Vet Science Cat, Dog, and Exotic Animal Nutrition

For y'all homies out there trying to get your vet tech assistant certificate, straight from the text book by Floron C. Faries

Energy Requirement

Determines food intake for animals.

Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)

Formula to calculate daily energy needs.

MER Formula for Dogs

1.5[(30 x BW) + 70] in KCal.

MER Formula for Cats

KCal = (30 x BW) + 70.

Body Weight Conversion

Convert pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2.

Carbohydrates

Not essential if protein and fat are sufficient.

Lactose

Can cause diarrhea in adult dogs and cats.

Fats

Provide twice the energy of carbs or proteins.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Required for skin, coat, and kidney health.

Linoleic Acid

Essential fatty acid for dogs and cats.

Arachidonic Acid

Essential fatty acid required by cats.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Supports skin, coat, and kidney function.

Proteins

Composed of amino acids; essential for health.

Essential Amino Acids

Cannot be synthesized; must be included in diet.

Protein Requirement for Dogs

At least 22% protein for adult health.

Protein Requirement for Cats

At least 32% protein for adult health.

Taurine

Essential for cats; prevents serious health issues.

Macrominerals

Needed in large amounts for bodily functions.

Microminerals

Required in small amounts for regulatory processes.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

A, D, E, K; stored in the body.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

B and C; need regular feeding.

Vitamin C Synthesis

Dogs can synthesize; not needed in diet.

Pre-formed Vitamin A

Cats require it; cannot convert beta carotene.

AAFCO Approval

Ensures pet food meets nutritional claims.

Feeding Neutered Pets

Require 20-30% less food than intact pets.

Pet Food Varieties

Includes dry, semi-moist, and canned options.

Canned Food Characteristics

More expensive, less energy-dense than dry food.

Puppy Feeding Schedule

Feed high-quality food four times daily.

Weaning

Gradual process of transitioning puppies from milk.

AAFCO

Association of American Feed Control Officials; sets pet food standards.

Puppy Feeding Frequency

Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until 3 months.

Overeating Prevention

Limit puppy eating time to 15-20 minutes.

Larger Breed Puppy Food

Special formulas for growth; lower calories, higher calcium.

Maturity Age Small Breeds

Small breeds mature at 9-12 months.

Maturity Age Medium Breeds

Medium breeds mature at 12-18 months.

Maturity Age Giant Breeds

Giant breeds mature at 18-24 months.

Adult Dog Diet

Maintain lean body; avoid high-energy intake.

Working Dogs Diet

Require three times normal energy intake.

Senior Dog Diet

Lower calories, protein, and salt to prevent health issues.

Feeding Cats

Cats have different dietary needs than dogs.

Kittens Feeding Behavior

Learn preferences from mother; texture and flavor matter.

Dog Food for Cats

Do not feed; lacks essential nutrients for cats.

Pregnant Queens Diet

Increase feed gradually during 63 days of pregnancy.

Kittens Weaning Age

Begin weaning at 7-8 weeks of age.

Adult Cat Feeding

Avoid free choice diet to prevent obesity.

Canned Food Portioning

Divide 5 oz can into 2 portions for 9-10 lb cat.

Cats Protein Requirement

Essential; starvation leads to liver failure in 3-4 days.

Older Cats Diet

Require highly palatable, digestible foods; lower protein.

Gerbils Diet

Pelleted diet with grains; 22% protein level.

Guinea Pigs Diet

Commercial pellets with fresh veggies; need Vitamin C.

Hamsters Diet

Commercial pellets, seed mixes, and vegetables.

Rabbits Nutritional Behavior

Eat their own poop for nutrition.

Rabbit Pellets

Contain 15-19% protein and 16-29% fiber.

Ferrets Diet

Variety of dog/cat food or commercial ferret chow.