An essential fatty acid from the Omega-6 family, which the body cannot produce on its own. [1]. It is responsible for the structure of the epidermal barrier (it is part of ceramides), acting as a cement protecting the skin against water loss (water barrier) and the penetration of allergens [2]. It is a precursor to the formation of arachidonic acid (ARA). Dogs can convert LA to ARA, so LA is sufficient for them. Cats have low enzyme activity for converting linoleic acid into ARA, so both acids are necessary for them [3].
What it contains: Animal fats (mainly poultry fat from chicken, turkey, duck and pork fat).
Deficiency: May appear sporadically, with diets drastically low in fat. Symptoms include parchment-like skin, dandruff, severe itching, hair loss and susceptibility to fungal infections (e.g. yeast in the ears and paws). Less often with problems with fat absorption caused by liver or pancreas diseases [2].
Excess: Excess LA in the absence of Omega-3 (fish) disturbs the acid proportions, which increases the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and causes chronic, hidden inflammation of the body [4] [5].
Sources
- National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, ch. 5. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
- Watson TDG (1998). Diet and Skin Disease in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Nutrition 128(12):2783S–2789S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/128.12.2783S
- Bauer JE (2008). Essential fatty acid metabolism in dogs and cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-35982008001300004
- Burron S, Richards T, et al. (2024). The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine nutrition. Journal of Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae143
- Lenox CE (2016). Role of dietary fatty acids in dogs and cats. Today’s Veterinary Practice. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/role-of-dietary-fatty-acids-in-dogs-cats/