What are essential fatty acids, and does RIPLEES RANCH provide all that are necessary?
A. Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured in the body and must be supplied in the diet. Fats are either saturated or unsaturated. Linoleic acid is an unsaturated essential fatty acid required by all animals and is the main fatty acid in vegetable oils. Cats also require Arachidonic acid, a fatty acid found in fish oils, but not in plant products of any kind. Animals receiving a diet containing insufficient essential fatty acids often have a dry, dull hair coat and scaly skin.
