Calculating dog and cat feeding

Question 1

What are the calculations to find RER in animals over 2kg and under 2kg?

Answer 1

Over 2kg:
RER (kcal) = (30 x BW) + 70
2kg or less:
RER (kcal) = 70 x BW^0.75

Question 2

What is maintenance energy requirement (MER)?

Answer 2

energy requirement of a moderately active adult a in a thermo-neutral environment - includes energy needed to obtain food as well as energy for spontaneous exercise

Question 3

How is DER calculated?

Answer 3

DER = RER x energy requirement for life stage

Question 4

Energy requirement = 1.6

Answer 4

RER = (30 x 15) + 70 = 520 kcal
DER = 520 x 1.6 = 832 kcal per day
832/430 = 2 cans per day

Question 5

How can energy content of protein, fat and carbs be calculated used the as fed analysis?

Answer 5

Protein % x 3.5 = kcal per 100g
Fat % x 8.7 = kcal per 100g
CHO % x 3.5 = kcal per 100g

protein + fat + CHO = total kcal per 100g of food as fed

Question 6

Describe the features of feeding the puppy and kitten

Answer 6

Weaning ~ 4-8 weeks
High energy requirements - follow manufacturers guidelines
Regularly assess weight and BCS and recalculate feeding to match
Make sure they are gaining weight at steady rate
No supplements

Question 7

What temperature are Leahs toes

Answer 7

-69C

Question 8

Describe the features of feeding adult dogs

Answer 8

Complete balanced diet
No supplementation should be needed
Switch from puppy food ~12 mnths
Feed adult food until senior life stage ~7yrs
Monitor BCS and adjust feed accordingly

Question 9

Describe the features of adult cat diets

Answer 9

Obligate carnivores
Require taurine, arachidonic acid and pre-formed vit A which are only found in animal tissues
Require 2x the amount of protein as dogs

Question 10

Describe the adult cat diet in controlling urinary health

Answer 10

Phosphorous intake controlled to prevent struvite crystals
pH controlled to avoid struvite crystals (struvite crystals like alkaline environment)
Controlled level of Mg prevent FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease)
Reduced amount of building blocks for calcium oxalate crystals

Question 11

Why are wet diets more beneficial for feline urinary tract that dry foods?

Answer 11

Water content increases urination which aids prevention of minerals forming crystals

Question 12

What are the changes in a senior cats and dog diet

Answer 12

Avoids excessive sodium intake
Highly digestible
Excellent palatability
High in antioxidants
Increase fibre
Moderate protein intake
Reduced phosphorous

Question 13

What do senior dog and cat diets avoid excessive sodium intake?

Answer 13

more susceptible to chronic diseases associated hypertension

Question 14

Why do senior dog and cat diets have excellent palatability?

Answer 14

senior animal have reduced taste and smell

Question 15

Why are senior dog and cat diets high in antioxidants?

Answer 15

reduce free radical damage which can lead to cancers

Question 16

Why do senior dog and cat diets have increased fibre?

Answer 16

promote normal intestinal motility

Question 17

Why do senior dog and cat diets have a moderate protein intake?

Answer 17

maintain lean body mass
avoids exacerbation of renal disease by reducing waste

Question 18

Why do senior dog and cat diets have reduced phosphorous?

Answer 18

slow progression of subclinical renal disease

Question 19

What are the dietary requirements of working/active adult dogs?

Answer 19

More calories
More fat (not more protein)
Dietary antioxidants to prevent muscle injury
Sprint athlete needs carbs
Endurance athletes need fat

Question 20

What diets are beneficial for nervous dogs and fussy eaters?

Answer 20

high fat diets - tend to be very palatable

Question 21

What are some considerations for feeding cats and dogs?

Answer 21

always allow access to water
Establish sensible feeding regime
Behavioural aspects of regime:
- opportunistic omnivores: wait for favourable food
- multiple feed stations for multiple cat households
Enrichment