Calculating dog and cat feeding Flashcards
What are the calculations to find RER in animals over 2kg and under 2kg?
Over 2kg:
RER (kcal) = (30 x BW) + 70
2kg or less:
RER (kcal) = 70 x BW^0.75
What is maintenance energy requirement (MER)?
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
How is DER calculated?
DER = RER x energy requirement for life stage
Energy requirement = 1.6
RER = (30 x 15) + 70 = 520 kcal
DER = 520 x 1.6 = 832 kcal per day
832/430 = 2 cans per day
How can energy content of protein, fat and carbs be calculated used the as fed analysis?
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
Describe the features of feeding the puppy and kitten
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
What temperature are Leahs toes
-69C
Describe the features of feeding adult dogs
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
Describe the features of adult cat diets
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
Describe the adult cat diet in controlling urinary health
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
Why are wet diets more beneficial for feline urinary tract that dry foods?
Water content increases urination which aids prevention of minerals forming crystals
What are the changes in a senior cats and dog diet
Avoids excessive sodium intake
Highly digestible
Excellent palatability
High in antioxidants
Increase fibre
Moderate protein intake
Reduced phosphorous
What do senior dog and cat diets avoid excessive sodium intake?
more susceptible to chronic diseases associated hypertension
Why do senior dog and cat diets have excellent palatability?
senior animal have reduced taste and smell
Why are senior dog and cat diets high in antioxidants?
reduce free radical damage which can lead to cancers
Why do senior dog and cat diets have increased fibre?
promote normal intestinal motility
Why do senior dog and cat diets have a moderate protein intake?
maintain lean body mass
avoids exacerbation of renal disease by reducing waste
Why do senior dog and cat diets have reduced phosphorous?
slow progression of subclinical renal disease
What are the dietary requirements of working/active adult dogs?
More calories
More fat (not more protein)
Dietary antioxidants to prevent muscle injury
Sprint athlete needs carbs
Endurance athletes need fat
What diets are beneficial for nervous dogs and fussy eaters?
high fat diets - tend to be very palatable
What are some considerations for feeding cats and dogs?
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
