- Introduction to Food and Diet Types
However, there are also times when dogs, cats, and other animals starve or go without enough water. In the wild these animals have to find what is necessary to survive on their own.
Most domesticated pets do not have the luxury of finding the nutrients they require.
Many time they are taught as babies that their food is given to them.
Some animals may retain the instincts to hunt, chase, and kill small prey, but this only happens when they are given the chance to feed outdoors.
Your pet relies on you to provide the best food types, diet, and nutritional food they require.
If you are going to be a vet, run a pet food store, or provide services for pets, you need to understand how implementing nutrition into your customer's lives is vital for their health and should be included in any physical exam you may conduct on a pet.
1.1 Animal Nutrition Organizations
There are a couple of organizations you should be aware of:
AAHA - American Animal Hospital Association
Established in 1933 by leaders in the veterinary profession, AAHA is the only organization to accredit companion animal veterinary hospitals. To become AAHA accredited, practices undergo regular, comprehensive onsite evaluations by AAHA veterinary experts who evaluate each practice on more than 900 standards of veterinary care.
AAFCO - Association of American Feed Control Officials
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies. Their members are charged by their local, state or federal laws to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.
WSAVA - World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Vets use the WSAVA guidelines to look for animal specific factors, diet specific factors, feeding management, and environmental factors. As a pet owner, you can also evaluate these elements such as whether you are feeding your animal enough or too much, giving excessive treats, poor husbandry, or a lack of stimulation.
1.2 Food Types
Food types have changed in recent years.
There have traditionally been three types of food: dry food, canned food, and semi-moist food. Now, you also have a choice in making your own pet food from grocery items you purchase at the store or buying an organic or all-natural brand.
Pet food in the store will either be healthier, using organic ingredients, or more processed, filled with animal by-products, which are unclean meat sources, waste, and culmination of parts that are not the best for your pet.
Processed food not based on naturally occurring ingredients and the more nutritional elements that can make up pet food can be harmful to your pet.
Inexpensive Foods
Foods that are less expensive tend to be made with by-products, artificial flavors, fillers, harsh preservatives, and other inappropriate ingredients. These foods can also have a high ash content, which we will discuss more later on. You want to be careful about staying within your budget while not harming your pet.
You should also be aware that some different food brands are actually developed under the same manufacturer. For example, Purina has over a dozen different food brands, within a range of various budgets. However, you may be unaware the food you are feeding your cat or dog is a Purina brand since it may not be listed on their labels.
Dry Food
Dry food for most animals is higher in calories.
A bag will typically contain 3-11% of water, meaning it is not moist to the touch.
Dry foods are highly economical to feed to pets because they can be stored at room temperature so you can buy the food in larger amounts ranging anywhere from 5 pounds up to 50 pounds.
It can also be more convenient because you can leave food out in a bowl at room temperature for several hours, unless you add water.
Semi-Moist Food
Semi-moist food has about 25-35% water and usually comes in a pouch.
It is often more palatable to your animals. It softens the food, making it easier to chew which can be helpful for older pets with dental issues.
Semi-moist also ensures the food is giving your pets a higher percentage of water, which is necessary to keep them hydrated.
Canned Food
Canned foods are generally sold in tin cans, but there are also soft containers made of plastic. The food is packed in 60-78% water.
The nutrients in canned food are mostly protein, fat, and water.
It is usually the easiest food to eat because it is the softest. It can come in little nibbles with a watery gravy or a solid, moist pate.
The downside with canned food is that most canned foods have a lower calorie count and not enough fiber for your pet's diet.
Organic or Natural Foods
Organic or natural foods are sold either as dry food or wet food. The main advantage is the ingredients used are all natural meaning they are raised without pesticides, no by-products are used, and the nutrients are healthier due to the minimal processing of the food.
Making Your Own Food
You can supply your pet with homemade food. You can chop steak, chicken, fish, and other proteins along with vegetables and fruits and serve it raw. You would serve it without garnishment or gravy. You can even blend it to make a paste or pate out of it. The idea is that you do your research and purchase the best proteins and vegetables that your pets can eat to provide the proper fat content, fiber, protein, water, and nutrient ratio to promote a healthier diet.
You would know exactly what you are feeding your pet, how it has been created, and know it is served with appropriate nutrients without artificial flavors. For pet owners who have the time and knowledge, it is a good option versus store bought foods. You would also be able to avoid preservatives and additives that are found in store bought foods and be sure no contaminants are in the food.
There are more than 8 million tons of pet food made every year and more than 15,000 brands of pet foods.
Source: pethealth101.com
1.3 Types of Diet
As you may have noticed when shopping for pet food, there are different types of diets.
