Small Animal Flashcards
What are the primary characteristics of conventional pet foods?
Total mixed rations that supply all nutrients except water
Includes energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
What does AAFCO stand for?
Association of American Feed Control Officials
AAFCO establishes standards for pet food labeling and nutritional adequacy.
What is meant by ‘complete and balanced’ in pet food?
Provides all nutrients in proportion to energy
Assume that all nutrient requirements are met when caloric needs are fulfilled.
List the three potential energy sources in pet food and their concentrations.
- Carbohydrate (3.5 kcal/g)
- Protein (3.5 kcal/g)
- Fat (8.5 kcal/g)
Caloric density influences food intake.
What is the minimum protein requirement for canines on a dry matter basis?
22%
Varies with life stage, activity, and protein quality.
What is the minimum protein requirement for felines on a dry matter basis?
30%
Essential amino acids must be consumed in the diet.
What role does fat play in pet food?
Concentrated energy source and improves palatability. Also provides essential fatty acids.
What are the two major considerations for minerals in pet food?
- Meeting absolute requirement
- Maintaining proper ratios (e.g., Ca:P)
Nutrient interactions are important, such as excess calcium decreasing zinc absorption.
What types of vitamins are found in pet food premixes?
- Fat soluble (A, D, E, K)
- Water soluble (B vitamins)
Vitamin C has no definitive requirement.
What are food additives used for in pet food?
- Color
- Flavor
- Texture
- Stability
- Resistance to spoilage
Includes antioxidants, antimicrobial preservatives, and humectants.
What is a characteristic of dry pet foods?
Usually expanded, with 90% dry matter. Calories are low “as fed” due to air which can be bulk limiting.
Historically contained more vegetable protein and lower fat than canned.
What is a characteristic of canned pet foods?
High water content that dilutes calories and nutrients.
Typically contains increased animal source protein and fat but lower carbohydrate content compared to dry.
Essential fatty acids must be …
consumed in the diet.
Which viamins can be destroyed by heat during processing?
A and B vitamins
What is the caloric distribution in maintenance type dry dog food?
- 25% protein calories
- 20% fat calories
- 55% carbohydrate calories
This distribution can vary by formulation.
What is the typical caloric distribution in canned canine products?
- 40% protein calories
- 50% fat calories
- 10 to 15% carbohydrate calories
Canned foods are higher in energy on a dry matter basis due to fat content.
What is the Pet Food Industry characterized by?
A huge and constantly growing industry with retail sales in billions of dollars per year
Which agencies regulate the pet food industry in the United States?
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- National Research Council (NRC)
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
What is the role of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)?
Sets guidelines for uniform labeling and nutritional adequacy
Is AAFCO compliance mandatory for pet food manufacturers?
No, AAFCO compliance is voluntary
Which states do not follow AAFCO guidelines as the basis for regulations?
Nevada and Alaska
What does an AAFCO-compliant pet food label need to include?
- Product name
- Net weight
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis - Crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Words ‘dog’ or ‘cat’ food
- Caloric content per common unit of measure
- Statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose
- Directions for feeding
What information is not available from a pet food label?
- Overall digestibility
- Biologic value of protein
- Quality of product
- Contamination
What are the two primary methods for substantiating nutritional adequacy in pet food?
- Computer analysis to meet AAFCO profiles
- Standardized AAFCO feeding trials
What does computer analysis in pet food formulation involve?
- Estimating concentrations of required nutrients
- Identifying serious formulation errors
- Assuming ingredients have the same nutrient profile as a database
- Nutrient content confirmed by chemical analysis
What are some factors that feeding trials can indirectly provide information about?
- Palatability
- Nutrient digestibility and availability
- Nutrient interactions
- Toxins and contaminants
What is the ‘family product’ rule in pet food labeling?
Allows manufacturers to claim a product has passed AAFCO trials when it has not, if ingredients are similar to the parent food
What does the term ‘intermittent or supplemental feeding only’ indicate on pet food labels?
The product is either not complete and balanced or not tested
True or False: All commercial pet food products are complete and balanced.
False
Read the label!!! Some canned products and many treats are not complete and balanced.
What is the most reliable and objective assessment of pet food quality?
AAFCO feeding trials
AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, which establishes standards for pet food labeling and nutrient requirements.
What should an animal consuming an acceptable diet maintain?
Body weight and condition
Additionally, the animal should have good coat quality and normal stool.
What should you prefer when selecting pet food manufacturers?
Established, reputable manufacturers
It is advisable to avoid generics and private label brands.
In assessing pet food quality, what should be high on the ingredient list for cats?
Animal protein
Animal protein should be one of the first two ingredients.
