Canine - Ingredients & Rationing Flashcards
What are the functions of water?
Thermoregulation
Digestion
Transport of hormones, nutrients etc to tissues
Waste removal
Lubrication of mucous membranes (aid olfaction)
Lubrication of lungs (aids gaseous exchange)
Protection of joints, brain, spinal cord
Sources of water
Voluntary water intake
Food
Metabolic water
How to provide water
Clean & fresh
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Number of resources = 1=1, (4 dogs, 5 bowls)
Does moisture content effect nutrients?
Moisture content affects levels of other nutrients, therefore must compare dry matter
What is Protein?
Large complex molecules made up of amino acids
What are the functions of protein?
Creation of tissues, e.g. muscle, skin
Creation of hormones and enzymes
Energy
Palatability
Protein deficiency can impair…
Growth Maintenance of body weight/lean body mass Reproduction and performance Activity levels Immune response Digestion
What happens to excess protein?
Stored as fat and nitrogen excreted as urea
What is the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids?
Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body, whereas essential amino acids must come from the diet
What is digestibility?
Quantity of crude protein that is not excreted in faeces
Factors affecting digestibility…
Ingredient quality
Processing methods, e.g. particle size
Cooking temperature
Do feed companies have to provide digestibility measurements?
No they are not required to do so
What is ‘biological value’
A measure of the usability of the protein i.e. how much is incorporated into the body’s own tissue
What are fats made up of?
Fatty acids, essential FA - Linoleic Acid
What is an essential Fatty Acid?
Linoleic Acid
What are the functions of fats?
Energy Insulation Palatability Skin health Carry fat-soluble vitamins
What are the minimum allowances for fat and Linoleic acid in dog food?
Fat 5-8% (g/100gDM)
Linoleic acid 1.3-1.5%
What happens with excess fat?
Weight gain due to increased energy density and palatibility (texture/flavour)
Diarrhoea and fatty stools
What happens if there is a deficiency of fat?
Weight loss (decreased energy density and loss of palatability
Dry, dull coat, hair loss, poor wound healing
Greasy skin susceptible to infection
What are examples of Carbohydrates?
Sugar
Startch
Fibre
Functions of carbohydrates?
Energy (protein-saving function Gastrointestinal health (fibre)
Carbohydrates can also be listed as…
Nitrogen free extract (NFE)
Often not listen in nutritional analysis
If lack of carbohydrates in diet, what happens?
Double protein requirement, if sufficient protein and fat content carbohydrates not strictly required
Digestibility of carbohydrates can be affected by…
Type, e.g. lactose not well tolerated in adults
Size of starch granules
Heat treatment increases digestibility
