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.