2a. Feeding Dogs & Cats Flashcards
What are basic things to know about feeding dogs?
omnivores
opportunistic predators and scavengers
often consume large, opportunistic meals - stomach expands based on need
30-35 g of DM/kg of BW
1-9L depending on breed
Have requirements for essential AAs, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals
What are some basic things to know about feeding cats
carnivores
no regular sleep/wake cycle, activity, feeding and drinking
typically eat 10-20 sm meals thru day and night
mostly small prey (rodents, birds, etc)
average mouse is 30kcal; 12-13% of DER
solitary hunters
hunting is an innate need
Can the digestive tract of cats digest carbs?
limited ability bc of low intestinal activity lvls of sucrase and lactase (sugar digesting enzyme)
only prod 5% of pancreatic amylase (starch digesting enzyme compared to dogs
lack hepatic glucokinase, which limites ability to metabolise a large load of simple sugars in liver
cannot taste sweet
For cats, what are required for gluconeogensis?
carbon skeletons of some AAs (glugogenic) required for gluconeogensis
Higher dietary protein req than omnivores (inc dogs) and herbivores
What nutrients are more needed more specifically for cats?
Taurine - cats can only use taurine to conjugate bile acids and have low rate of synthesis
Methionine and cystine - sulfur containing AAs, req to synth taurine
Arachidonic acid - limited ability to synth from linoleic acid
Vita A - lack intestinal enzymes to convert beta carotene (from plants) to vita A
Water
What are interesting things about the dogs molar teeth and cats carnassial teeth
there is limited lateromedial and craniocaudal movement - less grinding ability
Cats carnassial teeth - transecting cervical bite
Dogs molar teeth - crushing (including plant material)
What are some feeding preferences of cats?
sensitive to form, aroma and taste
Mouth feel - solid, moist foods, early experience can affect preferences throughout life, fixed food preferences
Flavor - reflect natural diet, animal fat, protein, meat extracts and AAs abundant in muscles, cannot taste sweet, sensitive to bitter
Ideal temp 37c
What are some food aversions for cats?
Cats learn to avoid certain foods when feeding is paired with negative experience
Physiological - typically related to GI; Nausea, vomiting
Emotional: stress, fear
Physical: pain
Clinical feeding should not reflect desired long-term diet
can last up to 40d
What needs to be considered when feeding healthy adult animals?
age, sex, neuter status, lifestyle, breed, genetic dispositions
What are diet considerations when feeding healthy animals?
calories, cost, format (wet/dry), complete and balanced, treats
What are some environmental considerations when feeding a healthy animals
convenience, feeding method, competition
What are some pros/cons of freechoice feeding?
only for dry feeds, less food aggression, increased risk for obesity, interferes with house training, can be automated for acreage/vacations
What are some pros and cons of TIME restricted meal feeding?
can feed once/twice a day
offer food for about 5 minutes
works best for dry or semi dry foods
Can have a reduced risk of obesity if done right
easier house training
What are some pros and cons of FOOD restricted meal feeding?
feed a measured amount of food, good for both dry and canned or fresh food, reduced risk of over nutrition, usually the best feeding method, more food aggression
With nutritional recommendation, what are some questions we need to ask ourselves or that the client might ask us?
What to feed? a complete/balanced formula for adult maintenance or nutritients to assist with certain predispositons or health concerns, specific formula including format and if there are treats
How much to feed - providie specific amounts by RER/MER
How to feed - frequency, method
