When is fat restriction and supplementation necessary for dogs?
Fat restriction may be necessary for certain medical conditions in dogs, such as hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, and lymphangiectasia. Low-fat diets can help manage these conditions and may be used as adjunctive therapy despite the desired energy density for the dog’s diet. However, essential fatty acid requirements should still be met to ensure optimal health. In some cases, fatty acid supplementation, particularly with fish oil, can be beneficial for dogs. Fish oil supplements are commonly used to support inflammatory conditions, cancer, hyperlipidemia, and cardiac disease in dogs. Dosing and supplementation should be determined based on the specific needs of the dog and under the guidance of a veterinarian.