Fats and Oils in Feedstuffs and Pet Foods

Abstract

Fats and oils are used for many purposes in animal feeds and pet foods, including the following: Increasing caloric density of feeds (by about 2.25 times that of similar dry weights of proteins or carbohydrates). Improving feed palatability and appearance. Reducing total feed intake, increasing feed efficiency, and minimizing feed costs. Increasing blood glycogen levels and endurance in working animals like horses and sled dogs. Lowering the heat of reaction during digestion and metabolism—important for comfort and productivity of large animals in hot weather. Delaying digestion of feedstuffs beyond the rumen by use of inert forms of fats and coatings. Providing needed molecular structures through dietary essential fatty acids (EFA) and phospholipids. Improving appearance of skin and hair, and prevention of dermatitis. Modifying fatty acid profiles in “designer food” animal products. Carrying fat-soluble vitamins and color compounds. Binding heat-sensitive flavorings, vitamins, medications, and “instant gravy” mixes to pet foods and feeds after extrusion or drying. Improving dispersion of dry mixes, e.g., lecithin in calf milk replacers. Preventing segregation of mixed feeds. Reducing dustiness of feeds and feeding operations and of grain elevator dust. Lubricating feed processing machinery. Keywords: pet food; animal feed; feedstuff; national research council; association of american feed control; fat storage; designer food; lipids