Companion Animal Nutrition: Diabetes Mellitus & Dietary Management

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering diabetes mellitus management in companion animals, including energy/protein requirements, fiber, feeding strategies, case examples (Winnie and Leo), and related dietary considerations.

What are the primary treatment goals for diabetes mellitus in companion animals?

Reduce blood glucose to within normal range; establish a consistent feeding regimen; work toward ideal body and muscle condition; keep the animal well hydrated; manage co-morbidities; and minimize environmental stressors.

According to the lecture, is diet change always required for diabetic pets?

No. Many patients do not require a change in diet; feeding management (frequency/portions) is often more important, and sudden diet changes can cause food aversions.

Name two major categories of diabetes complications and an example for each.

Microvascular: eye diseases such as retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma; Macrovascular: brain-related issues like stroke and cognitive impairment.

What nutrient considerations are listed as 'Nutrients of Interest' for diabetes management?

Water, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, macro- and micro-minerals, fat- and water-soluble vitamins, and dietary fibre.

What is the recommended daily protein intake for dogs (g per kg body weight)?

2.2 g of protein per kg body weight per day.

What is the recommended daily protein intake for cats (g per kg body weight)?

4.5 g of protein per kg body weight per day.

What is the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula commonly used?

RER = 70 × (BW in kg)0.75.

How should energy needs be adjusted based on body condition score (BCS)?

BCS 5/9: RER × 1.2; BCS > 5/9: RER × 0.8; BCS < 5/9: RER × 1.2 to 2.0.

What are typical energy ranges per 8-oz cup for dog and cat foods?

Dogs: about 230–330 kcal per 8-oz cup; Cats: about 250–600 kcal per 8-oz cup.

What are soluble fiber types and their general mechanism?

Types include pectin, gums, some hemicelluloses, and indigestible oligosaccharides found in fruit, oats, barley, legumes. They gel in the stomach, delay gastric emptying, shorten intestinal transit, and reduce postprandial glucose.

What are insoluble fiber types and their general mechanism?

Types include cellulose, lignin, and most hemicelluloses found in vegetables and cereals. They are not digested/fermented in the small/large intestine, bulk up stool, and can delay carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption.

Why is not all fibre equal and what should you check beyond crude fibre?

Check for soluble fibre sources, ask for total dietary fibre (TDF) content, and consider nutritional energy density like NFE; high crude fibre alone is not always informative.

In the Winnie case, what is the estimated Resting Energy Requirement (RER) based on ideal BW?

RER = 403 kcal/day (for ideal BW of 10.3 kg, calculated as shown in the notes).

In Winnie’s case, what is the estimated daily protein requirement (in grams) based on 11.8 kg BW?

Approximately 26 g/day (2.2 g/kg × 11.8 kg).

What is the short-term, mid-term, and long-term plan described for the feline patient Leo regarding diet transition?

Short-term: consider feeding tube for controlled intake; Mid-term: transition from hospital to home diet over 7–14 days; Long-term: gradually introduce renal diet over 7–10 days while monitoring intake, BW, and BCS.

What is the recommended starting calorie goal for Winnie’s weight-management diet plan?

Approximately 400 kcal/day as a modest weight-loss target.

What energy target is used for Leo’s ideal body weight case (RER and MER ranges)?

RER ≈ 240 kcal/day; MER ≈ 190–240 kcal/day.

How many grams of protein per kg body weight are recommended for dogs and for cats per day, and how do these translate for Winnie’s and Leo’s cases?

Dogs: 2.2 g/kg/day; Cats: 4.5 g/kg/day. For Winnie (11.8 kg dog): ~26 g/day; For Leo (7.3 kg cat): ~32.9 g/day (current), adjusted to ideal BW ~23.4 g/day.

What is a key consideration when comparing dog/cat foods for diabetic management (OTC vs therapeutic)?

Compare energy per cup, protein per 100 kcal, fat per 100 kcal, fibre (TDF) per 100 kcal, and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFE) per 100 kcal.

What insulin therapy was used in Winnie’s dog case and at what dosing frequency?

Caninsulin/Vetsulin at 0.5 U/kg given twice daily (BID).

What are the three phases of the Multi-Phase Diet Plan for hospitalized diabetic cats?

Short-term: feeding tube with controlled nutrition; Mid-term: transition from hospital to home diet over 7–14 days; Long-term: gradually introduce renal diet over 7–10 days with ongoing monitoring.

What is a primary nutrition-related goal during DKA treatment?

Stabilize the patient with IV fluids and electrolyte correction before deciding on nutrition strategy (per os if possible, otherwise enteral or parenteral nutrition).

What is the general nutrition-related recommendation when transitioning a diabetic pet to a new diet?

Keep the pet on the current food if possible while owners adjust to insulin; transition gradually over about one week.

Which page of the notes outlines a screening evaluation checklist for nutritional assessment?

Pages 37–38 outline the screening evaluation checklist and risk factors for extended evaluation.

What additional factors are considered in the 'Problem List & Dietary Considerations' slide for diabetes management?

Diabetes Mellitus (Type I) or II, obesity, and dietary considerations such as energy and protein needs, product options, food type, meals/snacks, hydration, and owner practicality.

What is the basic approach to feeding for two insulin dosing strategies described in the notes?

1) One injection: feed in two meals (50% DER before insulin and 8–10 hours later) or 2) Two injections: feed in two or four meals, with potential snacks 6 hours later.

What is the suggested content for a diabetes diet plan to support owner practicality and humane care?

Select a product by calories, protein, and fat; set a modest calorie target (e.g., 400 kcal/day for Winnie); factor in owner’s ability to purchase and use the product; plan meals around insulin timing; include treats; encourage activity.