The importance of essential fatty acid evaluation and supplementation in feline diets.

The importance of essential fatty acids and their supplementation in the diets of obligate carnivores should be an area of concern amongst veterinarians. Certain species of the Felinae have been shown to be obligate carnivores as a result of fatty acid desaturase enzyme deficiencies. Modern dietary practices of processing and pelleting foods can destroy the essential fatty acid (EFA) potency of these foods. Supplementation of the diet with oils high in EFA should be considered, and the possibility of EFA deficiency amongst domestic carnivores should not be overlooked.