Animal Nutrition Flashcards
Water
Maintain and transport nutrients, remove waste, cool the body, lubricate joints and internal organs.
What are proteins made of?
Amino acids
How many essential amino acids are in dogs?
10
How many essential amino acids are in cats?
11
Common animal protein sources
Chicken, beef, lamb, fish, and egg
Plant
Corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and wheat gluten
What do fats and fatty acids do?
Supply energy, brain function, and development, help keep skin and coat healthy, control inflammation, support immune system, and make food taste better.
Common fats
Animal fat, vegetable oil
Common omega 3 (fatty acid)
Flax seed, canola and soy oil, fish oil and fish meal
Omega 6 (fatty acid)
Most plant oils, some animal fats
Omega 9 (fatty acid)
Chia seeds, olive oil, animal fat, fish
What is a carbohydrate?
Starches that provide energy in the form of sugars (glucose) and help break down proteins into amino acids
Common carbohydrate sources in dogs
Corn, brown rice, barley, whole grain wheat, soybean meal, potatoes, and legumes.
Common carbohydrate sources in cats
Cats must eat meal to survive. They do NOT need carbohydrates.
Where do cats get their glucose?
Protein
What does fiber do?
Helps transport nutrients and waste through the intenstinal tract, keep cells in the intestine healthy so they can absorb nutrients better, promote small and firm stool, regulate water absorption, increase a feeling of fullness to help pets lose weight, and prevent hairballs in cats.
What does soluble fiber do?
Improves digestion and can lower blood sugar
What dose insoluble fiber do?
Is not digested and adds bulk to feces. Can also help to soften stool
Sources of soluble fiber
Potato, sweet potato, white rice, pumpkin, beet pulp, lentils, oatmeal, apples, and blueberries
Sources of insoluble fiber
Whole grains, brown rice, dark leafy vegetables
What do vitamins and minerals do?
Generate energy from other nutrients, ensure cells use nutrients efficiently, promote healthy teeth and bones, and promote a healthy nervous and digestive system.
What do vitamin and mineral requirements vary by?
Requirements vary by a pet’s life stages
Common sources of vitamins
Naturally found in animal and plant product pet food ingredients.
True or False: Most animals NEED vitamin supplements
False
Common sources of minerals
Pet foods that include a variety of ingredients
Most digestible forms of protein
Eggs, fish, fish meal, chicken, and red meat
Why do certain kinds of matter take longer to digest?
Dogs and cats have a short digestive tract. Plant matter and processed or high sugar foods may come out undigested in their stools.
Puppy/kitten nutritional needs
More protein, calories, and certain vitamins or minerals.
Adult dog and cat nutritional needs
Fewer overall calories and nutrients than growing animals, depending on activity level.
Pregnant or nursing mothers nutritional needs
More calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals
Senior nutritional needs
Higher quality protein, lower levels of fats and carbohydrates
