11 - Feeding Dogs 3 Glossary Terms

AAFCO

The Association of American Feed Control Officials. An organization that provides canine nutritional recommendations, such as the minimum calcium levels for different life stages.

Antioxidants

Compounds that protect biomolecules by scavenging free radical compounds, minimizing free radical production, and binding certain metal ions.

Bioavailability

The degree to which a nutrient is absorbed and available for use by the body. For example, phytate phosphorus from plants is less bioavailable to dogs than phosphorus from inorganic sources.

Calcium (Ca)

An essential mineral vital for skeletal health. The recommended dietary amount varies significantly with a dog's life stage, from growth to maintenance to gestation.

Ca:P Ratio

The dietary ratio of calcium to phosphorus. The ideal range for dogs is generally considered to be between 1:1 and 2:1 to avoid imbalances that can affect mineral absorption and health.

Cognitive Dysfunction

A degenerative condition, responsive to certain antioxidants, that affects a significant percentage of aging dogs (28% of dogs 11-12 years old and 68% of dogs 15-16 years old).

DM (Dry Matter)

A basis for measuring nutrients in food after all moisture has been removed. Nutritional recommendations are commonly expressed as a percentage of DM.

Eclampsia

A health condition that can affect lactating bitches, potentially predisposed by excessive calcium intake during pregnancy which can decrease parathyroid gland activity.

Free Radicals

Reactive compounds that can cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA through a process called oxidative stress.

Hypertension

High blood pressure. While essential hypertension is not common, secondary hypertension is associated with diseases often seen in mature dogs, such as renal disease and obesity.

ME (Metabolizable Energy)

The amount of energy from food that is available to an animal. Mineral requirements are often based on a food's energy density (e.g., kcal/g ME).

NRC (National Research Council)

An organization that provides recommended nutrient allowances for animals.

Osteoporosis

A clinical problem involving bone loss that is noted as not being a significant issue in mature dogs, likely due to lifelong feeding of calcium-replete commercial foods.

Oxidative Stress

Damage resulting from prolonged exposure to free radicals. It can contribute to or exacerbate a wide variety of degenerative diseases.

Phosphorus (P)

An essential mineral that must be balanced with calcium. Excessive intake should be avoided in mature dogs to mitigate the progression of renal disease.

Phytate Phosphorus

A form of phosphorus found in plant-based ingredients. It is less bioavailable to dogs, meaning foods high in plant matter may require greater total phosphorus intake.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

A condition that can be caused by a diet that is grossly deficient in calcium but contains adequate phosphorus.

Selenium (Se)

A key nutritional antioxidant that acts synergistically with Vitamins E and C to relieve oxidative stress.

Vitamin C

A key nutritional antioxidant that can regenerate Vitamin E after it has reacted with a free radical.

Vitamin E

A key nutritional antioxidant. Recommended levels are significantly higher for aging dogs compared to younger adults for improved antioxidant performance.