Companion Animals

Question 1

What is life stage nutrition?

Answer 1

The practice of feeding diets designed to meet optimal nutritional needs at a specific age or physiologic state.
Feeding above or below this range can negatively impact on animal performance or health.

Question 2

How do you calculate RER?

Answer 2

RER(kcal ME/d) = 70 x (BW)^0.75

RER(kJ ME/d) = 293 x (BW)^0.75

Question 3

What is the aim when feeding young adult dogs and what are the main problems that may be encountered?

Answer 3

1-7yo
Problems - periodontal disease and obesity
Aim - maximise longevity and quality of life (disease prevention)
BCS - 2.5-3.5/5
Evaluate BSC and adjust energy as needed.

Question 4

Obesity occurs twice as often in…..

Answer 4

neutered dogs

Question 5

Is fibre a good energy source for dogs?

Answer 5

No - as fibre content increases, energy density decreases.

However, increased dietary fibre promotes satiety-may be useful for obese dogs or dogs fed free choice.

Question 6

What are the essential FA required by a dog?

Answer 6

Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids

Deficiency results in hyper proliferation and increased permeability to water (both skin defects)

Question 7

What are the objectives of feeding reproducing dogs and puppies?

Answer 7

Optimse conception, number of pups per litter, ability of the bitch to deliver, viability of prenatal and neonatal pups, BCS 3/5 (underweight or overweight animals have decreased ovulation rates and silent oestrus, reduced litter size and milk production).

Question 8

How much weight does a pregnant bitch gain prior to whelping?

Answer 8

15-20%BW, 5-10% remain after whelping.

Question 9

What can obesity cause in pregnant bitches?

Answer 9

Dystocia, prolonged parturition, hypoxic pups.

Question 10

What can malnutrition cause in pregnant bitches?

Answer 10

Embryo loss, poor foetal development and low birth weight of pups.

Question 11

When does most weight gain occur in pregnant bitches?

Answer 11

After 40d gestation - due to rapid growth of foetuses.

Question 12

What considerations are there when feeding pregnant bitches?

Answer 12

Foetal demand for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA/omega 3 FA) for retinal and brain development.
Energy needs to peak at 30% above adult maintenance for bitches with smaller litter, 50-60% for larger litters.
Giant breeds may not ingest enough food to maintain BW in late gestation.
Protein in late gestation - 40-70% increase above maintenance. (7g digestible protein/kg BW^0.75)
High quality protein - 10g digestible protein/MJ.
Fat levels can be higher in later pregnancy to increase energy density of diet.
50% of energy for foetal development supplied by glucose.
Need CHO source or risk weight loss, decreased food intake, reduced birth weight and neonatal survival, increased risk of still birth.
Increased risk of hypoglycaemia and ketosis during late pregnancy.
20% of energy from NSC.
Ca and P increase by 60%.
Excessive Ca can decrease PTH, predisposing bitch to eclampsia during lactation.
Diet digestibility should be >85% due to increasing nutrient needs and reduced intake from abdominal fill.
Common to feed puppy food - except for giant breeds as it is not adequate.

Question 13

What are some important considerations when feeding lactating bitches?

Answer 13

Energy requirements steadily increase and peak between 3-5weeks.
Return to maintenance @8weeks.
High energy density feeds - 16.7kJ (4kcal) ME/g DM
Weight loss causes decreased milk production and signs of severe exhaustion.
Protein requirement increases more than energy requirement
Protein-energy ratio of 10:15g protein/MJ DE

Question 14

What is low birth weight highly correlated to?

Answer 14

Neonatal mortality

Question 15

How should pups be fed from birth?

Answer 15

Ensure they all receive colostrum - weak pups should be supplementary fed colostrum.
Weight daily to monitor growth rate - gives indication of milk production and whether it is adequate.
Should not loose or fail to gain weight for more than 1 day.
Milk should meet all of the pups requirements for first 3-4weeks.

Question 16

How can orphaned pups be fed?

Answer 16

Bottlefeeding is preferred method - needs to happen at least 4 times daily.
Very young neonates and weak pups should be fed every 2-4hrs.
Older pups 4-6hrs.
Normally, 1-2wk old pups will obtain most of their normal daily intake in 4-5meals.
Recommended DER:
Day 1-3: 15kcal ME/100g BW
Day 4-6: 20kcal ME/100g BW
Day >6: 20-25kcal ME/100g BW

Question 17

What nutritional changes need to occur for weaning?

