Nutritional Advice for Dogs and Cats

The unique nutrient needs of dogs and cats, based on their physiological differences.

Essential nutrients that are required in small amounts for various bodily functions.

A compulsory carnivore, meaning they must obtain certain nutrients from animal-based sources.

The animal's age, breed, activity level, health status, and any specific needs or conditions.

Information about the pet's current diet, including the type of food, quantity, and frequency of meals.

A plan for feeding the animal that meets its specific nutritional requirements based on the animal's details and diet history.

Steps that ensure the nutritional advice provided is accurate, reliable, and based on scientific evidence.

Reliable sources of information about animal nutrition, such as scientific journals, veterinary textbooks, and reputable organizations.

An essential fatty acid that cats cannot synthesize, even with sufficient linoleic acid intake. It is a 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid derived from linoleic acid, and plays a vital role in cell membranes, particularly in the nervous system, skeletal muscle, and immune system.

The conversion of linoleic acid into arachidonic acid. This process requires the delta-6-desaturase enzyme, which cats lack.

A major site of fiber fermentation in dogs, where beneficial bacteria break down fiber into short-chain fatty acids, contributing to gut health and energy production.

The process where dietary starch is broken down by enzymes, primarily in the small intestine, to release glucose.

The breakdown of fiber by bacteria in the large intestine, which produces short-chain fatty acids. This varies between 7-35%

Cats have a smaller cecum compared to dogs, limiting their ability to digest poorly digestible starches.

A significant portion of water is absorbed from the large intestine, contributing to solid waste formation.

Niacin (B3) is a crucial vitamin involved in cellular respiration and energy production.

Cats cannot convert tryptophan to niacin, unlike other animals.

Dietary sources rich in niacin include yeast, animal by-products, cereals, legumes, and oilseeds.

Cats require significantly more niacin than dogs.

Niacin deficiency can lead to health issues like anorexia, diarrhea, ulcers, poor coat, and respiratory distress.

Hindgut health is crucial for the production of B vitamins by microorganisms during fermentation.

Dog owners tend to walk their dogs daily, accumulating around 3.5 hours of walking per week. This compares to a non-dog owner, who does not.

Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to people without a dog.

The study found that dog owners walked their dogs for an average of 3.5 hours per week.

Dog walkers are generally more active, with an average of 2000 more steps, 13 minutes more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, and are 4 times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than non-dog owners.

Dog owners who walk their dogs for at least half an hour are more likely to own a dog from the Gundog, Pastoral, or Working groups.

Dogs belonging to toy, utility, terrier, and hound groups are less likely to be walked for at least half an hour.

Almost half of the dogs exercised for less than half an hour were small dogs.

It is important to be aware of context when assessing a dog's exercise needs. This includes the dog's breed, size, and lifestyle.

A system for assessing a pet's body condition by feeling for fat deposits over the skeleton, providing a visual indication of their weight status.

Evaluates the amount of fat cover on the ribs, topline, tail base, abdomen, and waist area to determine the animal's body condition.

A scale used to determine the overall body condition of an animal, often with levels ranging from emaciated to obese.

Refers to a very skinny or thin animal, often due to inadequate nutrition or illness.

Describes an animal that is overweight, meaning they have excess body fat.

Denotes a state of severe obesity, where an animal has excessive fat accumulation, posing health risks.

The optimal body condition for a pet, ensuring good health and proper functionality.

Recording a pet's weight, comparing it to historical data, and plotting it on a graph to track weight changes over time.

A guide on the food label that shows the recommended amount of food to feed an animal based on its weight.

The specific ingredients and their percentages that make up the pet food.

The nutritional analysis of the pet food, showing key nutrient percentages like protein, fat, and fiber.

The information about the manufacturer, including their contact details and registration number.

The weight gain or loss, and whether the animal is too fat or too thin, helps determine if the feed is appropriate and the quality of the food.

Knowing if the pet is getting the right amount of food as recommended on the feed guide is important for ensuring their health.

Understanding the pet's previous diet, including the type of food, quantity, and frequency of meals, is important for making dietary changes.

Knowing if a pet is on a special diet, such as a metabolic diet, is crucial for providing appropriate nutritional advice based on their specific needs.