Clinical Use of Fatty Acid Supplements in Dogs

Abstract

Abstract—Fatty acids in membrane phospholipids are metabolized by cellular enzymes into a variety of eicosanoids that function in the regulation of normal physiology and serve as mediators of inflammation. Fatty acid supplements can alter the types of eicosanoids produced. Many investigations using fatty acids in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies, seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular, neoplastic, ocular and musculoskeletal diseases of dogs have been conducted over the past decade. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal levels of linoleic acid, gamma‐linolenic acid and/or eicosapentaneoic acid in the diets of dogs for the maintenance of normal homeostasis and for the treatment of inflammatory, degenerative and neoplastic diseases.