Feeding the Overweight Cat/Dog (10) Flashcards
Dr. Shepherd
Why care about overweightness in dogs and cats?
What are risk factors for overweightness?
- energy in (food, treats, etc)
- energy out
- energy consumed is too high relative to energy expenditure
Review BCS
What are the consequences of overweight shaming?
negative impact on veterinary patient care
consider avoiding “your pet is fat” / “obese” / “chunky”
consider focusing on what a healthier weight would be without mentioning
Calculate target weight, RER, and DER. DER = 0.8 for this cat
What is the target weight loss rate per week for cats?
0.5-2% per week
Calculate target weight, RER, and DER. DER = 1 for this dog
What is the target weight loss rate per week for dogs?
1-2% BW/week for dogs
What is the RERi if totally daily calories from diet history is greater?
feed calculated energy requirement
If the total daily calories from diet history is less than the calculated RERi?
decrease energy by 20%
Why feed a veterinary weight loss diet?
T/F: OTC weight management /light diets are not as nutrient fortified as therapeutic/vet/prescription options
TRUE
Why is fiber good for weight loss?
is a satiety factor to help educe incidences of disruptive food-seeking behavior
When is canned food lower in calories?
when on an as fed basis
lower in digestible carbs, higher in fat, higher in soluble fiber, dry matter DM basis
How can you manage food-seeking behavior?
- high protein, high fiber commercial veterinary diet or properly formulated homemade recipe
- quality-time distraction
- feeding high fiber snack/treats between meals or to add bulk to a meal
- smaller bowl
- feeding small frequent meals
- using food toys or puzzles to extend meal time and possibly increase activity
- automatic feeders
- zucchini
How do you manage obesity with a multiple cat household?
keep overweight cat from lean at food
- collar-based feeders
- microchip-based feeders
How do you manage obesity and treats?
<10% of calories!
Which type of treats have sneaky calories?
dental treats
How often should you monitor BCS?
every 2-4 weeks
1-2% loss per weeks for dogs
0.5-2% loss per week for cats
If an animal losing weight too fast, how do you adjust protocol?
add 20% calories
If an animal losing weight too slowly, how do you adjust protocol?
- check compliance
- ID and address barriers
- reduce 20% calories
What are some other considerations for the overweight cat and dog?
need to maintain healthy weight: energy needs likely relatively low
prevention is even better
