Lecture 1: Intro to Nutrition, Feeding Methods, & Dietary Options for Dogs & Cats (Exam 1) Flashcards
Why is proper nutrition & feeding practices necessary
- Better health & longevity
- Improving/optimizing production
- Standardizing protocols
Which feeding method is associated w/ increased risk of overweightness
Free choice feeding
Describe meal feeding
- Food is offered once or twice a day in a measured/fixed amount
- May be 3 to 4 times a day for growing puppies, kittens, finicky pets, or if decreased appetite
- Uneaten food is removed & discarded (or saved for the next meal)
What are the advantages of meal feeding
- Portion control
- Observe palatability, acceptance, appetite, & intake
- Physiologic for dogs
What are the disadvantages of meal feeding
- May be difficult to know the amount to feed
- Measuring cups or scoops are variable
- Req more time & effort
- Not physiologic for cats
Describe free choice (ad libitum)
- Food is always ava
- Replenished whenever the bowl is empty
What are the advantage of free choice feeding
- Less time & effort
- No special measurements
- Eliminates begging behavior
- Allows multi pets to have access
What are the disadvantages of free choice feeding
- Limited portion control
- Risk of overweight/obesity
- Difficult to monitor appetite & intake
What is time feeding
Food is offered for a fixed period of time & then removed
What are the advantages of time feeding
- Measurement not as import
- Some control over intake
What are the disadvantages of time feeding
- Req more time & effor
- May lead to under or over feeding
- May encourage rapid intake
What are the advantages of hand feeding
- Coaxes animals to eat
- Reduces stess & distractions sometimes
What are the disadvantages of feed handing
- Req the most time & effort
- May lead to under or over feeding
- Encourageds dep behavior
What is combination feeding
ex. wet food is offered as a meal once a day & dry food is fed free choice
What is the advantage of combinations
Tailored to what works for owners & pets
What is the disadvantage of combination feeding
Adds complexity
Describe dry pet food
- Kibble
- Produced by extrusion
- Less commonly made by baking or pelleting
Describe wet food
- Can & pouches produced by mixing & sterilization (heat & pressure)
- Frozen & refrigerated produced w/ various methods, may be raw, cooked, or partially cooked
Describe freeze dried food
May be raw or partially cooked
What are the advantages of dry food
- Most economical
- Convenient
- Long term storage
- Most sustainable
What are the disadvantages of kibble
- May have a lower palatability
- Lack of variety of flavors &/or texture
What are the advantages of wet food
- Long shelf life
- Convenient
- Palatable (variety of flavors & textures)
What are the disadvantages of wet food
- Expensive
- High environmental impact
What is wet food high in
- Water (70 - 85%)
- Fats