Dog and Cat Feeding Management

Feeding Dogs and Cats

• Feeding Management (Dogs):
  • Wolves hunt in packs, consuming food immediately in a predetermined order.
  • Some dogs still gorge, posing risks of choking and food bloat.
  • Minimizing isolation during feeding can minimize risks associated with dominance.
  • Feeding methods can be modified to slow down consumption(puzzle feeders or changing food types) or speed it up (feeding with other dogs/changing food type)
• Feeding Management (Cats):
  • Wild cats hunt alone, consuming many rodents each day.
  • Domestic cats' feeding requirements differ from those of large cats.
  • Domestic cats generally eat 9-16 smaller meals a day, each containing about 23 kcal.
• Nutritional Requirements:
  • Nutritional needs depend on the pet's life stage (age, activity level, reproductive status, and health).
  • Food needs to meet the pet's energy and nutrient requirements, which vary.
  • Free-choice or ad-lib feeding is a common method where food is always available.
  • Dry food is preferred due to its stability and convenience.
• Feeding Regimes:
  • Free choice relies on the animal's ability to self-regulate, but can lead to overeating and obesity.
  • Controlled feeding times help with regulating intake.

Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

• BCS (Dogs):
  • BCS is a subjective assessment used in conjunction with weight.
  • Variation exists within breeds.
  • Body fat changes about 10-15% per level.
  • 5-point scale from emaciated to obese. Indicators include muscle loss, fat presence, and how easily bones are seen.
• BCS (Cats):
  • 5-point scale from emaciated to obese.
  • Indicators include fat presence, and how easily bones are seen

Feeding For Pregnancy and Lactation (Dogs & Cats)

• Pregnancy (Dogs & Cats):
  • Gestation periods for dogs and cats last 63 and 63 days, respectively.
  • Complete diets, including balanced, highly-digestible ingredients are recommended.
  • Increase the caloric intake gradually.
• Lactation (Dogs & Cats):
  • Nutritional demands increase during lactation as the mother produces milk for their pups.
  • Energy intake levels should return to normal within 8 weeks postpartum.
  • Protein, fats and carbs are important requirements for lactating mother.
• Nutrient Requirements:
  • Calcium and phosphorus are critical for fetal development, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.
  • Supplementing with certain fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 can be beneficial

Neonatal Puppies and Kittens

• First 2 Weeks:
  • First week is critical for survival - pups are altricial(dependent on mother)
  • Low body fat(1-2%), they need colostrum for antibodies and nutrients.
• Feeding frequency:
  • Orphans need to be hand-fed, or have a foster mother
  • Frequent feedings are required (4-6 times per day).
  • The amount fed depends on the species.
  • Special milk replacers for both should be considered.
• Weaning:
  • Weaning usually begins around 3-4 weeks old.
  • Gradual transition to solid food is crucial to avoid gastric issues such as distension

Growth and Development

• Growth in Dogs
  • Growth rates vary depending on breed and size.
  • Ensure that the diet meets the higher protein requirements during the rapid growth phase.
  • Feeding practices should be adjusted during growth phases to meet nutrient needs and prevent excess weight gain
• Growth in Cats
  • Similar to dogs, cats also have a rapid growth phase.
  • Protein, fats, and carbs are important requirements for growth.
  • Proper feeding is important throughout to achieve normal weight and development

Additional Considerations in Feeding

• Carbohydrates: -Carbohydrates are not always required if other nutrient sources (amino acids) are sufficient.
  • The quality of food is important if no supplementation is needed.
• Water:
  • Fresh, clean water is crucial for proper hydration, which is vital for the health of pets.

Explore effective feeding strategies for dogs and cats, considering their natural behaviors and nutritional requirements. Understand how to minimize risks like choking in dogs by modifying feeding methods. Learn about the differences in feeding habits between domestic cats and their wild counterparts.