[107barney]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

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.

I would be interested in reading the research papers that you point to, if they are peer reviewed veterinary sources with conclusions drawn based on science. I have an interest in MCFAs and recently was using EV coconut oil as a primary fat source while on a certain diet for myself. I definitely lost fat using that as my dietary fat along with EPAs/DHAs and flaxseeds. I also felt a lot better! So I do buy into the concept of not all fats being created equal and I like what I've read so far about MCFAs, I just have not seen much as related specifically to dogs that I think is reliable (correct me if there is something updated I'm missing). I am interested to see where the research is and where it is going with EV coconut oil - in general and specifically for IBD dogs and for other digestive issues. I just worry about people adding things to commercial dog food without fully understanding the whole nutritional picture which is not the same in dogs as it is in people. I also think the addition of omega 3s or coconut oil or other things is not adding a whole lot to a highly processed overall diet most pets eat. For my own dogs, I'm pretty strict and I'd never add additional fat to Barney's diet after his history. He is on 3% fat derived from chicken breast. Many would think 3% fat would make him look dull or be too low, but for him, it works very well and his skin is supple and his coat shiny. Daisy on the other hand has more fat, derived from EPAs/DHAs only (vegetarian based diet) and she is dull and coarse with dry skin so coconut oil added in a small quantity (aobut 1/4 tsp a couple of times a week) to her food has made some improvements but mostly has helped her IBD symptoms when she flairs. I am very interested in that connection as well.