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==What is Fat?==

==What is Fat?==

Fat is a macronutrient that is comprised of '''straight chain hydrocarbons''' found as either '''glycerol''' (e.g. triglycerides and phospholipids) or '''non-glycerol substances''' (e.g. waxes and cholesterol). Glycerol is a chain of three hydroxylated carbons that form the backbone of lipid structures. Dietary fats are predominantly found as the glycerol molecule '''triglyceride'''. Fat storage within the body is referred to as adipose tissue and the terms “fatty acid” and “lipid” are used interchangeably with the term fat.

Fat is a [[Nutrition Glossary#Macronutrient|macronutrient]] that is comprised of '''straight chain hydrocarbons''' found as either '''glycerol''' (e.g. triglycerides and phospholipids) or '''non-glycerol substances''' (e.g. waxes and cholesterol). Glycerol is a chain of three hydroxylated carbons that form the backbone of lipid structures. Dietary fats are predominantly found as the glycerol molecule '''triglyceride'''. Fat storage within the body is referred to as adipose tissue and the terms “[[Fatty Acids Overview - Nutrition|fatty acid]]” and “lipid” are used interchangeably with the term fat.

Fats can be found as solids or liquids at room temperature depending on the degree of saturation and unsaturation present. '''Saturated fats''' are those with '''single bonds''' between each carbon atom causing the molecules to pack together in a linear fashion preventing fluidity. If a '''single double bond''' is present the fat is referred to as a '''monounsaturated fatty acid'''; if '''multiple double bonds''' are present it is referred to as a '''polyunsaturated fatty acid'''. Most naturally occurring double bonds are in the cis configuration imparting a kink in the molecule and preventing orderly array of fats resulting in a pliable fat or liquid oil. Processing of unsaturated fats, such as partial-hydrogenation used in preparation of foodstuffs for people, can result in formation of trans fatty acids, which chemically align like saturated fats. Partial-hydrogenation of fats and fatty acids is not used in pet food production.

Fats can be found as solids or liquids at room temperature depending on the degree of saturation and unsaturation present. '''Saturated fats''' are those with '''single bonds''' between each carbon atom causing the molecules to pack together in a linear fashion preventing fluidity. If a '''single double bond''' is present the fat is referred to as a '''monounsaturated fatty acid'''; if '''multiple double bonds''' are present it is referred to as a '''polyunsaturated fatty acid'''. Most naturally occurring double bonds are in the cis configuration imparting a kink in the molecule and preventing orderly array of fats resulting in a pliable fat or liquid oil. Processing of unsaturated fats, such as partial-hydrogenation used in preparation of foodstuffs for people, can result in formation of trans fatty acids, which chemically align like saturated fats. Partial-hydrogenation of fats and fatty acids is not used in pet food production.

==Why is it Important?==

==Why is it Important?==

Dietary fat is a rich and important source of energy for companion animals, providing more than twice as much energy per gram than protein and carbohydrate. Dietary fat is a source of the [[Omega-6 Fatty Acids - Nutrition|omega 6]] and [[Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Nutrition|omega  3]] essential fatty acids;<ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). (2006) '''Fat and Fatty Acids.''' ''In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats.'' Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.90-104.</ref>  dietary fat is a carrier for the fat soluble vitamins [[Vitamin A (Retinol) - Nutrition|A]], [[Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) - Nutrition|D]], [[Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - Nutrition|E]] and [[Vitamin K (Menaquinone-7, MK-7) - Nutrition|K]]; and dietary fats are used to enhance and improve the palatability of pet foods. Fat and fatty acid oxidation is also the preferred energy substrate during endurance activities (such as racing sled dogs).<ref name="Downey">Downey RL, ''et al.'' (1980) '''Diet of beagle affects stamina. '''''JAAHA'';16:273-277.</ref>,<ref name="Hill">Hill RC. (1998) '''The nutritional requirements of exercising dogs.''' ''J Nutr'';128:2686S-2690S.</ref>

Dietary fat is a rich and important source of [[Energy - Nutrition|energy]] for companion animals, providing more than twice as much energy per gram than [[Protein - Nutrition|protein]] and [[Carbohydrates - Nutrition|carbohydrate]]. Dietary fat is a source of the [[Omega-6 Fatty Acids - Nutrition|omega 6]] and [[Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Nutrition|omega  3]] [[Nutrition Glossary#Essential Nutrients|essential]] fatty acids;<ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). (2006) '''Fat and Fatty Acids.''' ''In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats.'' Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.90-104.</ref>  dietary fat is a carrier for the fat soluble vitamins [[Vitamin A (Retinol) - Nutrition|A]], [[Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) - Nutrition|D]], [[Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - Nutrition|E]] and [[Vitamin K (Menaquinone-7, MK-7) - Nutrition|K]]; and dietary fats are used to enhance and improve the [[Nutrition Glossary#Palatability|palatability]] of pet foods. Fat and fatty acid oxidation is also the preferred energy substrate during endurance activities (such as racing sled dogs).<ref name="Downey">Downey RL, ''et al.'' (1980) '''Diet of beagle affects stamina. '''''JAAHA'';16:273-277.</ref>,<ref name="Hill">Hill RC. (1998) '''The nutritional requirements of exercising dogs.''' ''J Nutr'';128:2686S-2690S.</ref>

