9 - Feeding Dogs Glossary Terms

Based on APSC 4264 Lecture 9 - Feeding Dogs

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)

The regulatory body that sets the minimum nutrient requirements for commercial dog foods sold in the United States.

All-Purpose Foods

A single food product designed for "all life stages," where nutrients are added at levels to meet the highest potential need, such as growth and reproduction.

BCS (Body Condition Score)

A key metric recorded during a physical examination to assess a dog's overall body condition as part of a nutritional assessment.

Carnivora

The taxonomic order to which dogs belong. This diverse order also includes omnivorous and even herbivorous species.

Daily Energy Requirement (DER)

The total energy an individual dog requires per day. It is influenced by activity, breed, environment, and other factors, and can range from the RER to 15 times the RER.

Facultative Carnivores

A descriptive term for dogs, indicating they have a higher requirement for animal protein compared to many other omnivores but are capable of digesting and thriving on plant matter.

Life Stage Nutrition

The practice of feeding animals specific foods designed to meet their optimal nutritional needs at a particular age or physiological state, such as growth, maintenance, reproduction/lactation, or senior years.

Lower Critical Temperature

The ambient temperature below which an animal must expend additional energy to maintain its body temperature. This temperature varies by breed, from 10-15ºC for arctic breeds to 20-25ºC for shorthaired breeds.

Minimum Dietary Database

The essential information that should be obtained for all canine patients, including the type of food fed, brand names, supplements, treats, and feeding method.

Opportunistic Omnivores

A descriptive term for dogs that highlights their dietary flexibility and ability to survive and thrive on a wide variety of foods, including both meat and plants.

Resting Energy Requirement (RER)

The energy an animal requires while at rest. Lean body mass accounts for nearly all of an animal's RER.