There is food made specifically for kittens and puppies, foods for older pet diets, foods for diabetic pets, special food for urinary tract infections and kidney crystal issues, and several others. Each will be examined to help you understand what type of food you should be looking for.
Health considerations need to be made when choosing the proper diet for your pet. You can often find more than one aging, allergy, bladder, bond development, brain development, and nutritional formula for your pet.
Kitten and Puppy Food
Young animals are growing taller, longer, and gaining more pounds as they age.
Young animals are also more energetic. To account for the energy being used to grow, play, and learn, young animals deserve options specifically designed for these needs.
Pet food for a kitten or puppy is usually high in calories, carbohydrates, essential nutrients, and protein to support their growth and high energy levels.
Cat and Dog Food
Any food labeled simply cat or dog food, means it is for an older cat or dog.
This is a pet that has made it from puppy-hood and kitten-hood to sexual maturity. At this point an emphasis on fiber is generally suggested. All other ingredients will remain, but the ratios of what is contained within the ingredients will differ. You will notice the benefit of a lower calorie count or a change in how much you need to feed your pet. There is less focus on energy ingredients and more focus on providing proper nutrients and ensuring there is enough fiber to keep the intestinal tract regulated.
At this stage it is important to prevent urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, or other health issues that can result from improper diet or poor nutrition.
Typically, you change from young pet food to regular food after 1 to 2 years.
The food label can help you assess the change required.
Food for Older Pets
As pets age, there are pet diseases and age factors to look for.
An older pet may need more fiber and water in their food than a younger pet.
There is also an emphasis on dental health, where soft food becomes a better option to hard, dry food.
The age you switch your cat or dog to an older formula will depend on your vet, the nutritional value of the current food, and how well your pet is eating.
You may not need to change pet food or go to an older pet formula at all if you have a healthy animal. However, you do need to observe your pet's behavior and how well they are eating, as well as making sure their coats remain shiny and healthy.
Food for Health
Foods for health are a large category of various types of diets based on the health problem your pet may have.
Urinary tract infections and kidney crystals are prevalent across cat breeds. Vets and pet stores sell special food that is marked for urinary health issues. These foods usually have extra acid or reduced magnesium to provide better urinary health for your cat.
There are also brands of food that sell diabetic pet food. This pet food will have similar content to regular pet food, but have ingredients that specifically help you regulate blood sugar levels in your pet.
Other food for health is based on subjects like weight loss, hairballs, or low calorie diets.
Weight loss and low calorie food help you regulate your overweight pet's diet to ensure that weight loss occurs, without starving your pet. Also keep in mind that like humans, pets need to be walked and have play time along the appropriate amount of calories to remain fit and healthy.
Cats that suffer from hairballs can be on food designed to flush the hairballs out of the intestinal tract. The food will help dislodge the hairball, break it down in the intestinal tract, and be eliminated. Often, more fiber, water, and vegetables are added to this type of food.
Animals that have grain allergies or problems with grain in their diet can be fed grain-free foods.
Grains like rice can be a problem if there is not enough fiber in the pet diet.
Food labels will help you determine what the best option is for your pet.
Foods available for specific health issues may include the following, as well as those already mentioned above:
• Allergy
• Cardiac
• Dental care
• Digestive care
• Eye care
• Gastrointestinal
• General health
• Gestation support
• Hip and joint
• Hypoallergenic
• Immune system
• Indoor diet
• Itch relief
• Liver and kidney
• Mobility
• Muscle tone
• Odor control
• Satiety
• Sensitive skin
• Sensitive stomach
• Skin and coat, shiny coat, and shed control
• Spayed or neutered
• Stress and anxiety relief
• Thyroid
• Weaning
Additional nutritional options for health include gluten free, limited ingredient, natural, and raw.
As you look for various foods, you may find some fit more than one category for special health needs.
Most pet stores will break the food down into specific categories:
• Life stage (age)
• Flavor
• Breed
• Environment
• Pounds (weight)
• Nutritional option
• Health consideration
• Type of food (canned, dry, etc.)
• Brand
• Price
These categories are important, but you also need to check the label of any food you are purchasing. The label is going to tell you the most about the food, like what it contains in regular ingredients and the additives that might be included.
Module 1 Summary
All labels are fairly standard, with the content written on them.
Before you purchase food, change the type of food, or switch to a different diet for your pet, it is important to consider their current health and what may need to change.
The type of diet you choose should help your pet become healthier, whether it is for weight loss, diabetes, crystals in the urine, or coat health.
You want to choose a type of food that not only has proper ingredients, but will also be the best for your pet to eat.
Some pets may start to struggle with harder foods as they age, so more wet food is warranted.
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