Feeding of healthy dogs and cats Flashcards
Dogs and cats. Eating nature. What is the difference?
- dogs — omnivores
- cats — true omnivores
- difference in vit A, arachidonic acid and taurine needs
Digestive tract physiology for dogs and cats
- relatively short GIT comparing to other species —>
- short transit time
- high density, low fiber diet (usually animal-based feed
- large colon is relatively short (no fermentation), small intestine relatively long
- in case of any problems in GIT clinical signs usually appear early
Comparison of physiology of GIT in dogs and cats
Dogs: good sense of smell, teeth are able to grind.42 teeth. Limited salivary amylase. Saliva is more alkaline than in human. Very expandable stomach to be able to fit large meals. Stomach is acidic enough to digest bones and destruct harmful bacteria. Transit time: 12-30h.
Cats: no sideways movement of jaw. 30 teeth. No salivary amylase. Cats don’t feel sweet taste. Stomach is designed for many small meals spread throughout the day. Stomach is acidic to digest bones and destruct harmful bacteria. Transit time: 12-24h. Small intestine well suited to digest proteins and fats. Cats aren’t able to down-regulate their protein digesting enzymes —> need protein rich diet.
Feed intake, feed preference, eating behaviour in dogs and cats
- dogs: huge amount once a day
- cats: smaller portions many times, will eat same amount despite of different nutrient and energy density
- intake depends on: gastric emptiness, characteristics of food (fat, fiber content) experience (cats are bad tolerating change of diet), blood plasma nutrient level, hormones
- preference: lipid content, sweet in dogs
Cats and dogs. Digestive tract physiology. Oral cavity
- carnivores don’t chew their food, cats have very few molars (4 altogether)
- saliva: thermoregulation, lubrication of feed, antibacterial activity
Cats and dogs. Digestive tract physiology. Stomach
- whole stomach is glandular (<-> pigs) -> no feed related ulcers but are prone to ulcers caused by NSAIDs
- stimulation of gastric secretions/motility starts with just seeing the food
- it’s better for dog to it slower (no time time for stimulus to cause increase stomach capacity)
- feeding adult dogs once a day is appropriate but certain breeds are prone to gastric torsion —> better eat 2x/day to decrease the risk of torsion
Dogs and cats. Protein digestion
- very effective
- high level of enzyme production by pancreas
Cats and dogs. Protein, fat and CH digestion
- active absorption vs diffusion
- very effective protein digestion
- high level of enzymes produced by pancreas
- lipase highly active
- conjugated bile acids (dogs: glycine and taurine, cats: only taurine)
- CH digestion is not good (in dogs better)
- amylase level is very low (in cats negligible) —> if high level of “raw” starch is given, it wont be digested —> thermo treatment of starch is done in feeds for dogs and cats
- saccharase level is limited —> sucrose —> diarrhea
Dogs and cats. Large intestine
- fermentation is not for energy production but rather for production of vitamins
- water absorption is main thing happening here
Dogs and cats. Size and growth phase
- DIFFERENT SIZE, normal birth weight 120-550g
- cats: 3,2kg for toms, 2,8kg for queens, normal birth weight 90-100g
- small dogs reach their adult BW around 9 months
- big dogs may need 1,5 years to reach their adult BW
- feeds for puppies for large and small breeds are very different!
- cats don’t really have this problem
How to express energy for dogs and cats?
- METABOLISABLE ENERGY — urine has to be calculated into losses because it’s mainly protein digestion (urea)
- 0,5xBW(0.75) - resting energy requirement
- how to understand if energy amount is optimal for the animal —> checking BCS! regularly
- many many factors influence energy requirement and even with specific formulas, animal may require +- 30% of that amount
- senior dogs require less energy
Dogs and cats. Water requirements
- cats’ intake is low and excretion is high ! —> prone to urinary tract disorders
- wet food is better for cats
Dogs and cats. Protein requirements
- critical, especially in cats
- quality of protein is determined by AA profile and digestibility
- cat: highest protein demand
- dogs ~ 20% (higher in puppies ~25%)
- cats: 30-40%
- in cats levels of gluconeogenesis is high
- if cats don’t get enough cat, they’ll start almost immediately taking protein from body tissues
Cats and dogs. Fat requirements
- cats are unable to produce arachidonic acid
- cats need animal fat
- dogs: 5-7%
- cats: ~10%
Do carnivores eat fibre? Fibre requirement
Yes. Usually prey animals’ GIT has some fiber inside
- 1-3% fibre requirement for motility
Feeding newborn puppies
- nursed by bitch
- canine milk formula every 2-3 hours
- checking BW regularly
- DM content of cats and dogs is HIGH (dense milk)
- protein and fat content is also high
Human food hazards
