Quiz 1-2 companion animal nutrition

Carbohydates, lipids, protein, vitamin, minerals are all examples of what?

Nutrient

Ingredient examples

lamb, chicken meal, peas, etc

Formula

selects and gives proportions of ingredients for a particular diet.

40% chicken, 30% lamb, 30% peas

Nutrient profile

the quantitative distribution of the individual nutrients within the finished formula for a diet

35% protein, 20% fat, 15% CHO, 20% minerals and vitamins

palatability

is an indication of how attractive or tasty a food is to a pet

Factors that affect palatability?

moisture

odor

fat and protein levels

temperature

texture

shape

acidity

Additives

used in pet food to provide nutritional benefits, safety and maintaining the desirable features of colour, flavour, texture, stability and resistance to spoilage.

Antioxidants

Tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are the most commonly found natural antioxidants

preservatives

natural - antioxidants stabilize by preventing food oxidation

ex. Alpha tocopherol vitamin E, Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)

Manufactured - Ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

preservatives (non- additive)

dehydration

heat

Why are Antioxidants are good?

they are good because they react with potentially damaging unstable molecules in our bodies making them more stable(by preventing oxidation)

how do these unstable molecules form?

Unstable molecules, or free radicals, form through various processes such as metabolic reactions, exposure to environmental pollutants, radiation, and inflammation. Their instability can lead to oxidative stress, contributing to cellular damage.

Nutraceuticals

are food or food product that may provide medical or health

ex. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate ae added to senior diets, joint health diets, large breed dog diets, omega -3 fatty acids

What is a nutrient?

A fundamental substrate used by the body for energy or other metabolic processes.

What is an ingredient in pet nutrition?

The raw material used for making a diet.

What is a formula in a pet diet?

The set of ingredients selected and their proportions for a particular diet.

What is a nutrient profile?

The quantitative distribution of the individual nutrients within the finished formula for a diet.

List examples of nutrients mentioned.

Carbohydrate, Lipid, Protein, Vitamin, Mineral, and Water.

What are examples of ingredients mentioned in the notes?

Lamb, Chicken meal, Peas, etc.

What is palatability?

An indication of how attractive or tasty a food is to the pet.

What factors affect palatability?

Moisture, Odour, Fat and Protein levels, Temperature, Texture, Shape, and Acidity.

How does moisture affect palatability?

Moist food is typically more palatable to many cats and dogs.

How does odour influence palatability?

A pleasant aroma makes food more palatable, often enhanced by warming.

What is the effect of higher fat and protein levels on palatability?

Higher fat and protein levels tend to make food tastier.

How does temperature affect palatability?

Temperature influences aroma and mouthfeel; cold canned food can be off-putting for some cats.

How does texture affect palatability?

Texture relates to moisture; foods can be hard or soft and pets have texture preferences.

Why might shape affect palatability, especially for cats?

Cats may have preferences for kibble shapes, such as spikes versus round shapes.

What is the role of acidity in palatability?

Meats and grains are acidic; excessive acidity can irritate the mouth or stomach and reduce palatability.

Give a clinical example related to palatability.

Cats with upper respiratory infections have reduced smell and may eat less; CKD cats can be finicky about their diets.

What is the general purpose of additives in pet food?

To provide nutritional benefits, safety, and to maintain colour, flavour, texture, stability, and resistance to spoilage.

Name natural antioxidants commonly found in pet foods.

Tocopherols (Vitamin E) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).

What are nutraceuticals in pet foods?

Food or food products that may provide medical or health benefits and are not licensed drugs; should be investigated before use.

Give examples of nutraceuticals used in pet diets.

Glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate (joint health); Omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory/overall health).

What are the three energy-producing nutrients?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

What are the three primary subcategories of carbohydrates?

Digestible, soluble fibres and insoluble fibres

What are the subcategories of digestible CHOs?

Sugars and starches

What are the subcategories of soluble fibres?

Pectin, guar gum, and mucilage

What are the subcategories of insoluble fibres?

Lignin and cellulose

What are the two other terms describing simple sugars?

Monosaccharides and disaccharides

What are some examples of disaccharides?

Lactose and sucrose

What is another term for starches?

Polysaccharides

What are sugars that the body does not use right away and are stored in the liver and muscle tissue called?

Glycogen

When there is enough glycogen in the body, what are excess sugars converted into?

Fat

Where in the GIT are sugars and starches primarily digested?

Small intestine

Which type of CHO combines with water to form a gel in the GIT?

Soluble fibres

What happens to soluble and insoluble fibres in the GIT?

They are fermented by beneficial bacteria to produce essential short-chain fatty acids

What are some good sources of soluble fibres?

Psyllium (Meta Mucil), Fruits, Vegetables

What are some of the effects of insoluble fibres on digestion?

Reduces the calorie density of food and slows down nutrient absorption

What are some good sources of insoluble fibres?

Bran, whole grains, root vegetables, and seeds

What is the difference between lipids and fats?

Fats are lipids that are solid at room temperature

What structural components make up triglycerides?

3 fatty acid chains and a glycerol backbone

What is the difference between a saturated and an unsaturated fatty acid?

Unsaturated fatty acids have a double bond present, and saturated fatty acids do not

How much more energy do animals get from fat compared to CHO or protein?

2.25x

What are the advantages of lipids in the diet?

Increased palatability, improved texture, and required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

What are essential fatty acids for dogs?

Linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid

What are essential fatty acids for cats?

Linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid

What is the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids?

1:5

What is another term for proteins?

Polypeptides