Fats

Dietary fats are required to:

supply energy: dietary fat provides the pet with 2.25 times more calories per weight unit than protein or carbohydrates
aid absorption of the fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A,D, E and K): dietary fat provides a physical environment in the gut that enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Dogs and cats need at least 1-2% dietary fat in their food to absorb fat-soluble vitamins
supply essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
blood proteins (haemoglobin, transferrin, albumin and globulins)

The essential fatty acids are needed:

as constituents of cell membranes to maintain fluid membranes that allow passage of molecules
for the synthesis of diverse, active substances in the body, i.e., prostaglandins
to control water loss through the skin

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