What is the minimum acceptable diet digestibility for pet food?
75% or more
Digestibility indicates how well the nutrients in the food can be absorbed by the animal.
What are some concerns associated with grain-free foods?
Food hypersensitivity or allergy
Concerns may also arise due to a response to the 2007 recall involving contaminated wheat gluten.
What is a potential consequence of high energy density in grain-free foods?
Predisposition to obesity
What amino acids are first limiting in corn for dogs?
Lysine, methionine, and tryptophan
These can be easily offset with legume protein such as soy.
True or False: Wheat has an unusually high protein content.
True
Wheat protein content can be up to 18%, mostly gluten.
What is one of the three common causes of food hypersensitivity in dogs?
Wheat
Wheat hypersensitivity is generally secondary to gluten.
What recent health issue has been reported in dogs eating grain-free diets?
Dilated cardiomyopathy
This has been associated with diets containing boutique or exotic ingredients.
What should be assessed to determine the quality of grain-free foods?
Use the same criteria as any other type of pet food
This includes being complete and balanced, passing AAFCO feeding trials, and ensuring acceptable body weight and condition.
Common ingredients linked to dilated cardiomyopathy include…
peas, lentils, other pulses, potatoes.
These ingredients are common in grain-free diets.
What is the intended purpose of raw diets for pets?
To mimic the diet of wild animals
What are the two commercially available forms of raw pet foods?
- Total mixed rations
- Combination rations
Total mixed rations are fed as the sole source of nutrition, while combination rations involve a supplement mix with raw meat.
What is the claim made about raw pet foods?
Marketed as evolutionarily appropriate diet
This claim has been challenged by recent genomic research comparing wolves and dogs.
How many genomic regions were identified as targets for selection during canine domestication?
36 genomic regions, 10 specifically involved in fat and starch metabolism
What adaptation has been noted in dogs that impacts the use of raw diets?
Increased ability to digest starch
This adaptation is due to selection pressure during domestication. “Human” diets are higher in starch.
List some disadvantages of raw pet foods.
- Gastrointestinal foreign bodies and perforation
- Gastroenteritis
- Sepsis
- Iatrogenic hyperthyroidism
- Risk of nutritional imbalance
- Bacterial/parasitic contamination
These risks can lead to significant health issues in pets.
What are some potential risks associated with home-cooked raw diets?
Nutritional imbalance, deficiencies, and excesses
AAFCO guidelines were developed using conventional foods, making it challenging to ensure balance in raw diets.
What types of bacterial contamination are documented in raw pet foods?
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus
- Toxoplasmosis
The true risk of these pathogens in pets and their owners is poorly defined.
What is considered the gold standard for assessing pet food quality?
AAFCO feeding trials
These trials are critical for determining the safety and nutritional adequacy of pet foods.
What factors should be monitored to assess a pet’s health on a raw diet?
- Optimal body weight and condition
- Good coat quality
- Normal stool consistency
These indicators can help evaluate the effectiveness of the diet.
What precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of food-borne infections?
- Promote safe handling of raw foods
- Avoid feeding pets in the kitchen
- Avoid poultry-based products
- Avoid raw foods in pets on immunosuppressive drugs
True or False: Raw pet foods are guaranteed to provide a complete and balanced diet.
False
While it is theoretically possible, many raw diets may lack essential nutrients.
What concentration are essential fatty acids required at?
Essential fatty acids required at ~ 2% DM.
What are the essential fatty acids?
- Linoleic acid
- Linolenic acid
- Arachidonic acid (cats only)
Why are vitamins added in excess?
They may be lost during processing and storage.
Foods should be analyzed after processing to ensure adequate concentrations.
What process reduces vitamin E concentration?
Lipid peroxidation consumes vitamin E.
What can be done to normalize cardiac function in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Switch to more conventional diet containing chicken, beef, corn, rice, wheat (may help).
What does MER stand for? What does it account for?
Maintenance Energy Requirement
MER meets the needs for
* Basal metabolic rate
* Maintenance of normal body temperature
* Recovery from activity
* Food digestion.
What is metabolizable energy (ME)?
Gross energy in food less energy lost in feces and urine
ME represents the energy available to the animal after accounting for losses.
What are the key components to consider when assessing nutrient requirements for adult dogs?
- Equations and tables provide estimates only
- Monitoring patient response is important
- Adjust intake based on weight changes
Initial food intake should be a starting point based on the tables and equations and adjusted as needed.
How often should adult dogs be fed?
Once or twice a day
Meal feeding is considered most appropriate for adult dogs.
What is the recommended maximum percentage of caloric intake that treats should constitute for adult dogs?
