Introduction to Nutrition 1.6

Monogastric Digestion Systems

• Non-functional caecum (appendix) is present in dogs, cats, rats, mice, pigs, and fish.
• These animals have a poor ability to handle fibrous foods.
• Digestion involves chemical action on food material.

Functioning Caecum - Hind Gut Fermenter

• Horse, rabbit, and guinea pig have a functioning caecum and enlarged colon.
• The caecum and colon contain micro-organisms that break down fibrous plant material through microbial fermentation.
• Absorption is low in these animals, requiring them to eat large quantities of food to obtain required nutrients.

Monogastric Digestion Systems

• Non-functioning caecum (appendix) found in dogs, cats, rats, mice, pigs, and fish
• Digestion involves chemical action on food material
• Poor ability to handle fibrous foods

Hindgut Fermenter Digestion Systems

• Functioning caecum found in horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs
• Caecum and colon are enlarged and contain micro-organisms to break down fibrous plant material through microbial fermentation
• Absorption is low, requiring animals to eat large quantities of food to get required nutrients

Ruminant Digestion Systems

• Multi-compartment stomach, e.g., four stomachs in sheep
• Ruminant animals, also known as "cud chewers", chew, regurgitate, and re-swallow food
• No upper front teeth in ruminant mouth, and no enzymes in saliva
• Examples of ruminant animals include cows, sheep, and goats
• Ruminant animals cannot tolerate too much grain in their diet, risking grain poisoning or acidosis
• High energy provision for ruminants must consider this risk

Monogastric Digestion Systems

• Characterized by a non-functioning caecum (appendix) to break down roughage
• Examples of monogastric animals: dogs, cats, rats, mice, pigs, and fish
• Digestion involves a chemical action on food material
• Poor ability to handle fibrous foods

Caecum-based Digestion Systems

• Functioning caecum, also known as hind-gut ferments, found in horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs
• Caecum and colon are enlarged and contain micro-organisms to break down fibrous plant material through microbial fermentation
• Absorption is low, requiring animals to eat large quantities of food to obtain required nutrients

Ruminant Digestion Systems

• Characterized by a multi-compartment stomach
• Examples of ruminant animals: cows, sheep, and goats
• Often referred to as "cud chewers" due to their regurgitation and reswallowing behavior
• Lack of upper front teeth in the mouth
• No enzymes in the saliva
• Cannot tolerate high amounts of grain in their diet, as it can cause grain poisoning or acidosis
• Require high energy provision, taking into account their dietary limitations

Stomach Compartments in Ruminant Systems

• Reticulum: traps dangerous objects, prevents them from proceeding through the tract, and stores, sorts, and moves feed back to the esophagus for regurgitation
• Rumen: functions as a storage vat, where food is soaked, mixed, and fermented, with some absorption of nutrients and breakdown of feed through microbial action
• Omasum: grinds roughage
• Abomasum: the only true stomach, functioning similarly to a monogastric stomach

Monogastric Digestion Systems

• Characterized by a non-functioning caecum (appendix) to break down roughage
• Examples of monogastric animals: dogs, cats, rats, mice, pigs, and fish
• Digestion involves a chemical action on food material
• Poor ability to handle fibrous foods

Caecum-based Digestion Systems

• Functioning caecum, also known as hind-gut ferments, found in horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs
• Caecum and colon are enlarged and contain micro-organisms to break down fibrous plant material through microbial fermentation
• Absorption is low, requiring animals to eat large quantities of food to obtain required nutrients

Ruminant Digestion Systems

• Characterized by a multi-compartment stomach
• Examples of ruminant animals: cows, sheep, and goats
• Often referred to as "cud chewers" due to their regurgitation and reswallowing behavior
• Lack of upper front teeth in the mouth
• No enzymes in the saliva
• Cannot tolerate high amounts of grain in their diet, as it can cause grain poisoning or acidosis
• Require high energy provision, taking into account their dietary limitations

Stomach Compartments in Ruminant Systems

• Reticulum: traps dangerous objects, prevents them from proceeding through the tract, and stores, sorts, and moves feed back to the esophagus for regurgitation
• Rumen: functions as a storage vat, where food is soaked, mixed, and fermented, with some absorption of nutrients and breakdown of feed through microbial action
• Omasum: grinds roughage
• Abomasum: the only true stomach, functioning similarly to a monogastric stomach

Ruminant System

• Consists of 4 stomachs: Reticulum, Rumen, Omasum, and Abomasum

Reticulum

• Traps dangerous objects and prevents them from proceeding through the rest of the tract
• Also known as "hardware disease" (e.g. cow eats wire, nails, staples)
• Stores, sorts, and moves feed back to the esophagus for regurgitation (throwing up)