==Roles in the Body==

==Roles in the Body==

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"/>

'''Skin and Hair Coat:'''

#'''[[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|Skin]] and [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|Hair]] Coat:''' Epidermal keratinocytes produce '''linoleic (LA)''' enriched ceramide to form the '''water permeable barrier of skin'''.<ref name="Elias">Elias PM, ''et al''. (1980) '''The permeability barrier in essential fatty acid deficiency: Evidence for a direct role of linoleic acid in barrier function.''''' J Invest Dermatol''; 74:230-233.</ref>  Dogs fed higher fat diets in general experience improvement in coat quality irrespective of essential fatty acid concentration (above minimal requirement).<ref name="Conner">Conner WE, ''et al''. (1992) '''Essential fatty acids: The importance of n-3 fatty acids in the retina and brain.''''' Nutr Rev'' ;50:2129.</ref>

Epidermal keratinocytes produce linoleic (LA) enriched ceramide to form the '''water permeable barrier of skin'''.<ref name="Elias">Elias PM, ''et al''. (1980) '''The permeability barrier in essential fatty acid deficiency: Evidence for a direct role of linoleic acid in barrier function.''''' J Invest Dermatol''; 74:230-233.</ref>  Dogs fed higher fat diets in general experience improvement in coat quality irrespective of essential fatty acid concentration (above minimal requirement).<ref name="Conner">Conner WE, ''et al''. (1992) '''Essential fatty acids: The importance of n-3 fatty acids in the retina and brain.''''' Nutr Rev'' ;50:2129.</ref>

#'''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>

'''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 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 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==

==Dietary Sources==

==Dietary Sources==

Animal fats (associated with muscle meat, organ meat, and eggs) are good sources of dietary fats for dogs and cats, though the EFA content will vary the source diet of the individual food animals. Other dietary sources of fat and EFA include seed oil (e.g. corn, sunflower, linseed) or fleshy fruits (such as olive or palm). Animal-based fats are more palatable for dogs and cats than plant-based fats.<ref name ="NRC"/> Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and provides a source of moderately palatable fat for dogs but is deficient in EFA; increased concentrations of MCTs in the diet will also adversely affect palatability of the diet for dogs<ref>Remillard RL and Thacher CD. (1989)''' Dietary and nutritional management of gastrointestinal diseases. '''''Vet Clin No Am Sm Anim Prac '';19:797-817.</ref>. Cats will avoid eating diets with MCT included and coconut oil should not be fed to cats.<ref>MacDonald ML, ''et al.'' (1985)''' Aversion of cat to dietary medium-chain triglycerides and capryic acid. '''''Physiol Behav '';35:371-375.</ref>

Animal fats (associated with muscle meat, organ meat, and eggs) are good sources of dietary fats for dogs and cats, though the EFA content will vary the source diet of the individual food animals. Other dietary sources of fat and EFA include seed oil (e.g. corn, sunflower, linseed) or fleshy fruits (such as olive or palm). Animal-based fats are more palatable for dogs and cats than plant-based fats.<ref name ="NRC"/> Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and provides a source of moderately palatable fat for dogs but is deficient in EFA; increased concentrations of MCTs in the diet will also adversely affect [[Nutrition Glossary#Palatability|palatability]] of the diet for dogs<ref>Remillard RL and Thacher CD. (1989)''' Dietary and nutritional management of gastrointestinal diseases. '''''Vet Clin No Am Sm Anim Prac '';19:797-817.</ref>. Cats will avoid eating diets with MCT included and coconut oil should not be fed to cats.<ref>MacDonald ML, ''et al.'' (1985)''' Aversion of cat to dietary medium-chain triglycerides and capryic acid. '''''Physiol Behav '';35:371-375.</ref>

Diets with higher fat contents also require a large concentration of dietary antioxidants to prevent rancidity (fat oxidation) during processing and storage.

Diets with higher fat contents also require a large concentration of dietary antioxidants to prevent rancidity (fat oxidation) during processing and storage.

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[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]

 

[[Category:Fats]]