Nutrition - Part 2 (VTHT 2201)

Nutrition - Part 2 (VTHT 2201)

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the roles of each nutrient.
  • Differentiate the nutritional needs of dogs and cats and understand how needs may vary.
  • Learn how to discuss obesity and weight loss with clients.

USDA Canine Food Pyramid

• Depicts a pyramid-shaped food guide for dogs, with varying levels representing different food choices.
• Lowest level includes plants, grass, and weeds.
• Higher levels include dog food, cat food, furniture, shoes, etc.
• Top level represents "everything," which visually depicts what dogs might also eat besides intended food.

What Dogs Think Their Diet Should Be

• A cartoon depicts the diverse options dogs may include in their diet, including things not typically intended as food.
• The image highlights the importance of proper canine nutrition and the various options they may include in their diet.

Understanding Nutrients

• Nutrients change throughout an animal's life.
• Determining factors for nutrient change include excess and insufficient levels of nutrients.
• Common nutrients in excess in current diets include sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• These excessive nutrients can cause health problems.
• Ingredients are different from nutrients: ingredients are what the food contains, and nutrients is what the animal needs.

Nutrient Pyramid

• A pyramid representing nutrients, with energy at the top.
• Vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and water are included.
• Fats provide the most energy, while water is the most critical.

Water

• Water is the most critical and plentiful substance.
• It comprises 60-70% of body weight.
• Necessary for all body processes.
• 10% dehydration is serious illness, 15% is fatal.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates provide calories and energy.
• Digestible carbs include starches and sugars from grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Indigestible carbs (fiber) are crucial for stool quality and include cellulose, pectin, peanut hulls, and others.
• Low-calorie options include peanut hulls and soy mill run.

Protein

• Protein is used for tissue building and growth.
• Found in blood, hormones, muscle, hair, antibodies, and cartilage.
• Composed of amino acids.
• Essential (vs. non-essential) amino acids must be from diet.
• Non-essentials can be produced in the body.

More About Protein

• Excess protein is not necessary- it becomes waste or fat.
• Protein is broken down, processed, and excreted by the liver and kidneys.
• Guaranteed analysis does not represent biologic value.
• Dogs and cats may need different protein requirements.
• Essential amino acids for dogs include beef, dairy, wheat, lamb, egg, chicken, and soy.
• Essential amino acids for cats include beef, dairy, and fish.

Fats

• Fats transport nutrients, control inflammation, form hormones, speed nerve signals, and provide a barrier against infection.
• Fats are a concentrated energy source- slow but efficient, providing calories.
• Fats are made up of building blocks.
• Necessary for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide essential fatty acids.
• Too much fat can lead to obesity.

Vitamins

• Vitamins regulate metabolism, assist in bone formation, clotting, and vision.
• Different vitamins are categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble and have different roles in the body.
• Excessive levels of certain vitamins can lead to toxicity.
• Antioxidants like Vitamin E and C and beta-carotene reduce cell damage.

Minerals

• Macrominerals needed in large amounts such as calcium, potassium and sodium support nerve conduction and acid-base balance.
• Microminerals, or trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts, including iron and zinc which play essential roles in the body.
• All minerals are interconnected, and imbalances can lead to harm.

What is all the buzz about grain-free diets?

• Grain-free diets are popular due to beliefs about grain allergens, though only a small percentage of dogs are actually sensitive.
• Properly cooked grains are utilized by the body.
• Grain-free diets have replaced grain with starchy foods, which while supplying some similar nutrients, may be lacking in others.
• Some grain-free diets have been associated with DCM in dogs.
• Further research is underway in determining the exact cause of the issues observed with grain-free diets.

Important Facts About Nutrition

• Percentage of obese pets is high (>50% BFI).
• By-products are secondary results from producing something else.
• Corn is digestible and a source of protein, carbohydrates, and fatty acids.
• Ingredients are listed by pre-cooked weight.
• Meat is high in water content which leads to apparent higher weight in dry food.
• Canned food does not have the same issue as water weight in dry food.
• Pet weight loss programs should be specific.
• Various factors can affect ideal weight, and the ideal weight can be estimated from ~1 yr old.

Assigning BCS

• Body condition scoring (BCS) system is used to assess the condition of a pet according to their weight and body fat.
• Visible categories include too skinny/malnourished, ideal weight, and overweight and obese, with specific visual indicators of each scoring category.
• The system used for scoring pets is used to assess health and fitness.

Tips for Crucial Conversations About Pet Weight Loss

• Gather detailed history and perform physical exam.
• Understand the client's role in the pet's body condition.
• Use evidence-based discussions when educating clients.
• Educate clients about health risks associated with obesity and provide solutions with vet's direction.
• Provide nutritional plans, lifestyle changes, evidence-based strategies and tech support.
• Avoid negative language and address concerns that may result in non-compliance.
• Follow-up care and communication.

Dive deeper into the roles of nutrients in canine and feline diets with this quiz based on VTHT 2201. Learn to differentiate nutritional needs, discuss obesity, and explore the USDA Canine Food Pyramid. This content emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for dogs and how their dietary perceptions may differ.