot and work hard (such as sled dogs in winter) need relatively more fat, while urban indoor pet dogs should not consume a lot of fat, otherwise they are prone to overweight or even obesity.

Writing this, I suggest that parents go home and take a look at the nutritional label on the dog food package, and compare the numbers above with the crude fat content in your dog food. I can say very responsibly: "You will not know it until you see it, but you will be shocked when you see it!"

Advantages of fat

Fat is a good thing! Fat is energy, nutrition, and a medium that helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Fat provides deliciousness and satiety. Dogs like high-fat food, which is why most puffed dog food manufacturers spray oil on the dog food grains as the last process, in order to increase the palatability of the dog food.

Disadvantages of fat

Fat is also a bad thing! Excessive fat intake can lead to a series of health problems. The most common gastrointestinal disorder is steatorrhea, which is diarrhea caused by excessive fat intake. There is a scientific basis for the saying that "a dog's intestines cannot hold two ounces of sesame oil"! If it is just two ounces of sesame oil, there will generally be no problem, because the sesame oil will pass through the intestines and it will be fine. However, eating high-fat food day after day, month after day, year after year will seriously reduce the dog's appetite, thus reducing the dog's food intake, resulting in insufficient intake of other nutrients and a serious nutritional imbalance.

Fat is an important nutrient because it provides the body with essential fatty acids. Dogs need a moderate amount of fat, but they cannot eat high-fat food for a long time. The fat requirement of adult dogs is 5% of the metabolic energy ME, and puppies, dogs during the period of heavy exercise and dogs during the breeding period require 8% of the fat metabolism ability.