Nutritional Requirements and Obesity by Joe Bodewes, DVM Drs. Inc. Veterinary Services Department Fat is looked upon negatively in many health conscious circles but is actually a very important nutritional requirement in animal diets. Since most of us are concerned with reducing our amount of fat intake we fail to realize the important role that fat plays in the diet. This article will discuss the requirements and benefits of fat as well as the problem with too much fat in the diet resulting in obesity.
Fats are concentrated forms of energy.
Since fats are abundantly available in both plants and animals, they are an economical source of productive energy and fatty acids. Fats can also be synthesized in the body from fatty acids in the diet, from carbohydrates and from metabolites of protein. Fats serve many functions. They supply energy, contribute to palatability, influence the texture of foods, and carry fat soluble vitamins. The type and quantity of fats in the diet are extremely important since they can influence appetite and food intake, the ability to perform muscular work, haircoat condition, and the type of fat deposited in the body.