Answer 17

Gradual processing beginning with the introduction of solid foods at 3-4wks.
Milk production progressively declines as pups intake of solid food increases.
Complete weaning by 8-10wks, less stressful
Can use dams food, blend with warm water. Otherwise ensure high quality ‘growing
ration used.
Gradually decrease amount of water used.
Fresh drinking water should be supplied from 3wks.

Question 18

How should growing pups, post weaning be fed?

Answer 18

Feed to grow at an optimal rate for bone development and body condition.
Feeding for maximum growth increases risk of skeletal deformities and decrease longevity.
Small to medium breeds reach 50% of adult weight at 4months.
Large to giant breeds reach 50% of adult weight at 5 months.
BCS should be assessed at least every 2 weeks - best practical indicator of healthy growth.
Prevention of obesity is essential
Foods formulated for adults should not be fed to dogs
Arginine essential AA
DHA essential for growth - at least 0.02% of diet.

Question 19

How should large breed pups be fed to avoid diseases such as hip dysplasia and OCD?

Answer 19

Affected by genetics, environment and nutrition.
Excess energy and/or too much Ca during rapid skeletal development leads to abnormal bone and cartilage growth.
Need to control growth rate by dietary manipulation (feed restriction)
Avoid excess Ca
Foods for large and giant breed puppies should contain 0.7-1.2%Ca per kg DM

Question 20

How should racing dogs be fed?

Answer 20

Greater capacity for fat oxidation - metabolise FFA at twice the rate of humans.
Energy requirements increase with endurance rather than speed - approximately 600kJ/kgBW^0.75/d
24% ME from protein
Between 30-50% ME from CHO
Energy content provided by ration of 40-42% CHO: 22-24% CP: 30-33% fat
Advantage to high fat diet - gains in speed and endurance.

Question 21

What are some important considerations when feeding a mature dog?

Answer 21

Less active so require less energy to meet needs.
Maintaining ideal BW still important.
More prone to dehydration - osmoregulatory disturbances, medication and chronic renal failure.
Thyroid function may be impaired.
12-13% decrease in DER by 7yrs.
Low fat intake helps prevent obesity however can be useful in very old dogs who loose weight easily (increases energy intake, improves palatability, improves protein use).
Omega 3 FA - maintains skin, coat health, joint health and cognitive function also helps dogs with kidney disease .
Increased fibre intake - helps with constipation, dilutes energy content. Decreased postprandial glycaemic effects in diabetic dogs.
Reduced protein intake due to increased prevalence of renal disease.
Avoid excessive P for renal function as well.
Joint health - add glucosamine and chondroitin
No free choice for obese or overweight - can be used for thinner very old animals.

Question 22

What are cats?

Answer 22

Strict/true carnivores (unlike dogs).

Question 23

How many meals should a cat eat per day? What kind of foods do they prefer?

Answer 23

10-12
Very sensitive to physical form, odour and taste - prefer solid moist foods, reluctant to accept powdery, sticky or greasy textures.

Question 24

How should young adult cats be fed?

Answer 24

1-7yo
Ideal BCS 2.5-3.5/5
Dietary fat - energy, essential FA and facilitates absorption of vitamin A.
Don’t require dietary fibre - small amounts can enhance stool quality and promote GIT function. Can also reduce energy density and induce satiety.
Obese prone may benefit from 5-15% crude fibre and cats that prone to hairballs.
Taurine essential AA - 0.1-0.17%DM
P - key factor in urolith formation.
Prone to hypertension - avoid excess Na
NaCl can be supplemented to increase water intake - reduces lower UTI - ensure no excess
Free choice food maintains a more stable urinary pH - reduces risk of struvite and UTI.
Ca - deficiency when only fed meat
Ca:P = 1:1
High protein increases K requirement (>0.52% DM).

Question 25

What are some general considerations when feeding cats?

Answer 25

Limited capacity to adapt to low protein - meeting minimum requirements is critical - no benefit from feeding excess. P - key factor in urolith formation. Most cats tolerate once daily feeding - preferable to feed at least twice a day.

Question 26

When is the best age for breeding queens?

Answer 26

1-7 years

Question 27

What is often the most limiting nutrient during gestation?

Answer 27

Energy

Question 28

What is the effect of protein deficiency on gestation?

Answer 28

Lower birth weight, higher neonatal mortality and impaired immunocompetance in kittens.

Question 29

Why is free-choice feeding preferred for gestating queens?

Answer 29

Allows them to adjust food intake as needed to meet requirements. Also preferred for lactation.