Rumen

• Functions as a storage vat
• Food is soaked, mixed, and fermented
• Some absorption of nutrients occurs
• Breakdown of feed through microbial action occurs

Omasum

• Grinds roughage

Abomasum

• Only true stomach
• Functions similarly to a monogastric stomach

Ruminant System

• Consists of 4 stomachs: Reticulum, Rumen, Omasum, and Abomasum

Reticulum

• Traps dangerous objects and prevents them from proceeding through the rest of the tract
• Also known as "hardware disease" (e.g. cow eats wire, nails, staples)
• Stores, sorts, and moves feed back to the esophagus for regurgitation (throwing up)

Rumen

• Functions as a storage vat
• Food is soaked, mixed, and fermented
• Some absorption of nutrients occurs
• Breakdown of feed through microbial action occurs

Omasum

• Grinds roughage

Abomasum

• Only true stomach
• Functions similarly to a monogastric stomach

Ruminant System

• Consists of 4 stomachs: Reticulum, Rumen, Omasum, and Abomasum

Reticulum

• Traps dangerous objects and prevents them from proceeding through the rest of the tract
• Also known as "hardware disease" (e.g. cow eats wire, nails, staples)
• Stores, sorts, and moves feed back to the esophagus for regurgitation (throwing up)

Rumen

• Functions as a storage vat
• Food is soaked, mixed, and fermented
• Some absorption of nutrients occurs
• Breakdown of feed through microbial action occurs

Omasum

• Grinds roughage

Abomasum

• Only true stomach
• Functions similarly to a monogastric stomach

Cat Nutrition

• High-quality, complete, and balanced diet is essential for cats

Types of Food

• Commercial dry food (biscuits) and wet food
• Quality varies, and good storage is important

Life-Stage Appropriate Nutrition

Kitten Nutrition

• High protein and high fat content to support rapid growth and high energy levels
• Ad lib feeding or 8-10 small meals per day
• Foods rich in easily digestible animal protein, fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine (e.g., chicken and fish sources)

Adult Nutrition

• Several small meals per day
• Vitamin A from liver, kidney, and other organ meats for healthy growth
• Niacin for healthy growth
• Essential fatty acids for healthy skin and fur
• Taurine for healthy eyes and heart muscle

Senior Nutrition

• Good quality protein with moderate fat to prevent obesity
• Very old cats require high protein, fat, and calorie foods to support lean body mass and immune function

Cat Nutrition

• High-quality, complete, and balanced diets are essential for cats.
• There are two types of commercial food: dry (biscuits) and wet.
• The quality of commercial food varies, and proper storage is necessary.

Life-Stage Appropriate Nutrition

• Kitten diet:
  • High protein and high fat content to support rapid growth and high energy levels.
  • Ad-lib feeding or 8-10 small meals per day.
  • Easily digestible animal protein, fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine-rich foods like chicken and fish are necessary.
• Adult diet:
  • Several small meals per day.
  • Vitamin A from liver, kidney, and other organ meats, and niacin are necessary for healthy growth.
  • Essential fatty acids support healthy skin and fur.
  • Taurine is essential for healthy eyes and heart muscle.
• Senior diet:
  • Good quality protein with moderate fat to prevent obesity.
  • Very old cats require high protein, fat, and calorie diets to support lean body mass and immune function.

Special Dietary Needs

• Diabetic cats require specialized diets.
• Cats with kidney issues require diets that support kidney function.

Feeding Frequency and Nutritional Requirements

• Cats are obligate carnivores and require a meat-based diet.
• Lean meat alone is not sufficient, as it lacks essential nutrients.
• Certain nutrients, such as taurine, must be supplied in their diet to prevent eye and heart diseases.
• Taurine is essential for prenatal and neonatal development.
• Cats often have trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk.

Dog Nutrition

• A complete and balanced diet is required for each individual life stage, which includes puppy, adult/mature, and senior.

Life Stage and Activity Level

• The diet should be tailored to the dog's activity level, including normal activity and desexed dogs.

Health Conditions

• Dogs with health conditions require a specific diet that addresses their needs.

Puppy Nutrition

• Newly weaned pups need small meals throughout the day, ideally 4-6 times daily.
• Puppies between 4-9 months of age require 2-3 meals per day.
• Puppies need an energy-rich diet that includes: • Protein • Fat (slow-burning energy) • Calcium • Phosphorus • Some carbohydrates for quick energy

Breed-Specific Nutrition

• Smaller breeds require higher levels of certain nutrients.
• Large breed dogs require lower levels of certain nutrients.

Life-Stage and Activity Level Considerations in Dog Nutrition

• Different life stages (puppy, adult/mature, senior) and activity levels require tailored diets for optimal health.
• Desexed dogs and those with health conditions have specific dietary needs.

