Poultry fat

Poultry fat is an animal fat widely used as a source of energy and palatability in dog and cat foods, supplying fatty acids including a notable share of linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential for skin and coat. Its strong palatability explains its frequent use, notably in kibble [coating](/glossary/coating). The term sometimes carries a negative image, perceived as a low-grade ingredient, but that perception deserves nuance: a quality poultry fat, well stabilised, is a useful and digestible source of energy and fatty acids. Its value depends mainly on freshness, on stabilisation against oxidation and on raw-material quality, since a poorly stored fat turns rancid and loses its worth, which is why antioxidants matter (FEDIAF). On a label, the named term poultry fat is more precise than the generic animal fat, which does not state the species, and that precision is a sign of transparency. Poultry fat mainly supplies omega-6 and little omega-3, so it benefits from being balanced by a marine source such as [salmon and salmon oil](/glossary/salmon-salmon-oil) or [herring](/glossary/herring). The marker: poultry fat is a palatable, legitimate source of energy and omega-6, whose quality depends on freshness and stabilisation more than on bias about the word fat. Its protection against [rancidity](/glossary/rancidity-oxidation) is judged in part by the [peroxide value](/glossary/peroxide-value).

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