Question 30

When are the highest energy requirements for lactation?

Answer 30

Peak lactation - 3-4wks post partum | Peak energy demand however is at 6-7wks post partum.

Question 31

Why should queens not have excessive weight loss post birth?

Answer 31

Can lead to lactation failure.

Question 32

How should queens be fed during lactation?

Answer 32

Animal based proteins preferred - more digestible and contain taurine. Dietary omega-3 FA required for normal development of retinal function in nursing kittens. Digestible CHO and spare protein used for blood glucose and provide a substrate for lactose during milk production. CHO 10% DM

Question 33

Discuss the feeding of post weaned, growing kittens.

Answer 33

Grow 100g/wk until @ 20wks Growth rate slows as kittens approach 80% of adult size at 30wks. Adult BW at 40wks Aim for optimal growth rather than maximal growth. Protein requirements high at weaning then decrease gradually. Require >19% animal protein to provide sufficient S congaing AA. High protein foods (56%CP) must contain arginine at 1.5 x requirement - maintains normal urea cycling. 18-35% fat enhances palatability, meets EFA and maintains energy density above or at 4kcal ME/g Need DHA for neural, retinal and auditory development. Ca deficiency and P excess common in all meat diets - need supplement

Question 34

What are some important considerations when feeding mature cats?

Answer 34

Age related diseases increase at 7-8yrs. Less active - less energy. Aging impairs thirst sensitivity - dehydration - reduces ability to thermorgulate Declining renal function - increased water losses due to impaired urine concentrating ability. Moist foods are good - increase water intake Very old require energy dense foods and ample levels of EFA - maintain normal skin and coat condition. Fat digestion declines with age - essential FA required at levels above that of young cats. Fibre (<5%) aids constipation, above this level decreases DM digestibility and dilutes energy. Good for inactive or obese cats. Dont restrict dietary protein - improves palatability, intake and weight maintenance in very old cats. Moderate Ca (0.6-1%DM) maintains bone mass, reduces risk of Ca oxalate urolithiasis. Reduced P - associated with kidney disease Avoid excess Na Highly palatable and digestible feeds - >4kcal/g DM Free choice or meal feed.

Question 35

What is the difference between overweight and obese?

Answer 35

Overweight - exceeds optimal body weight by 5-10% | Obese - exceeds optimal BW by 15-20%

Question 36

Why do animals gain weight?

Answer 36

Caloric intake, decreased physical activity and genetic susceptibility.

Question 37

What are some health conditions associated with obesity?

Answer 37

Arthritis, diabetes mellitus, cancer, skin diseases, lower urinary tract problems, hepatic lipidosis, heart disease

Question 38

What are the objectives of weight management programs?

Answer 38

Reduce BW in long lasting, healthy manner Loss of body fat - maintain lean body mass Prevent rebound weight gain Establish good eating/feeding and activity habits Education of pet owner

Question 39

What are the components of a successful weight management program?

Answer 39

Consistent and accurate weight measurement Diligent patient monitoring Effective client communication Set a goal for weight loss Ideal body weight is a starting goal Determination of the pets ideal body weight Calculate the appropriate energy intake May need to adjust for appropriate body condition as the pet loses weight Still need to provide adequate protein, vitamins and minerals for pets DER.

Question 40

What are some nutritional management tips?

Answer 40

Feed multiple small meals/day - increases satiety, reduces begging, increases energy loss through digestion. Stipulate exact quantities for the client to measure out Incorporate an exercise program or physical activity

Question 41

What are the desirable features of a weight loss food/diet?

Answer 41

Decreased fat/kJ - decreases energy intake Increased protein/kJ - increases satiety and maintains lean body mass Increased total dietary fibre - increases satiety and decreases begging Increased lysine:energy ration - maintains lean body mass Increased L-carnitine - increases fat conversion Added antioxidants - reduces free radical damage

Question 42

What are some important factors to emphasise when educating a client on feeding an obese dog or cat?

Answer 42

Emphasise feeding consistency, feed from designated dish only, ensure food is being measured/weighed, calculate initial feeding amount for client. ‘Treats’ need to be adjusted accordingly depending on energy intake, feed pets separately and only one person feeds. Devise appropriate exercise.

Question 43

What history needs to be collected when assessing an obese/overweight patient?

Answer 43

Detailed assessment of the pet, pet owner and environment in which they live. Work with pet owner preferences. Potential to increase adherence Human-pet relationship - an important component of successful weight management Accurate diet history - accurate estimate of energy intake Supplements, treats, rawhides and dental chews provide calories. Medications - in food items, usually high energy.

