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==Roles in the Body==
==Roles in the Body==
[[File:Omega inflammation.jpg|400px|thumb|right|EPA and AA compete for COX and LOX enzymes]]
Fat is an important substrate for the production of energy; in dogs it is the preferred energy substrate during endurance activities.<ref name="Downey"/>,<ref name="Hill"/>
Fat is an important substrate for the production of energy; in dogs it is the preferred energy substrate during endurance activities.<ref name="Downey"/>,<ref name="Hill"/>
#'''Inflammatory Mediators:''' '''Arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)''' are concentrated in cellular membranes and are used as precursors for inflammatory mediators and cell signaling pathways.<ref name="NRC"/> Both AA and EPA can be used by cyclooxygenase (COX) or lipoxygenase (LOX) to form the [[Nutrition Glossary#Eicosanoids|eicosanoids]]: prostaglandins, prostocyclins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Eicosanoids formed from EPA are less pro-inflammatory than those produced from AA.
#'''Inflammatory Mediators:''' '''Arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)''' are concentrated in cellular membranes and are used as precursors for inflammatory mediators and cell signaling pathways.<ref name="NRC"/> Both AA and EPA can be used by cyclooxygenase (COX) or lipoxygenase (LOX) to form the [[Nutrition Glossary#Eicosanoids|eicosanoids]]: prostaglandins, prostocyclins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Eicosanoids formed from EPA are less pro-inflammatory than those produced from AA.
#'''Brain and Retinal Development:''' '''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 [[Nutrition Glossary#Conditionally Essential Nutrients|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>
#'''Brain and Retinal Development:''' '''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 [[Nutrition Glossary#Conditionally Essential Nutrients|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==