Fat often gets a bad reputation, but for dogs, it’s one of the most important parts of a healthy diet. Instead of something to avoid, it’s a source of steady energy, supports the brain and heart, keeps skin and coats glowing, and makes meals naturally satisfying. Let’s explore why fat plays such an important role in a raw-fed dog’s diet — and how the right kinds can help your dog thrive.
Why Dogs Need Fat
Fat is one of the three essential nutrients every dog needs — right alongside protein and carbohydrates. It’s the most concentrated form of energy, providing more than twice the calories per gram compared to protein or carbs. Dogs are naturally built to burn fat efficiently, using it as a steady, long-lasting source of fuel.
Inside the body, fat powers endurance and movement, strengthens cell membranes, aids in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, and supports hormone balance and nervous system health. It also keeps skin supple, coats shiny, and organs protected. Without enough fat, dogs can lose energy, develop dull coats, and struggle to maintain a healthy weight or regulate body temperature.
Different Kinds of Fat
Not all fats are created equal — each type plays a unique role in your dog’s health.
- Saturated fats come from animal sources like beef and chicken. They’re stable, energy-rich, and beneficial in balance.
- Monounsaturated fats, found in chicken and olive oil, help support heart and cell health.
- Polyunsaturated fats include the essential omega fatty acids. Omega-6 (like linoleic acid) keeps skin and coats healthy, while omega-3 (EPA and DHA) from fish or algae helps reduce inflammation and supports the heart, joints, and brain.
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — found in coconut oil — provide quick, easy-to-digest energy.
Dogs thrive on the right mix of these fats. Too much of one type, such as omega-6 without enough omega-3, can throw off balance and lead to inflammation.
How Dogs Use Fat
When a dog eats, the body breaks fat down into fatty acids that fuel everything from movement to mental focus. Fat burns slowly and steadily, providing consistent, long-lasting energy throughout the day.
It also enhances flavor — one reason dogs naturally love the taste of real, fatty meats. The right amount of fat can even improve appetite in picky eaters and help active dogs maintain body condition without needing oversized meals.
How Fats Work in a Raw Diet
One of the most beautiful parts of raw feeding is that the fats remain in their natural, unprocessed state. Heat and extrusion — the processes used to make dry kibble — can oxidize delicate fatty acids, reducing their nutritional power. In raw diets, fat stays stable, digestible, and biologically available.
Naturally occurring fats in meat provide energy, enhance flavor, and aid in nutrient absorption. Because raw fats are highly digestible — often over 95% — dogs can use nearly all of what they eat. In a balanced raw diet, fat and protein work together: too much protein without enough fat can lower energy, while too much fat can crowd out other nutrients.
Each fat source offers something unique — poultry fat is soft and rich, beef fat is solid and energy-dense, and fish fat delivers valuable omega-3s. Blending these sources helps balance nutrition and taste. Since natural fats can oxidize over time, raw food should stay frozen and protected from air and light to keep it fresh and functional. When handled properly, fat in a raw diet fuels shiny coats, steady energy, and vibrant health — the hallmarks of a thriving dog.
Does Fat Make Dogs Fat?
It’s a fair question — does fat make dogs fat? The short answer: not on its own. Weight gain happens when a dog eats more calories than they burn, regardless of where those calories come from.
While fat is calorie-dense, a balanced amount actually supports metabolism, energy, and healthy weight maintenance. Active or working dogs often thrive on higher-fat diets that help sustain stamina and build lean muscle, while less active dogs may do best with moderate fat levels. The key isn’t cutting fat — it’s matching your dog’s intake to their lifestyle.
Fat in Chews and Treats
Many natural chews — such as pig ears, tendons, and bully sticks — contain varying amounts of fat. These are more than just tasty treats; they’re a natural source of nutrition and energy. However, their calories should still count toward your dog’s daily intake.
Dogs with sensitive digestion or lower activity levels may do better with leaner options like collagen sticks or dried muscle chews. Think of chews as part of your dog’s diet, not just a toy — when chosen wisely, they provide healthy, functional fat that supports overall wellness.
What About Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas — is often linked to sudden or excessive fat intake. For dogs prone to this condition, fat shouldn’t be eliminated but carefully managed.
The goal is moderation and consistency: choose easily digestible sources like fish oil or MCT oil, avoid fatty table scraps, and keep diet changes gradual. Even dogs with a history of pancreatitis need healthy fats for vitamin absorption and overall balance — the key is gentle, steady nutrition built on quality ingredients.
Good Fats vs. Bad Fats
Just like people, dogs thrive on the right kinds of fat. Fresh, high-quality fats from real, whole ingredients are considered the “good” fats — omega-3s from fish or algae, balanced omega-6s from poultry or pork, and natural animal fats from clean, well-handled meats. These fats are highly digestible and help reduce inflammation while supporting heart, joint, skin, and coat health.
Coconut oil and other MCT-rich fats can also be beneficial in moderation — they’re quickly converted into energy and gentle on sensitive stomachs. Adding natural antioxidants like vitamin E or rosemary extract helps keep these fats stable and fresh.
“Bad” fats, on the other hand, are those that have been heavily processed, stored improperly, or oxidized over time. Rancid fats lose nutrients and can trigger inflammation. Diets too high in omega-6 without enough omega-3 to balance can also lead to irritation and chronic inflammation.
The takeaway is simple: fat isn’t the enemy — rancid or imbalanced fat is. When fats are fresh, balanced, and part of a complete diet, they’re one of the most powerful nutrients for helping dogs look and feel their best.
A Healthy Perspective on Fat
Fat isn’t something to fear — it’s one of the most essential parts of a healthy canine diet. In raw feeding, it fuels vitality, flavor, and balance from the inside out. The key is choosing clean, natural fats that are properly handled and biologically appropriate.
At A Place for Paws, we believe in feeding dogs the way nature intended — with whole, nourishing ingredients that support long, joyful lives. Because when the bowl is filled with love and the right kind of fat, dogs don’t just survive — they thrive.