Small Animal Small Animal NutritionNutrition

What is nutrition?What is nutrition?

NutritionNutrition – refers to the animal – refers to the animal receiving a proper and balanced food receiving a proper and balanced food and water ration so that is can grow, and water ration so that is can grow, maintain its body, reproduce, and maintain its body, reproduce, and supply or produce the things we supply or produce the things we expect form it. expect form it.

Unhealthy Diet= Unhealthy Diet= Unhealthy AnimalUnhealthy Animal

35% of the total pet population is overweight

Overweight pets are at risk for heart disease, diabetes and arthritis

One extra pound on a Chihuahua is equal to 38 pounds on an average woman

One ounce of cheese for a 20-pound dog is equal to a human eating one and a half hamburgers

One cup of milk for a 10-pound cat is equal to a human eating five chocolate bars

About 41% of dogs are obese

Interview about Pet Healthhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5aBXjr-B_4&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

6 Essential Nutrients6 Essential Nutrients

WaterWater ProteinsProteins CarbohydratesCarbohydrates FatsFats VitaminsVitamins MineralsMinerals

NutritionNutrition Usually a Usually a brand brand

name name pet food pet food contains a contains a complete and complete and balanced diet for balanced diet for pets, and pets, and recommendations recommendations for proper amounts for proper amounts to feed are included to feed are included in the labeling.in the labeling.

NutritionNutrition Deficiencies usually do not occur Deficiencies usually do not occur

among animals fed properly among animals fed properly formulated diets. formulated diets.

Most problems occur from feeding Most problems occur from feeding table scrapstable scraps or homemade diets. or homemade diets.

WaterWater

The most The most importantimportant nutrient. nutrient.

Makes up Makes up 55-65%55-65% of an animal’s of an animal’s body and is located in every cell of body and is located in every cell of the animal.the animal.

AbsorbedAbsorbed into the body through the walls of the into the body through the walls of the stomachstomach

WaterWater

1.1. Supports Supports biochemicalbiochemical reactions in reactions in the body the body

– RespirationRespiration: the process by which : the process by which oxygen is supplied to the cells and oxygen is supplied to the cells and tissues in exchange for carbon dioxide; tissues in exchange for carbon dioxide; breathingbreathing

– DigestionDigestion: the breakdown of food : the breakdown of food materials and the absorption of nutrientsmaterials and the absorption of nutrients

– AssimilationAssimilation: converting food into a form : converting food into a form that can be absorbed in the bodythat can be absorbed in the body

WaterWater

2. 2. TransportsTransports other nutrients other nutrients

3. Helps maintain body3. Helps maintain body temperature temperature

4. Helps give the 4. Helps give the bodybody its form its form

5. Carries 5. Carries wastewaste from the body from the body

ProteinsProteins

Complex Complex nutrientsnutrients made of carbon, made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogenand nitrogen

Broken down into Broken down into Amino Acids Amino Acids during during digestiondigestion

ProteinsProteins

1.1. Develops and repairs body Develops and repairs body organsorgans and and tissuestissues, such as muscles, nerves, , such as muscles, nerves, skin, hair, hooves, and feathersskin, hair, hooves, and feathers

2.2. Aids in Aids in producingproducing milk, wool, and eggs milk, wool, and eggs

3.3. Assists in Assists in developmentdevelopment of the fetus of the fetus

ProteinsProteins

4. Generates 4. Generates EnzymesEnzymes-- necessary for necessary for biochemical reactionsbiochemical reactions

5. Generates 5. Generates Hormones-Hormones- influence body influence body actions, releases from glandsactions, releases from glands

6. Develops 6. Develops AntibodiesAntibodies-- neutralize the neutralize the effects of microorganisms’ toxins in the effects of microorganisms’ toxins in the bodybody

ProteinsProteins

7. Transmits 7. Transmits DNADNA-- Deoxyribose Nucleic Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid, genetic materials that carries Acid, genetic materials that carries hereditary codeshereditary codes

ProteinsProteins

There are There are 25 25 amino acids found in amino acids found in animal feeds.animal feeds.– 10-11 are considered essential10-11 are considered essential

Essential amino acidsEssential amino acids- cannot be - cannot be produced by the animal’s body and produced by the animal’s body and therefore have to be supplied in foodtherefore have to be supplied in food

Nonessential amino acids- Nonessential amino acids- not needed not needed or can be synthesized in the bodyor can be synthesized in the body

CarbohydratesCarbohydrates

Used to:Used to:

1.1.Support bodily functions such as Support bodily functions such as breathingbreathing, , digestiondigestion, and , and exercisingexercising..

