CLA Supplement

A healthy animal fat? Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is just that. No longer are DHA and EPA--the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil--the only animal fats you may want to add to your dog's diet.

CLA research is growing at an enormous pace, and increasing numbers of people are taking CLA supplements and wondering about giving CLA to their dogs.

What Is CLA?

In What Is CLA?, I examine the nature of this intriguing nutrient, from how it was discovered to its biochemical composition. I'll discuss how conjugated linoleic acid differs from linoleic acid, and I'll delve into the best dietary sources of CLA and exactly how much CLA they contain.

There are interesting nuances to this last issue, as the CLA content in many animal foods is significantly affected by the diet of the animal in question.

For instance, while meats and dairy products from ruminants generally contain the highest levels of CLA, grass-fed animals produce far more CLA than their grain-fed counterparts.

I’ll also examine the effect cooking foods has on their CLA content. Finally, I'll discuss whether dogs need a certain minimum amount of CLA and, if so, what that amount may be.

Benefits of CLA

What are the potential benefits of taking a CLA supplement or increasing dietary CLA intake?

Unlike many supplements touted as a solution to health problems with nary a shred of evidence to back up these claims, CLA appears to be the real deal in at least a few areas.

CLA supplements have shown promise in the prevention of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer, and may have applications in cancer treatment as well. There are also indications that CLA supplements can improve immune function and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

More controversial are the findings that CLA may be of benefit for cardiovascular health and in treating diabetes.

Most of all, though, CLA has garnered attention for its potential as an aid in fat reduction and improving body composition.

Benefits of CLA examines the actual evidence for the health claims made for CLA supplements.

CLA and Weight Loss

Individuals looking to lose weight purchase the vast majority of CLA supplements, so it's no surprise that more CLA research has focused on weight loss and fat loss than anything else.

Numerous studies indicate that CLA supplements have the potential to alter body composition by reducing body fat and increasing lean mass.

Exactly how do CLA supplements accomplish this? Can CLA help eliminate abdominal fat in particular? Is it possible to experience CLA's fat reduction benefits by eating more CLA-rich foods or are CLA supplements necessary? How much CLA do dogs or people need to take to lose body fat?

In CLA and Weight Loss, I'll examine all of these issues and more, providing the facts about exactly what CLA can and can't do for those wanting to lose weight, fat, or both.

CLA Side Effects

Before you decide to take a CLA supplement or give one to your dog, it's wise to take a moment to inform yourself about possible side effects.

This is true for any supplement, of course. You'll want to know what type of side effects are likely, how serious they are, and how often and at what dosages they tend to occur.

Fortunately, as I discuss in CLA Side Effects, any potential side effects attributed to CLA have not been shown to occur in dogs thus far.

Nonetheless, I'll examine the areas of concern.

Research into CLA is still relatively new and constantly evolving, so it makes sense to be cautious before taking CLA supplements. Increased dietary intake of CLA, on the other hand, has never been linked to any adverse side effects.

CLA for Dogs

Do dogs need CLA? Can they produce their own?

Even if dogs don’t have a known nutrient requirement for CLA, is there evidence that they can benefit from extra CLA in their diets?

Can dogs get enough CLA through dietary sources, or are CLA supplements needed for beneficial amounts?

What commercial dog foods contain the most CLA, and what do you need to know about CLA food sources when reading dog food labels?

And what about CLA supplements for dogs?

What types of CLA supplements are available, and what should you look for when buying a CLA supplement?

How much CLA should you give your dog if you decide to supplement?

CLA for Dogs answers all these questions and more.