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FATS
Fat is very important to the Chihuahua’s diet. Fat is mainly used to furnish your
Chihuahua’s energy needs. Fat provides 2.4 times more usable energy than
Protein or Carbohydrates. Some researchers are even finding that when your
dog is given proper amounts of fat they are less excitable and will have a
calmer temperament than when they are on fat-deficient diets.
Fats are necessary for the absorption and utilization of fat soluble vitamins A, D. E
and K. Fats are needed for the structure and proper functioning of cell. Fats are
used to improve the taste and texture of foods. Fats insulate the body thus
protecting the internal organs of your Chihuahua. Fats are needed for the
production of some hormones. Fats are essential for reproductive efficiency and
kidney function.
Fats are mainly obtained from animal fats and plant oils. Fats should never be
allowed to go rancid because this will destroy Vitamins E, A and linoleic acid. Too
much of a good thing can be bad. For every 3000 to 3500 calories that is eaten in
the excess of what their bodies require will cause one pound of fat to be stored.
This excess fat storage can led to obesity with its inherited risks.
A 5 lb Chihuahua needs at least 250 calories a day.
Fats should make up 25 – 30% of the calories in the diet. A performance dog
requires an even greater percentage of fats they should increase their intake of
fats up to at least 45%.
Fats provide the essential fatty acids needed by your Chihuahua. The essential
fatty acids are necessary to help maintain healthy skin and coats. The essential
fatty acids cannot be made by your Chihuahua’s body it must be obtained through
diet.
There are different types of fatty acids. The most common ones that you hear about
most are: Omega-6 and the Omega-3 fatty acids. The most important essential
fatty acid is Linoleic acid. The best source for Linoleic acid is: Lard, horse fat or
vegetable oil. When looking for fat choose specifically named fats and oils like:
Chicken fat, olive oil, herring oil, canola oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, flax oil etc.
Do not use Mutton or beef tallow these fats will supply energy but not the essential
fatty acids. NOTE: If you are looking at a food and see low percentages of
essentially fatty acids do not atomically discard this food as a bad choice if
it is high quality in all other areas. You can make up the lack of essential fatty
acids with a good quality fish oil supplement.
The Omega-3 and the Omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to work on creating
the inflammatory response in the body which is an essential part of the overall
healing process. When looking at the ratios of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty acids
look for an overall high % but also look for a closely balanced ratio between the
two. Example: a ratio of 7:1 is as far apart between the two you would want to
see. The ratio of 5:1 is preferable for what ratio you will be looking at for
between the two fatty acids. But remember if you can find something like 13:8
would be even better. This is a lot higher overall number but still only a 5:1
ratio.
1. The Collins Guide to Dog Nutrition, By Donald R. Collin, DVM (1989)
2. Canine Nutrition, Choosing the Best Foods for Your Breed, By
Willaim D. Cusick (1997)
3. Understanding Nutrition, By Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes
(2005)
4. http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/dog-nutrition.html
5. http://www.avafrick.com/articleenergy.htm
6. http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/vth/sa/clin/cp_handouts/Nutrition_Adult_Dog.
7. http://www.canismajor.com/dog/nutrit2.html
8. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/htm/bc/182902.htm
9. http://dels.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/dog_nutrition_final.pdf
ARTICLE RESOURCES FOR FATS