Question 44

What are non-negotiables?

Answer 44

Food items that owners will continue to feed regardless of what your recommendations are. Need to incorporate these into diet management plan to improve adherence. Focus on what the pet can have rather than what it cant have. Alternative treats - non-starch vegetables such as carrots or celery.

Question 45

How can you address the owners concerns regarding weight loss?

Answer 45

Include favourites treat - can alleviate owners concern about rigidity of weight loss programs, maintain a strong human-pet bond - linked to providing favoured foods Perceived lack of palatability Concerns of deprivation of the pet - concerns come from pet owners experience with weight loss in human health Ensure they are able to provide their pet with something they love Need to account for energy contribution.

Question 46

Is weight loss a quick thing?

Answer 46

No - may take up to 12 months or more. | Client may require education and monitoring before a full weight loss program can begin.

Question 47

Will switching to a low-calorie, light or lite diet be sufficient to loose weight?

Answer 47

Not necessarily, the regulations for these labels only require a small decrease in energy from maintenance which may not be enough.

Question 48

Why is adequate protein in a weight loss diet important?

Answer 48

Required to maintain lean body mass - want the animal to lose fat, not muscle. May be compromised on feed restriction or low energy diet.

Question 49

Does low fat equate to low calorie?

Answer 49

No. Reduced fat diets may provide more kJ than desired for a weight loss program. Aim for products with <3g per 100kcal.

Question 50

Do low CHO diets promote weight loss in cats?

Answer 50

Not necessarily - therapeutic low CHO diets for cats with diabetes can have very high calorie density, especially dry kibble. May result in weight gain if owners are reluctant to feed small quantities.

Question 51

What is the role of dietary fibre in weight loss diets?

Answer 51

Diets high in insoluble fibre are typically lower in energy density. Allows pet to eat a greater volume of food, good for owner compliance. Can increase faecal output - need to notify owner of this. High fermentable fibre results in short-chain fatty acid production. May influence satiety - satiety inducing gastrointestinal hormones.

Question 52

What kind of weekly weight loss goals should you set?

Answer 52

0.5-2% weekly BW loss 1% BW loss per week limits the risk of nutrient deficiency, loss of lean body mass and rebound weight gain. Exceptions - pets with comorbidities - need a more gradual rate of loss (0.5% or less) Commonly pets weight will plateau during weight loss - reduce energy intake by 10% and increase physical activity if possible.

Question 53

Once a pet has lost excess weight, what needs to happen?

Answer 53

Pet cannot be ‘taken off’ diet - this needs to be identified as the new normal, cannot fall back into old habits of feeding (especially treats). At best, increase 5% above weight loss diet. Careful selection of maintenance diet - pet will be highly susceptible to regaining weight, lifelong monitoring of BW, BCS.

Question 54

Discuss digestion in the rabbit.

