Lifestage Feeding Flashcards
When does the importance of nutrients start in a new pup or kitten?
During pregnancy, get the nutrition to the mother correct!
What is colostrum and why is it important?
1st milk.
Composition of nutrients varies greatly between species.
Neonates get 95% of their immunity from this so is vital they receive it asap! Its a source of nutrients and a source of energy. It’s also important for correcting their circulating fluid volume.
What is in colostrum?
High in fat and immunoglobulins (proteins requires for immune system)
Why is there tight time limit on colostrum?
Immunoglobulins are absorbed directly across the neonates intestine (do not get digested!)
The ability to absorb such large molecules across the intestine is only happening for first 12-24hrs. After this period, there is a closure and proteins then are digested and absorbed normally.
What are puppies and kittens doing between 0-4 weeks? What are they not able to do for themselves at this life stage?
Eating sleeping growing
They are poikilothermic at this stage which means they cannot regulate their own body temperature i.e. they cant shiver. We have to ensure temperature is adequate so they are not wasting energy.
How long do puppies/kittens feed on mother’s milk?
Up until 3-4- weeks (still have to monitor mum’s nutrition)
How and what solids should puppies/kittens be moved onto?
Put them onto a good quality balanced growth diet that will be the same until they are older. Ideally a moist diet so add a little warm water.
Should move them onto this slowly
How should puppies/kittens be presented with their food?
In shallow dish- 4-5 times per day
When do puppies/kittens get their teeth?
21-35 days old
When are puppies/kittens fully weaned?
About 6 weeks
What occurs at 6-7 weeks of age in puppies/kittens?
Why have we got to be carful of this?
There is a dip in maternal antibodies (MA). They get their 1st vac at 8 weeks so we are challenging their immune system. They also may go home at this age, so we are challenging them again with stress of moving and being separated from mum. We should not change the diet of puppies/kittens until at least a few weeks after this is all over (will cause GI distress).
What are the ages of puberty in
- cats and small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large/giant dogs?
- 6-12m
- 12-18m
- 18-24m
When does the fastest growth rate occur? How does this affect nutritional requirements?
In the 1st 6 months. Growing puppies require double the energy requirement of adult dogs (50% energy spent on maintenance; 50% on growth).
What would a diet for a growing puppy need?
Quite a high protein content, above average digestibility, close to a 1:1 Ca:P ratio, good vitamins and minerals content.
How much energy do kittens require?
About 160kcal per day, but some cats can be fed ad lib and they can regulate their own energy requirements.
Describe what the fat content should be in a growing diet?
Must have a good source of essential FAs
Increased fat content to meet energy needs (i.e. high energy density)
What can happen if you overfeed a puppy?
Can cause hyperplastic obesity in later life. If an animal is obese in growing stages, more fat cells are laid down. Therefore there are more fat cells that each have the potential to be bigger in later life.
What is important in terms of ensuring a puppy/kitten meets its energy requirement?
They have quite high energy requirements so need to make sure they’re not being fed an unmanageable amount of food (small tummies!). Therefore digestibility must be high and energy density must be high. High biological value and high in essential amino acids is key.
What are large puppies subject to?
Susceptible to Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) and Hip Dysplasia.
What causes OCD and Hip Dysplasia in large breed dogs?
Multi-factorial conditions.
- inherited tendency
- made worse by fast growth rate
- too much calcium
- too much exercise
What restrictions should be put on large breed puppies?
Should be fed a diet with slightly restricted Calcium and Phosphorous. And a slightly restricted energy density (i.e. lower fat content) to try and slow the growth down.
Should also restrict them to small intervals of low impact exercise.
What determines Metabolic Rate?
The higher the surface area and the smaller the body weight, the higher the metabolic rate.
Describe the ideal feeding regime of puppies
Measured portions
4-5 meals per day up to 10 weeks old
3 meals a day until they reach 50% of adult size
2 meals a day thereafter
Describe the ideal feeding regime of kittens
Dependant on individual!
Some may regulate their own intake so fed ad lib