2.2.Produce Produce heatheat to keep the body warm. to keep the body warm.

3.3.Store Store fatfat. .

4.4.Provide Provide energyenergy..

FATSFATS

Made up of the same chemical Made up of the same chemical elements as elements as carbohydratescarbohydrates but in but in different combinationsdifferent combinations

They contain They contain 2.252.25 times as much times as much energy as same amount energy as same amount carbohydrates and proteinscarbohydrates and proteins

FATSFATS

Essential in the diet for the following:Essential in the diet for the following:– Provides Provides energyenergy– Aids in the absorption of Aids in the absorption of fat-solublefat-soluble

vitaminsvitamins– Provides Provides fatty acids fatty acids (most animals (most animals

require less than 3%)require less than 3%)

VitaminsVitamins

Organic substances required in very Organic substances required in very smallsmall amountsamounts– Used to:Used to:

Regulate Regulate digestiondigestion.. Develop normal Develop normal visionvision, bone, and external , bone, and external

body coverings such as hair and body coverings such as hair and feathersfeathers.. Forms new Forms new cellscells.. Protect against Protect against diseasedisease.. Develop and maintaining the Develop and maintaining the nervousnervous system. system.

VitaminsVitamins

Classified on their basis of Classified on their basis of solubilitysolubility-- capable of being dissolvedcapable of being dissolved– Fat soluble- can be stored in the body Fat soluble- can be stored in the body

(Vitamins A, D, E, and K)(Vitamins A, D, E, and K)– Water soluble- stored in limited amounts Water soluble- stored in limited amounts

(Vitamins C, B Complex)(Vitamins C, B Complex)

Vitamin AVitamin A

Required to prevent poor vision, Required to prevent poor vision, respiratory ailments, digestive problems, respiratory ailments, digestive problems, and reproduction difficultiesand reproduction difficulties

Green leafy plants contain carotene which Green leafy plants contain carotene which animals can convert to Vitamin Aanimals can convert to Vitamin A

Vitamin DVitamin D

Used with calcium and phosphorus in the Used with calcium and phosphorus in the bodybody– Animals deficit in this vitamin usually have Animals deficit in this vitamin usually have

weak legsweak legs– Exposing to sunlight usually takes care of this Exposing to sunlight usually takes care of this

vitaminvitamin If an animal is kept in confinement, you If an animal is kept in confinement, you

will need to supplement.will need to supplement. Good, quality hay is a good sourceGood, quality hay is a good source

Vitamin EVitamin E

Important for successful reproduction and Important for successful reproduction and muscle developmentmuscle development

Feeding a good rationed diet will usually Feeding a good rationed diet will usually take care of this vitamintake care of this vitamin

Vitamin K Vitamin K

Necessary for maintenance of normal Necessary for maintenance of normal blood coagulation (good clotting)blood coagulation (good clotting)

Green forages, seeds, and good hay can Green forages, seeds, and good hay can provide sufficient amountsprovide sufficient amounts

Vitamin C Vitamin C

Also called ascorbic acid (think of citrus Also called ascorbic acid (think of citrus fruits)fruits)

Produced in the digestive system of most Produced in the digestive system of most animals and is therefore not needed to animals and is therefore not needed to supplementsupplement– Guinea Pigs must have this added to dietGuinea Pigs must have this added to diet

Deficiency symptoms are diarrhea, Deficiency symptoms are diarrhea, rough coat, and coat lossrough coat, and coat loss

Vitamin B- Complex Group Vitamin B- Complex Group

Vitamins in this group are thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamins in this group are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, choline, niacin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, choline, folic acid, biotin, inositol, para-amino benzoic folic acid, biotin, inositol, para-amino benzoic acid, and pyridoxineacid, and pyridoxine

Used for:Used for:– Metabolism of carbsMetabolism of carbs– Digestive assistanceDigestive assistance– Normal growth and reproductionNormal growth and reproduction– Healthy coatsHealthy coats– Transportation of fatty acidsTransportation of fatty acids

