Fat
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Also known as lipids, fats are large complex compounds composed of
hundreds to thousands of smaller units called fatty acids.
Across most mammalian species, there are said to be three commonly
essential omega 6 fatty acids: linoleic, gamma-linolenic, and
arachidonic. The cat requires only two fatty acids (linoleic and
arachidonic), and the dog has one essential fatty acid (linoleic).
Omega 3 fatty acids are not yet recognized as essential fatty acids
in dogs or cats.
Fats are burned for energy; if consumed in excess they are stored
as body fat.
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