10%
Treats should not exceed 10% of the total caloric intake to avoid nutritional imbalances since they are not complete and balanced.
True or False: Vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary for adult dogs.
False
Supplements are generally discouraged if the diet is already complete and balanced.
What is a disadvantage of canned foods for dogs?
Associated with dental disease
Some small dogs may prefer canned food.
Fill in the blank: The initial food intake for dogs should be based on _______.
[equations and tables providing rough estimates]
These estimates serve as starting points for dietary recommendations.
What should be done if a dog is losing weight on a certain diet?
Increase food intake
Monitoring the dog’s response is crucial for adjusting dietary needs.
When should food intake be decreased?
If the animal is obese or gaining weight.
What is most important when choosing canned vs dry food?
Owner and pet preference, either will meet nutritional requirements.
Dry foods less costly and more convenient for most owners.
What happens to the energy requirements of geriatric dogs?
Energy requirements usually decreased
Factors affecting this include neuter status, decreased activity, and decreased muscle mass.
What age is considered a geriatric dog?
Over 7 years old.
What percentage more protein do geriatric dogs require to maintain muscle mass compared to young dogs?
50% more protein
This is crucial for maintaining muscle mass in older dogs.
Are restricted protein diets (such as kindey diets) always appropriate for geriatric dogs?
No, restricted protein diets are not always appropriate due to increased protein requirements - case varies by individual
What types of fiber may be added to the diets of geriatric dogs?
Soluble and/or insoluble fiber
These are beneficial for managing intestinal disorders, diabetes, and obesity.
Which antioxidants are mentioned as potentially beneficial for geriatric dogs?
Vitamins A or E, and Selenium (Se)
These may affect immune response, carcinogenesis, and CNS function.
What supplements are suggested for the management of degenerative joint disease in geriatric dogs?
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - but have limited evidence!
What is the primary recommendation for feeding geriatric dogs?
Complete and balanced commercial diet
Is there a single ration that is appropriate for all aged dogs?
Nope, no single ration is appropriate for all aged dogs
Nutritional needs can vary significantly among individual dogs and over lifespan.
What should be monitored to ensure appropriate energy intake in geriatric dogs?
Body weight and body condition
Should protein intake be automatically restricted for geriatric dogs?
No, do not automatically restrict protein intake
Name two common geriatric conditions that may affect food intake in dogs.
Dental disease and osteoarthritis
.
What is the current status of clinical studies on senior diets for dogs?
More clinical studies are needed to confirm the benefit of senior diets
Fill in the blank: Geriatric dogs require _______ protein to maintain muscle mass than young dogs.
50% more
What type of feeders are cats classified as?
Obligate carnivores
This means cats have specific nutritional requirements that must be met through animal-based sources.
What is the protein requirement of adult cats as a percentage of their caloric intake?
30% of calories
Cats have a high protein requirement.
What are the absolute requirements for adult cats?
- Taurine
- Arginine
What fatty acid can cats not synthesize and must obtain from animal sources?
Arachidonic acid
Require animal source fats to meet this requirement.
What conversions can cats not complete?
Cannot convert carotene to vitamin A (retinol)
Cannot convert tryptophan to niacin
Cats have a decreased capacity to synthesize…
Vitamin D, they cannot use sunlight
What is the estimated daily energy requirement for adult cats?
50 to 80 kcal ME/kg/d
Energy requirements for cats are poorly defined and varies with activity level.
What feeding methods are acceptable for adult cats?
- Meal feeding
- Ad libitum feeding
Owners should consider their cat’s preferences and their own schedule.
True or False: Obese cats do better with meal feeding.
True
What is the consensus on using vitamin or mineral supplements for adult cats?
Do not use
A balanced diet typically meets all nutritional needs.
How do the energy requirements of geriatric cats change with age?
Less clear than dogs; likely decreased needs
However, protein needs may remain unchanged or increase.
What is the fiber intake requirement in geriatric cats?
Optimal fiber intake is controversial
The amount and type (insoluble vs. soluble) are debated.
What are the protein requirements for geriatric cats?
Unchanged or increased
What is the recommendation regarding protein intake in geriatric cats?
Do not automatically restrict protein intake
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
What type of diet is recommended for geriatric cats?
Good quality, complete, and balanced diet
This helps address their unique nutritional needs.
What type of ration should be provided to pets?
Complete and balanced commercial ration
Ensure the ration is identified by brand name, flavor, and form (dry, canned, or semi-moist).
What should be included in feeding instructions for pets?
Clear and specific written instructions
- Brand name, flavour and form
- Exact amount to be fed
- Update the medical record
Provide several choices (consider cost and availabilty)