Answer 54

``` Herbivore Hindgut fermenter - large caecum. Very sensitive to oral antibiotics. Continuous, select grazer. Prefer nutrient rich leaves and new plant shoots. Teeth grow continuously. ```

Question 55

What are fibrevores?

Answer 55

Animals that are obligatory fibre eaters - need to eat fibre. Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas.

Question 56

Describe digestion of fibre in 'fibrevores'.

Answer 56

Separation of digesta depending on particle size occurs in hind gut - large particles have rapid movement through colon as hard faeces. Smaller particles and solubles undergo fermentation to VFAs in caecum. Caecal contents expelled periodically as sticky droppings - caecotrophs or caecals - these are then eaten and redigested. Provides microbial protein - B group vitamins, vitamin K, VFA.

Question 57

What are the general goals of chronic kidney disease treatment via nutrition?

Answer 57

Control clinical signs of uraemia maintain adequate fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance provide adequate nutrition Slow progression of the disease Theraputic renal food indicated - serum creatinine >179umol/L

Question 58

How do diets formulated for CKD vary from maintenance diets?

Answer 58

Reduced protein, P, Na Increased K, B vitamin, soluble fibre, omega-3 PUFA, antioxidants Higher caloric density Neural effect on acid-base balance Maintain urine pH 6-6.5 Gradual transition needed - animal may have issues adjusting to new diet and there can be complications if animal goes without food for short periods.

Question 59

What role does protein play in controlling CKD?

Answer 59

Reducing protein intake improves clinical sings - may delay onset of uraemia. Increasing protein quality however doesn't have any major adverse effects. Reduce acid load, reduce acidosis. Limit dietary intake of P. Recommended levels: 14.5-15%CP dogs, 28-30%CP for cats. High biological value and taurine, particularly for cats.

Question 60

Why is indigestible fibre important in the rabbit diet?

Answer 60

Scratch factor - stimulates GIT motility, maintains peristalsis. Grinds teeth down. Stimulates appetite. No peristalsis = fatal for rabbits

Question 61

Why is Phosphorus important to monitor in CKD diets?

Answer 61

Reduced renal P excretion leads to its retention - stimulates increased PTH - inhibits conversion of inactive vitamin D to calcitrol - decreased calcitrol, decreased ionised Ca and increased P - renal secondary hyperparathyroidism. Limit dietary intake of P - can use intestinal P-binding agents to minimise P absorption from GIT, administration needs to coincide with feeding.

Question 62

What effect does acidosis have?

Answer 62

Unable to clear acids from bloodstream - loose excessive amounts of bicarbonate - metabolic acidosis. Early cases may be controlled by diet - later cases can be treated with Sodium bicarb or potassium citrate.

Question 63

Why should excessive NaCl be avoided in the case of CKD?

Answer 63

Systemic hypertension may accelerate progression of kidney disease. Direct transmission of systemic pressures to glomerular capillaries. Recommended Na 0.1-0.25% dogs, 0.2-0.35% cats. Cl 1.5 x Na requirement.

Question 64

Why is Potassium important in cases of CKD?

Answer 64

Hypokalaemia common in cats. Results from decreased dietary intake due to anorexia - increased losses from vomiting or polyuria - decreased GFR and reduced urine concentrating ability. Renal support diets generally supplemented with K.

Question 65

What kind of energy do CKD animals need?

Answer 65

Increase energy per volume feed.

Question 66

Why are omega-3 FA important for CKD?

Answer 66

Reno-protective - conserve renal function, reduce intra-glomerular hypertension and preserve renal structure.

Question 67

Do B-group vitamins need to be supplemented in CKD?

Answer 67

Tend to be low due to inappetence and increased loss due to polyuria. Gained from fish, meat, eggs. Very sensitive to light - need to be stored appropriately.

Question 68

What advantages are there to feeding a higher soluble fibre diet to animals suffering CKD?

Answer 68

Oat fibre, soy fibre, psyllium. Blood urea diffuses into LI - used by bacteria a N source - excreted in faeces. Net effect is increased faecal urea excretion and reduced urea in blood.

Question 69

Why are antioxidants important in the diet of CKD?

Answer 69

Increased free radicals may contribute to progression of CKD.

Question 70

What is the prognosis for animals with CKD?

Answer 70

Some do well with dietary management. Animals that loose more protein in their urine have less favourable prognosis. Earlier CKD diagnosed and treated the better the outcome.

Question 71

Why is digestible fibre important in rabbits diets?

Answer 71

Needed for essential nutrition Maintains correct level of good bacteria in the gut - essential for digestion and work Too little leads to malnutrition Fibre also encourages natural foraging behaviour, prevents boredom.

Question 72

Do rabbits need vitamin supplements?

Answer 72

No - most gained from diet.

Question 73

Should you feed rabbits hay?

Answer 73

Yes - grass or pasture hay for maintenance. Legume/lucerne/clover good for growing rabbits. Mixed hays good if not feeding pellets.

Question 74

What are the benefits and downfalls of feeding commercial pellets to rabbits?

Answer 74

Easy and convenient Complete nutrition - vitamins, minerals, FA Can be high energy, protein and Ca and easy to overfeed. Lack health/welfare benefits of hay and fresh vegetables.

Question 75

What are the issues with muesli style feeds for rabbits?

Answer 75

Allows for selective feeding - may become fussy, develop taste for sweet, dietary imbalances Lack fibre Unhealthy ingredients - high sugar and starch, difficult for microbes to digest, obesity.

Question 76

Discuss ferret digestion.

Answer 76

Obligate carnivores Short GIT - no caecum Rapid ingesta transit time Digestion inefficient and nutrients poorly absorbed. Low concentration of brush border enzymes - lactase. CHO not required and should be limited. Unable to digest plant fibres.

Question 77

Can you feed canine diets to ferrets?

Answer 77

No Protein, fat and CHO levels are inappropriate. Can feet cat food.

Question 78

What are the suggested nutritional requirements for ferrets?

Answer 78

Adult - 30-40% protein, 15-20% fat, 2% fibre | Maintenance 0.5MJ/kgBW^0.75

Question 79

How should you feed a neutered pet ferret?

Answer 79

``` Constant access to water and feed. Premium cat or ferret food. Palatable, pelleted or extruded 90% DM. 15% fat, 30% high quality meat protein, 30% CHO. 9-10 meals per day. 4kcal ME/g ``` OR raw meat, eggs and meaty bones - not scavengers so needs to be fresh. Habit of stashing excess feed so need to remove if not consumed within an hour.