Puppy Nutrition (4-9 months)

• Feed 2-3 meals per day for optimal growth and development.
• Provide an energy-rich diet containing:
  • Protein for growth and development
  • Fat for slow-burning energy
  • Calcium and phosphorus for bone growth
  • Carbohydrates for quick energy

Puppy Nutrition (small breeds vs. large breeds)

• Smaller breeds require higher levels of carbohydrates and protein due to their faster metabolism.
• Larger breeds require less carbohydrates and protein to prevent excessive growth.

Adult and Mature Dog Nutrition

• Feed 2 meals per day for maintenance and overall health.
• Provide a diet that:
  • Maintains healthy teeth and gums
  • Supports muscle maintenance with high-quality, animal-based protein
  • Balances fats and carbohydrates based on work requirements
  • Includes fiber for a healthy digestive tract
  • Provides essential vitamins and minerals for immune system function
  • Includes vitamin-rich fish oils for a healthy coat, skin, and overall health
  • Includes healthy grains for energy

Working Dog Nutrition

• Feed a diet that includes more carbohydrates to support high energy needs.

Sedentary Dog Nutrition

• Feed a diet that includes more slow-burning fats for energy.

Large Breed Dog Nutrition

• Feed a diet that includes:
  • Glucosamine to support joint health
  • Lower fat content to prevent obesity and joint issues

Senior Dog Nutrition

• Feed 1-2 meals per day to prevent obesity and support overall health.
• Provide a diet that:
  • Is lower in calories
  • Includes balanced protein and fat levels to avoid illness
  • Is higher in fiber to prevent constipation

Life-Stage and Activity Level Considerations in Dog Nutrition

• Different life stages (puppy, adult/mature, senior) and activity levels require tailored diets for optimal health.
• Desexed dogs and those with health conditions have specific dietary needs.

Puppy Nutrition (4-9 months)

• Feed 2-3 meals per day for optimal growth and development.
• Provide an energy-rich diet containing:
  • Protein for growth and development
  • Fat for slow-burning energy
  • Calcium and phosphorus for bone growth
  • Carbohydrates for quick energy

Puppy Nutrition (small breeds vs. large breeds)

• Smaller breeds require higher levels of carbohydrates and protein due to their faster metabolism.
• Larger breeds require less carbohydrates and protein to prevent excessive growth.

Adult and Mature Dog Nutrition

• Feed 2 meals per day for maintenance and overall health.
• Provide a diet that:
  • Maintains healthy teeth and gums
  • Supports muscle maintenance with high-quality, animal-based protein
  • Balances fats and carbohydrates based on work requirements
  • Includes fiber for a healthy digestive tract
  • Provides essential vitamins and minerals for immune system function
  • Includes vitamin-rich fish oils for a healthy coat, skin, and overall health
  • Includes healthy grains for energy

Working Dog Nutrition

• Feed a diet that includes more carbohydrates to support high energy needs.

Sedentary Dog Nutrition

• Feed a diet that includes more slow-burning fats for energy.

Large Breed Dog Nutrition

• Feed a diet that includes:
  • Glucosamine to support joint health
  • Lower fat content to prevent obesity and joint issues

Senior Dog Nutrition

• Feed 1-2 meals per day to prevent obesity and support overall health.
• Provide a diet that:
  • Is lower in calories
  • Includes balanced protein and fat levels to avoid illness
  • Is higher in fiber to prevent constipation

Nutrition Requirements for Dogs

• A complete and balanced diet is essential for each individual life stage: puppy, adult/mature, and senior.
• Energy-rich diet is required for puppies (4-9 mths) with 4-6 meals/day, including protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus.
• Puppies over 9 mths and adults require 2 meals/day with a focus on keeping teeth healthy and providing caloric density.

Dietary Needs based on Activity Level

• Working dogs need more carbohydrates for energy, while sedentary dogs benefit from slow-burning fats.
• High-quality, animal-based protein is essential for muscle maintenance.
• Fats and carbohydrate balance depend on work requirements.

Nutritional Requirements for Specific Life Stages

• Senior dogs (1-2 meals/day) need a diet lower in calories to prevent obesity, with a balance of protein and fat, and higher fiber to avoid constipation.

Dietary Considerations

• Introduce new diets gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upsets.
• Avoid exercising dogs on a full stomach.
• Bones can cause gastrointestinal blockages, constipation, and tooth damage, so supervision is necessary.

Special Diets

• Diets are available for dogs and cats with kidney problems, skin allergies, and other health conditions.
• Desexed dogs, dogs with health conditions, and newly weaned pups require specific dietary needs.