Key nutrients

Question 1

general feeding guidelines

Answer 1

dogs can meet nutritional needs by eating an omnivorous diet since their teeth structure and intestinal tract has become adapted to that
source of protein and fats is less important than the quality and digestibility

Question 2

what are the basic nutrients a dog needs in its diet?

Answer 2

water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins

Question 3

how do you calculate how much to feed?

Answer 3

RER= (wt in kg x 30) + 70
RER= resting energy requirements

Question 4

what are you calculating for when you calculate calorie needs?

Answer 4

DER= daily energy requirement (average daily expenditure of an animal)

Question 5

what should be considered when figuring out nutritional requirements?

Answer 5

consider breed, weight, lifestyle (working vs sedentary house dogs)

Question 6

what are some specific nutritional needs at different life stages?

Answer 6

pregnant dogs need higher caloric intake
senior dogs need lower caloric intake

Question 7

puppy diets

Answer 7

early in life puppies eat a lot and need larger quantities of food since they are growing rapidly and have limited space in their stomach
by 6 months, they are 75% of their adult size and can be fed 2-3 meals a day (should get 4-6 meals at 6-8 weeks old)
puppies can be switched to adult food at 12 months

Question 8

what are some ingredients in a senior diet?

Answer 8

lower calories, higher protein, lower sodium, fewer carbohydrates
may also contain prebiotics or probiotics to maintain healthy intestinal microbial populations, increased omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants to combat inflammation, and glucosamine to promote joint health
some may also include medium chain triglycerides to help slow down changes in the brain that can led to senility issues