Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
K Padmanath

Abstract:
The association between free fatty acids and obesity has been well established in humans, but there is limited data available for dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between diet, serum lipid profile and obesity in dogs. Twelve obese dogs and twelve dogs with normal body condition scores were selected for the study. Serum samples were collected for analyzing biochemical parameters and gas chromatography analysis to determine the composition of individual free fatty acids. Obese dogs were found to have higher levels of palmitic acid and lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid compared to dogs with normal body condition scores. These findings are consistent with similar observations in human studies. Additionally, serum levels of ALT and bilirubin were elevated in obese dogs compared to their normal counterparts.