Fats are an essential nutrient for all animals and key to animal nutrition – your herd cannot survive without them. There are also a number of fats which provide specific additional benefits which can increase productivity in your herd.
Why is fats important to animals?
Animals are equipped with fat not only for energy storage, but also for regulation of body temperature and as a source of many hormones. It is reasonable that animals eat and store fat based on physiological demands.
Why do animals need fats and oils?
Fats and oils also give structure to foods. They help the body to absorb certain vitamins called the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Fats and oils in the diet keep your dog's coat shiny and healthy and are also important in reproduction. Not every fat or oil is good for our pets, however.
Do animals need fatty acids to survive?
As the name suggests, essential fatty acids are important. In fact, they're essential! Just like humans, dogs and cats need EFAs to survive. They're created in the digestive process when the body breaks down fats that are present in food.
What animals eat fat?
While most of us are trying to reduce the amount of fat in our diets, many of our backyard bird neighbors relish bird-feeder offerings laden with animal fats. Birds will eat the fat of cattle, hogs and other animals. However, the fatty food most commonly fed backyard birds is beef fat also known as suet.
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What does fat do for livestock?Why are fats and oils needed?
