Nutrition for medical conditions Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the components of a balanced diet?
A nutritionally balanced diet is one that considers and meets an individual animal’s nutritional needs throughout its life.
What is a balanced diet and which nutrients contribute to energy production?
A balanced diet supports metabolic equilibrium by providing essential nutrients and energy. Energy-producing nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; non-energy-producing nutrients include water, vitamins, and minerals.
Do pets fed commercial food typically need vitamin and mineral supplements?
No, commercial pet foods are usually sufficient in vitamins and minerals. Supplementation is rarely needed unless there is an underlying disease or pathology.
What are the characteristics of Vitamin B and why is deficiency uncommon in pets?
Vitamin B includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, folic acid, and cobalamin. These are water-soluble, generally non-toxic, and abundant in commercial foods, making deficiency rare.
What factors can lead to a thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency in pets?
Thiamine can be destroyed by food processing or high consumption of raw fish or shellfish (which contain thiaminase). It is important for energy production and nervous system function.
Do dogs and cats need dietary Vitamin C? Why or why not?
No, because they can synthesize Vitamin C in their livers, unlike humans. It is absorbed by passive diffusion and functions as an antioxidant, supporting the immune system and drug metabolism.
Why is a dietary source of Vitamin D essential for dogs and cats?
Because they produce very little Vitamin D in the skin, they need it from their diet. It supports calcium/phosphorus balance and bone health.
What are the effects of Vitamin D deficiency and toxicity in pets?
Deficiency: Poor bone mineralisation (rickets, osteomalacia), bone/joint pain, weakness, fractures, abnormal gait.
Excess: Hypercalcaemia, soft tissue mineralisation, and potential kidney failure.
What are natural sources of Vitamin E and its main role in the body?
Found in plants: grains, vegetable oils, and seeds. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. Its absorption is enhanced with fat.
What are the signs of Vitamin E deficiency and is toxicity a concern?
Deficiency: Skeletal muscle disease, impaired male reproduction, gestation failure; in cats: steatitis and myositis.
Toxicity: Rare, but high doses may impair absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins.
What factors influence an individual animal’s energy requirements?
Lifestyle, life stage, and physical condition.
What is an animal’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER)?
The energy required to maintain homeostasis while the animal is resting in a stress-free, comfortable environment.
What is the RER formula for animals weighing between 2–30 kg?
RER = 30 × Bodyweight (kg) + 70.
What is the RER formula that can be used for animals of all sizes?
RER = 70 × (Bodyweight in kg)^0.75
What are the different life stage categories considered in nutritional planning?
Pre-weaning, juvenile, adult, reproduction, and senior.
