Monogastric Nutrition (Cats+Dogs)

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients required in small amounts.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in larger quantities.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients required in small amounts.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in larger quantities.

Protein

Macronutrient essential for growth and repair.

Fat

Macronutrient providing energy and supporting cell function.

Minerals

Inorganic elements vital for various body functions.

Vitamins

Organic compounds necessary for metabolism and health.

Water

Essential for hydration and biochemical reactions.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, 20 types exist.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that must be obtained from diet.

Taurine

Essential for cats, supports heart and vision.

Fatty Acids

Components of fats, important for health.

Linolenic acid

Omega-3 fatty acid, important for heart health.

Arachidonic acid

Essential for cats, involved in inflammatory responses.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Omega-3 fatty acid, supports cardiovascular health.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Omega-3 fatty acid, crucial for brain health.

Fat-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, K stored in body fat.

Water-soluble Vitamins

B vitamins and vitamin C, not stored in body.

Macrominerals

Minerals required in larger amounts, e.g., calcium.

Microminerals

Trace minerals needed in smaller amounts, e.g., iron.

Digestibility

Ability to extract nutrients from food.

Palatability

How appetizing food is to pets.

Nutritional Aim 1

Complete and balanced nutrient provision.

Nutritional Aim 4

Avoid excess nutrients to prevent harm.

Nutritional Aim 5

Ensure food safety for pets and owners.

Nutritional Aim 6

Feeding within owner's financial and time constraints.

Nutritional Aim 7

Sustainable practices in food sourcing.

Growth

Period from birth to skeletal maturity.

Neonates

Young animals in first two weeks of life.

Colostrum

First milk providing passive immunity.

Passive immunity

Antibodies transferred from mother to offspring.

Pre-wean mortality

40% mortality rate before weaning.

Critical period

First 36 hours after birth.

Maternal milk

Optimal nutrition for neonates.

Hydration importance

Maintaining blood volume in neonates.

Weaning

Transition from milk to solid food.

Weaning start

Begins at 3-4 weeks of age.

Weaning completion

Completed by 6 weeks of age.

Suitable weaning foods

Puppy/kitten food mixed with milk.

Feeding consistency

Food should be warm and correct texture.

Growth diet

Nutritional needs for developing animals.

Protein importance

Essential for building new tissues.

Calcium role

Crucial for bone development.

Overfeeding consequences

Leads to overweight issues before maturity.

Feeding windows

Scheduled meal times for proper growth.

Ad lib feeding

Free feeding that may cause overconsumption.

Energy requirements

Growth energy needs are double that of adults.

Overweight risks

Health issues from excess weight in young.

Ideal Weight

Weight corresponding to ideal body condition score.

Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

Technique to assess pet's body fat level.

Controlled Food Amounts

Regulated quantity of food given to pets.

Feeding Guide

Resource for determining appropriate food portions.

Online Software

Digital tool for calculating pet feeding amounts.

Regular Weighing

Frequent measurement of pet's body weight.

Activity Levels

Recommended physical activity for maintaining pet health.

Neutered Diet

Diet tailored for pets that are neutered.

Light Diet

Lower calorie diet for weight management.

High Energy Diet

Diet designed for active or working pets.

Therapeutic Diets

Specialized diets for health conditions.

Treat Management

Control of treat intake for pets.

Prevent Food Stealing

Strategies to stop pets from stealing food.

Microchip Feeders

Technology to control pet feeding access.

Routine Feeding

Consistent schedule for pet meals.

Predatory Behavior Play

Play mimicking hunting instincts in pets.

Senior Age Cats

Mature: 7-10 years; Senior: 11-14 years.

Senior Age Dogs

Small: >10 years; Medium: >8 years.

Geriatric Age

Age classification for pets over 15 years.

Environment Influence

External factors affecting pet aging process.

Waist and Abdominal Tuck

Physical signs of ideal body condition.

Ribs Easy to Feel

Indicator of healthy body fat level.

Aging

Normal biological process, not a disease.

Genetics

Influences aging and age-related changes.

Grey Faces

Loss of pigments in aging cats.

Browning Coats

Color change in fur due to aging.

Sleep Changes

Increased sleep varies by individual age.

Demeanor Changes

Older cats may become quieter and more obedient.

Thermoregulation

Decreased ability to regulate body temperature.

Pain in Senior Cats

Often unrecognized; related to arthritis.

Altered Posture

Changes in sitting and toileting positions.

Body Composition Changes

Includes decreased lean mass and increased fat.

Basal Metabolic Rate

Reduced due to loss of lean mass.

Energy Requirements

May change based on activity and weight.

Weight Monitoring

Essential for all senior cats.

Sense Alterations

Includes reduced vision and hearing.

Cataracts

Cause of reduced vision in aging cats.

Food Intake Changes

May decrease; preferences can shift.

Organ Function Changes

Includes reduced cardiac and renal function.

Congestive Heart Disease

Result of reduced cardiac output and vascular thickening.

Sarcopenia

Age-related muscle atrophy affecting quality of life.

Cachexia

Wasting syndrome associated with chronic diseases.

Nutritional Needs

Optimal nutrition essential for health maintenance.

Water Intake

Should be monitored; normal is 2-5ml/kg/day.

Fats in Diet

Moderate to low levels for energy and vitamins.

Proteins

High biological value; essential for lean mass.

Carbohydrates

Energy source; excess stored as fat.

Mineral Considerations

Calcium and phosphorus levels need monitoring.

Antioxidants

Vitamins C, E, and selenium combat oxidative stress.

Obesity

Chronic, incurable disease with serious risks.

Maintenance Energy Requirement

Caloric needs post-weight loss; lower than before.

Adipose Tissue

Active endocrine tissue affecting health.

Risks of Obesity

Includes osteoarthritis, diabetes, and increased surgical risk.