U10 Nutrional Management K9 Flashcards
What is the primary goal of preventative nutritional management for companion animals?
To enable the companion animal to live a long and relatively disease-free life
This goal emphasizes the importance of understanding individual nutritional needs.
What factors influence the feeding requirements of companion animals?
Factors include:
* Genetics
* Individual nutrient requirements
* Life stages
* Anatomical differences
* Digestive physiologies
Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining the appropriate diet.
Why is it important to evaluate each animal’s nutrient requirements individually?
Because each animal’s needs can vary considerably, even among those of the same species
For example, a 6-week-old puppy has different requirements than a 12-year-old dog.
What should be monitored to assess an animal’s dietary needs?
Body condition and vitality while on a given diet
This monitoring helps ensure that the diet is meeting the animal’s nutritional needs.
Fill in the blank: A cow should not be fed an _______ diet.
all-meat diet
This highlights the importance of species-appropriate diets.
Fill in the blank: A cat should not be fed an _______ diet.
all-grain diet
This reinforces the need for balanced nutrition based on species.
What has become rare due to advances in companion animal nutrition?
Obvious deficiencies in diets
However, the trend has shifted towards excesses from over-supplementation.
What are diets developed for companion animals designed to do?
Meet the changing nutritional demands during different life stages
This adaptability is crucial for maintaining optimal health.
True or False: All pet food is created equal.
False
Quality and nutritional content can vary significantly between different pet foods.
What must pet nutritionists be able to discuss regarding pet food?
Why one food would be better to feed than another
This knowledge is essential for providing accurate nutritional information to clients.
What is essential for all animals to have daily?
An adequate intake of nutrients
This can be achieved by feeding a high-quality, well-balanced diet.
What has the pet industry developed to address nutritional needs?
Diets that provide complete, well-balanced nutrition when fed exclusively
These diets are designed to maintain optimal health for pets.
What are the criteria for a food to be considered high-quality?
It must be nutritionally adequate, have sufficient energy, have a fixed formula, be acceptable, and be digestible.
Nutritionally adequate means supplying all required nutrients at appropriate levels. Acceptable means the animal will eat it, and digestible means the animal can utilize the nutrients.
What is the importance of a fixed formula in animal food?
A fixed formula prevents changes in ingredients from batch to batch, which can cause intestinal upset to the animal.
This stability in ingredients helps maintain consistent nutrition and digestive health.
What should be monitored when introducing a new diet to an animal?
The animal should be monitored to ensure that the food is appropriate for that individual.
Monitoring includes observing the animal’s health, digestion, and overall response to the new food.
What is meal feeding?
Meal feeding involves offering a set amount of food at a specific time of day, with uneaten food removed after a certain period.
This method helps establish a routine and allows for adjustments based on the animal’s eating habits.
How should the amount of food be adjusted in meal feeding?
Begin with the amount specified on the pet food label and adjust based on whether the animal consistently eats all the food or leaves some.
Body condition score (BCS) should also be taken into account for adjustments.
What is the significance of keeping the feeding time consistent in meal feeding?
It helps the animal learn when to expect food and makes outdoor scheduling easier.
Consistency in feeding time can also aid in training and behavioral management.
What is free choice feeding?
Free choice feeding is a method where food is available to the animal at all times, allowing it to eat whenever it wants.
This method can be suitable for certain animals and circumstances, particularly if they self-regulate their intake.
What is a key nutritional requirement for reproducing animals?
Proper feeding to maintain both the mother and growing fetuses
The health of the mother prior to breeding is crucial for the viability of the puppies.
What should be assessed before breeding a dog?
A health examination to uncover any medical problems
Correcting any medical issues is essential for a healthy litter.
What is the effect of breeding an overweight dog?
May result in very large fetuses and whelping problems
Overweight animals can face complications during the birthing process.
What happens if a dog is underweight at breeding time?
May be unable to consume enough nutrients to support her own body and the fetuses
This situation can lead to increased puppy mortality.
What dietary changes should be made once a bitch is bred?
The diet should be formulated for growth or reproduction
This includes additional levels of energy, protein, and certain minerals.
Why is it important to provide a pregnant dog with a high-quality growth diet?
To ensure proper nutrition for the bitch and the growing puppies
Adequate nutrition supports fetal growth, antibody production, and milk production.
When should the intake of food for a pregnant dog be increased?
During the last trimester of pregnancy
The first two trimesters see minimal fetal growth (25-30%).
What is the primary concern regarding a dog’s weight before breeding?
The dog should be at its optimal weight
This helps ensure the health of both the mother and her puppies.
Fill in the blank: The nutritional requirements of a reproducing animal vary depending on the stage of _______.
[reproduction]
True or False: A pregnant dog does not need any dietary changes after breeding.
False
A pregnant dog requires a specially formulated diet to support her health and the fetuses.
When should a pregnant dog start receiving increased food intake?
Starting at about the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy
The increase in food intake is to ensure the mother is receiving 25-50% more than her customary maintenance level by whelping time.
What is the recommended method for feeding a pregnant dog to reduce the risk of gastro-intestinal upset?
Divide food into several small meals throughout the day
This method compensates for decreased abdominal space due to increased fetal size.
What is one of the most demanding tasks for a lactating mother dog?
Production of sufficient quantities of high-quality milk
Puppies rely solely on the mother’s milk during their first few weeks of life.
What factors influence the lactating mother’s nutritional needs?
Size of the litter and size of the puppies
Adequate nutrition is crucial for the mother to produce rich and sufficient milk.
