Are Fats and Oils Good for Your Dog’s Health?
Fats are usually associated with heart diseases which is why there is a consensus that it is unhealthy. However, certain types of fat can be beneficial to your pets’ diets. There are several benefits of good fats which makes them a favorable nutrient to be added to your dog’s diet. When eaten moderately and appropriately for the body’s metabolic needs, fats are essential to good health and survival. Without fat in your pet’s diet, its fur, immune system, brain, skin, eyes, and blood cells may get affected.
Why are fats important?
- Dogs require good-quality fat especially if they are in cold climates or do strenuous physical work such as lots of energy running or hiking, racing long distances, or herding cows and sheep.
- Higher fat diets during winters will keep your pets warmer and improve their stamina to adapt to the cold and wind.
- Omega-3 oils like fish oils can reduce inflammation in your pet’s body and protect against conditions like arthritis, heart disease or even cancer by producing hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Similarly, Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and it also offers protection against antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal infections.
- Fats serve as an important building block in canine body.
- They provide energy and are essential for normal growth and function of body cells, muscles nerves, and body tissues.
So, if you wish to maintain a healthy skin, coat and digestive system of your pet, it would be a great idea to introduce healthy fats to his diet.
How to balance fat in your pet’s diet?
Fats make the food of your pets more flavorful and smell good. So, when fat is added to a dog food formula in the right amount, it not just keeps your dog healthy, it also makes the food tastier for your dog. Pet owners must, however, know that not every fat or oil is good for our pets. The source, quality, type, and quantity of fat needs to be carefully examined before feeding your pet. Like all ingredients in healthy, balanced dog food diets, fats and oils must be added in suitable proportions. A high-quality dog food with about 10-15% fat is appropriate for a normal adult dog with moderate activity. So, start adding small amounts of fat to your dog’s diet slowly and increase it gradually to notice changes in your dog’s health and coat.