Question 80

What are the effects of feeding a higher CHO diet to ferrets?

Answer 80

Poor performance and growth Greater susceptibility to infectious and metabolic diseases Weight loss, poor coat condition, pancreatic endocrine disorders, urinary calculi. Kibble diets have to much CHO and fibre.

Question 81

What are some of the effects of feeding poor quality diets (poor quality meat protein and large quantities of plant based ingredients) to ferrets?

Answer 81

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis Inflammatory bowel disease Insulinoma - increased insulin, hypoglycaemia. Urolithiasis - anuria

Question 82

Can you feed ferrets treats?

Answer 82

Only high quality ferret or cat - meat based treats. | No human foods (other than meat)

Question 83

Why does pregnancy toxaemia occur in ferrets?

Answer 83

Insufficient energy resulting in abnormal fat and CHO metabolism due to foetal demands. Substantial mortality Varying degrees of hyerlipidaemia, hypoglycaemia and hyperketonaemia. Day 32-42 of gestation. Maiden jills with larger litters more at risk. 75% occurrence when fasted for 24hrs in last week of gestation. Limitation of abdominal capacity and volume of feed required to meet energy demands.

Question 84

What are the signs of preg tox in ferrets?

Answer 84

``` Sudden onset Lethargy Hypothermia Dehydration Sternal recumbancy Decreased awareness Inappetance - weight loss Diarrhoea/melaena Icterus Red mucous membranes Sudden death ```

Question 85

What is the treatment for preg tox in ferrets?

Answer 85

Correct energy deficit, dehydration and electrolyte balance. IV fluids - glucose and electrolytes. Supplement high energy diet - frequent hand or force feeding (easy - hold by scruff of neck). Caesarian if after d40. Advanced cases have poor prognosis.

Question 86

How should critical care ferrets be fed?

Answer 86

Feed as much as they will comfortably eat - 12-25mL/meal. 2-4 times daily Meat based baby foods or critical care diets for cats Kitten milk replacer for kits. May need to force feed Liquify ration and feed with syringe.

Question 87

Can vegetarian/vegan diets be fed to dogs?

Answer 87

Yes - but need to formulated very carefully.

Question 88

What are some of the potential problems that may be encountered when feeding a vegetarian/vegan diet to a dog or cat?

Answer 88

Inadequate protein intake (<25g per 1000kcal) Imbalance of AA - taurine and L-carnitine (dogs and cats) Imbalance of essential FA - arachidonic acid (cats) Deficiency of vitamins and minerals - B vitamins, Ca, P, Fe Vitamin A (cats) - important for beta-carotene conversion and obtained ideally and mostly via animal products. Low palatability

Question 89

What can improperly balanced vegetarian and vegan diets lead to?

Answer 89

Serious and sometimes irreversible medical conditions. Taurine related dilated cardiomyopathy - Enlarged heart with weak contractions and poor pumping ability. Low Taurine also causes - reproductive failure, growth failure, eye problems. Sports anaemia - dogs.

Question 90

What 3 factors should be considered when assessing a vegetarian diet for a dog?

Answer 90

Does the diet meet the animals nutritional needs? Is the diet sufficiently palatable to ensure adequate intake? When fed the diet, is the animal in good health?

Question 91

What are the four guidelines of feeding vegetarian/vegan diets to animals?

Answer 91

Never feed to puppies and kittens or to dogs and cats that you are planning to breed from. Only consider or feed commercial diets that have undergone feeding trials and meet AAFCO compliance. Diets - commercial or homemade vegetarian pet diets need to be thoroughly evaluated and make recommendations for supplements. Schedule more frequent check-ups, including blood work, at least twice a year, even for young pets eating vegetarian diets.

Question 92

Why would vets feed specialty foods that are vegetarian or vegan?

Answer 92

Specially formulated pet foods made from non meat protein sources either to diagnose or treat food allergies, liver disease, bladder stones. These may be appropriate to satisfy owners ideals. They are prescription only and need to be fed under veterinary supervision and they are expensive.