Nutritional Adjustments Flashcards
What is needed for a balanced diet?
Water
- makes up the majority of cells and blood
Protein
- provides amino acids
- used for growth and repair
Carbohydrates
- provide the body with glucose
- used as nergy for body functions and activity
Fibre
- aid gut health and function
Fats and Oils
- provide energy
- help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E)
Vitamins and Minerals
- assist with a range of bodily functions
- eg fight infections, wound healing, bone strength and regulating hormones
what needs to be considered for a patient’s nutritional needs?
patient dependent
- require nutritional calculations based of age, weight and life stage
glycogen depletion
- it takes 2-3 days for depletion in dogs
- needs to be considered when starving
malnutrition compromises the immune system, protein synthesis, wound healing and drug metabolism
match calorie intake and expenditure
- to not increase or lose weight (unless change is needed)
nutrition during the recovery phase?
RER should be met during hospitalisation
- ideally fed promptly after surgery
- adjust based on rest/exercise levels
proteins support lean body mass
- highly digestible proteins aid healing
fats increase energy density and improve palatability
- but increase calories so must balance
what are nutraceuticals?
dietary supplements with many different benefits
- behavioural changes
- support body systems
- cognitive support
- delay in deterioration of orthopaedic conditions
- reduction in the amount of analgesia needed
should not be an alternative to medications
- should be used in conjunction to optimise benefits
should you use food as enrichment?
you should consider:
Animals total calorie intake
- what adjustments can be made?
Benefits
- improve proprioception
- successful enrichment
- use up energy from restriction
Possible detriment to recovery
- causes increased mobilisation
- eg using paws to play
Boredom vs Frustration
- depends on hunger level
- if main meal likely to be frustrated as hungry
