[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by 107barney

17-19% fat is high for a yorkie in my opinion. Our vet nutritionist formulated Teddy (healthy no digestive issues) at 11% fat. Two cases of pancreatitis in my Barney from about 20% fat dog food and $6,000 for the two episodes combined shapes my view.

I am sorry that you have had such an experience. I can understand your viewpoint.
My opinion on fat is congruent with my opinion on complete proteins. The quality level of these nutrients, especially energy nutrients, is directly related to how they are metabolized within the body; and in particular what waste by-products are created from such metabolism. My fat sources for my pets are mainly comprised of MCFAs, which follows a different pathway of digestion and metabolism then LCFAs. LCFAs must be hydrolized within the intestinal lumen by pancreatic enzymes and bile salts, before absorption into the lymph system and then on to the blood stream, where they are then transported throughout the body, consistent with a high blood fat content which is one of the causes of pancreatitis.

MCFAs do not need this action from the pancreas, as they are absorbed directly into the hepatic portal vein and transported directly to the liver, where they are usually burned as an energy source and have very limited storage capacity.

When we use LCFAs as the main component for the fat content in our pups food, we are doing them a disservice. While some amounts may indeed be needed, the quantity of LCFAs that we are feeding our pups, in my humble opinion, is not healthy. Having these within the blood is never a good thing, especially as the system ages and has more difficulty with metabolizing these lipids. Many research papers are currently studying the thermogenesis effects that MCFAs have on LCFAs as a treatment for obesity. Which would be beneficial for many today, both humans and pups.

Anyway.. long story short... all lipids are not created equal, and in the same sense, do not damage the body equally.