Why is fresh water important for a lactating mother dog?
It helps maintain milk production and compensates for water loss
Milk contains significant levels of water, and adequate water intake ensures proper milk volume.
What behavior might indicate that puppies are not receiving adequate nutrition?
Restlessness or constant crying
These signs may suggest insufficient nutrients or volumes of milk.
How much should a lactating mother dog increase her food intake in the first four weeks?
1.5 to 2 times her normal maintenance diet level
This can rise to as much as 4 times in the fourth week.
What change might be necessary in feeding a lactating mother dog around the fourth week?
Change in the method of feeding to ensure adequate consumption
Many mothers will not leave their puppies to get food and may need it brought to them.
What is the primary objective in feeding a lactating bitch?
Maintain the mother’s good health and optimal weight
Ensuring the mother is healthy is critical for the well-being of the puppies.
What should be done to the mother’s food intake as the puppies begin to wean?
Decrease the mother’s food intake gradually
This helps to avoid complications such as mastitis and ensures the mother does not consume excessive calories.
What is the recommended food consumption for the mother by the time the puppies are completely weaned?
No more than 25-30% above maintenance levels
This is important to prevent obesity in the mother.
What is the primary objective in preventative nutritional management for puppies?
To promote longevity and health
A healthy start is crucial for achieving this objective.
When should high-quality, nutritionally balanced diets be introduced to puppies?
While they are young and continue through various life stages
This ensures proper growth and health.
What is one of the most critical periods in puppy nutrition?
Just after birth
This period significantly affects their nutritional needs.
What must a puppy receive in the first 24 hours of its life?
Colostrum
Colostrum contains essential immunity for the newborn puppy.
What is colostrum?
The special milk produced by the mother that contains immunity
It is crucial for the puppy’s health in the early stages of life.
Why is it essential for newborn puppies to receive colostrum during the first 24 hours?
They are unable to produce immunoglobulins to fight disease
The mother’s milk provides antibodies that the puppy can absorb.
What are immunoglobulins?
Large protein molecules that form antibodies
They are crucial for fighting diseases in newborn puppies.
True or False: Puppies can absorb large proteins from their mother’s milk after the first 24 hours of birth.
False
Puppies can only absorb these large proteins during the first 24 hours.
What is colostrum?
The first milk produced by the mother, low in fats and proteins
Colostrum provides essential nutrients in the early days of a puppy’s life.
How does the composition of a puppy’s milk change as it grows?
Fats and proteins levels increase in the milk as the puppy ages
This change supports the growing nutritional needs of the puppy.
What is the significance of iron in a puppy’s milk?
It reflects the increased needs of the puppy
Iron is crucial for the puppy’s development and energy.
How often should a puppy’s weight be monitored in the first two weeks?
Daily
Monitoring weight helps ensure the puppy is nursing adequately.
What is the basic guideline for puppy weight gain in the first month?
A gain of 1 to 2 grams per day for every pound of anticipated adult weight
This guideline helps track healthy growth.
What should be done if a problem with milk production or nursing abilities is noted?
Adjustments can be made by supplementation or the introduction of puppy food
Early intervention is critical to ensure the health of the puppies.
At what age should solid food be introduced to puppies?
About 4 weeks
Puppies begin to require more energy than milk can provide.
Why might solid food need to be introduced earlier than 4 weeks?
Large litters or insufficient milk production
These factors can necessitate earlier feeding of solid food.
What should the first solid food introduced to puppies be like?
Very high-quality growth food, either dry or canned, prepared to the consistency of gruel
The food should be served in a shallow bowl for easy access.
What is a critical consideration when preparing gruel from dry food?
Warm water can become a breeding ground for fungus
Do not leave the serving down for more than an hour.
How often should new food be made available to puppies after introduction?
At least 4 times daily
This helps familiarize them with the concept of eating on their own.
When should puppies have enough teeth to eat dry food?
6 weeks
What is the kcal/kg/day for a weaning puppy?
274
What is the kcal/kg/day for a 6 month puppy?
200
What is the kcal/kg/day for an adult dog?
130
During the rapid growth phase, fat cells increase in what?
Size and numbers
When do large/giant breeds roughly reach maturity?
20-22 months
When do small/toy breeds roughly reach maturity?
7 months
What problem is over feeding and increased growth rate linked to?
Skeletal problems, like hip dysplasia.
Puppy nutrition requires how much DM protein?
25-30%
Growth diets for large breed puppies should have no more than how much calcium and phosphorus?
1.8% Calcium and 1.6% Phosphorus
Growth diets for small breed puppies should have no more than how much calcium in their diet?
2.5% Calcium
Calcium should be a minimum of how much regardless of breed?
1.25%
What is the most appropriate temperature for puppy formula?
38°C
For the first 3 weeks, how much kcal of ME/kg/day should a puppy get?
130-150 kcal of ME/kg/day
After 4 weeks, how much kcal or ME/kg/day should a puppy get?
200-220 kcal of ME/kg/day
How to ensure the correct length of tube for tube feeding?
Measure from the last rib to the top of the nose
At what point is a dog considered an adult?
Once it reaches 90% of its expected adult weight
How much kcal/kg/day does an adult need?
130kcal/kg/day
How much DM protein does an adult dog need?
15-20%
What are the three types of maintenance diets?
Dry
Semi-moist
Canned
What do abrupt changes to diet cause?
A drastic change to bacterial flora, leading to diarrhea
