Changes

'''Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)'''  is synthesized in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] from EPA and is transported to the [[Eye - Anatomy & Physiology|retina]] and other nervous tissues where it is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). During growth, synthesis of these long-chain omega-3 FAs is inadequate to support normal retinal and brain development and a dietary source of EPA or DHA is considered conditionally essential.<ref name="Kirby">Kirby NA, ''et al''. (2009) '''Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids'''. ''JAPAN (Ber)'';93:505-511.</ref>

'''Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)'''  is synthesized in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] from EPA and is transported to the [[Eye - Anatomy & Physiology|retina]] and other nervous tissues where it is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). During growth, synthesis of these long-chain omega-3 FAs is inadequate to support normal retinal and brain development and a dietary source of EPA or DHA is considered conditionally essential.<ref name="Kirby">Kirby NA, ''et al''. (2009) '''Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids'''. ''JAPAN (Ber)'';93:505-511.</ref>

===Consequences of Fat Deficiency===

 

==Consequences of Fat Deficiency==

Low fat foods are poorly palatable to both dogs and cats. Fat provides more than twice the energy content of protein or carbohydrates, and low fat foods may not provide sufficient daily energy intake to support growth of puppies and kittens or weight maintenance in adults. Depending on the specific essential fatty acid lacking in the diet, clinical signs can range from '''poor skin and hair coat''' (LA in dogs and cats),<ref name ="Hensen a">Hensen AE, ''et al.'' (1948)''' Susceptibility to infection manifested by dog on low fat diet.''''' Fed Proc ''';7:289.</ref>,<ref name = "Hensen b">Hensen AE, ''et al''. (1954) '''Sequence of histological change in skin of dogs in relation to dietary fat. '''''J Nutr '';52:541-554.</ref>,<ref name="Codner">Codner EC and Thatcher CD. (1990) '''The role of nutrition in the management of dermatoses. '''''Semin Vet Med Surg (Sm Anim)'';5:167-177.</ref> '''inability to maintain a successful pregnancy '''(AA in queens)<ref>MacDonald ML, ''et al''. (1984)''' Effects of linoleate and arachidonate deficiency on reproduction and spermatogenesis in the cat.''''' J Nutr '';114:719-726.</ref>, and potentially '''inadequate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins'''.

Low fat foods are poorly palatable to both dogs and cats. Fat provides more than twice the energy content of protein or carbohydrates, and low fat foods may not provide sufficient daily energy intake to support growth of puppies and kittens or weight maintenance in adults. Depending on the specific essential fatty acid lacking in the diet, clinical signs can range from '''poor skin and hair coat''' (LA in dogs and cats),<ref name ="Hensen a">Hensen AE, ''et al.'' (1948)''' Susceptibility to infection manifested by dog on low fat diet.''''' Fed Proc ''';7:289.</ref>,<ref name = "Hensen b">Hensen AE, ''et al''. (1954) '''Sequence of histological change in skin of dogs in relation to dietary fat. '''''J Nutr '';52:541-554.</ref>,<ref name="Codner">Codner EC and Thatcher CD. (1990) '''The role of nutrition in the management of dermatoses. '''''Semin Vet Med Surg (Sm Anim)'';5:167-177.</ref> '''inability to maintain a successful pregnancy '''(AA in queens)<ref>MacDonald ML, ''et al''. (1984)''' Effects of linoleate and arachidonate deficiency on reproduction and spermatogenesis in the cat.''''' J Nutr '';114:719-726.</ref>, and potentially '''inadequate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins'''.