MineralsMinerals

Essential in supporting and maintaining Essential in supporting and maintaining animal, but do not contribute to tissue animal, but do not contribute to tissue developmentdevelopment

Supply materials to build skeleton and Supply materials to build skeleton and produce body regulatorsproduce body regulators

MacromineralsMacrominerals

CalciumCalcium PhosphorusPhosphorus PotassiumPotassium SodiumSodium SulfurSulfur ChlorineChlorine MagnesiumMagnesium

Macrominerals- CalciumMacrominerals- Calcium

Required by vertebrates in larger amounts Required by vertebrates in larger amounts than any other mineralthan any other mineral

99% in the body is found in the teeth and 99% in the body is found in the teeth and bonesbones

Essential for bone, teeth, and eggshell Essential for bone, teeth, and eggshell formation; blood coagulation, and milk formation; blood coagulation, and milk productionproduction

Macrominerals- CalciumMacrominerals- Calcium

Deficiency- retarded growth and Deficiency- retarded growth and deformed bonesdeformed bones

““Rickets”- soft, flexible bonesRickets”- soft, flexible bones Osteoporosis- bones lose their density Osteoporosis- bones lose their density

and become porous and brittleand become porous and brittle Osteomalacia- softening of the bonesOsteomalacia- softening of the bones

Good sources- limestone, oyster shell, Good sources- limestone, oyster shell, bone meal, etc.bone meal, etc.

Macrominerals- PhosphorusMacrominerals- Phosphorus Closely associated with calciumClosely associated with calcium 75% in the body is found in teeth and 75% in the body is found in teeth and

bonesbones Essential for bone development and Essential for bone development and

biochemical reactionsbiochemical reactions

Deficiency symptoms are similar to calciumDeficiency symptoms are similar to calcium Good sources- fluorine phosphates and Good sources- fluorine phosphates and

bone mealbone meal

Macrominerals- PotassiumMacrominerals- Potassium Required for many body functions Required for many body functions

(osmotic relations, acid-base balance, and (osmotic relations, acid-base balance, and digestion)digestion)

Deficiency symptoms- decreased appetite, Deficiency symptoms- decreased appetite, slow growth, stiffness, and weight lossslow growth, stiffness, and weight loss

Most grains and feeds are sufficient so no Most grains and feeds are sufficient so no supplements are needed supplements are needed

Macrominerals- Sodium and Macrominerals- Sodium and ChlorineChlorine

Necessary in the formation of digestive Necessary in the formation of digestive juices, control of body fluid juices, control of body fluid concentration, control of body fluid pH, concentration, control of body fluid pH, and in nerve and muscle activityand in nerve and muscle activity

No deficiency symptomsNo deficiency symptoms Supplemental salt usually provides with Supplemental salt usually provides with

enough (blocks, loose or free choice salt, enough (blocks, loose or free choice salt, spools in cages, or in a mineral mix)spools in cages, or in a mineral mix)

Macrominerals- MagnesiumMacrominerals- Magnesium

Necessary for many enzyme systems Necessary for many enzyme systems and for proper function of the and for proper function of the nervous systemnervous system

Most feeds are sufficient so no Most feeds are sufficient so no deficiency systems are noticeddeficiency systems are noticed

MicromineralsMicrominerals

IronIron IodineIodine CopperCopper CobaltCobalt FluorineFluorine ManganeseManganese ZincZinc MolybdenumMolybdenum SeleniumSelenium

Microminerals- IronMicrominerals- Iron

Necessary in formation of Necessary in formation of hemoglobin-hemoglobin- component of blood that is responsible for component of blood that is responsible for transporting oxygentransporting oxygen

Deficiencies show early in life- low content Deficiencies show early in life- low content in milkin milk

Anemia- disease associated with Anemia- disease associated with deficiency. Animal will have loss of deficiency. Animal will have loss of appetite and become weak.appetite and become weak.

Microminerals- CopperMicrominerals- Copper

Necessary for proper iron absorption, for Necessary for proper iron absorption, for hemoglobin formation, enzyme systems, hemoglobin formation, enzyme systems, and in synthesis of keratin for hair and and in synthesis of keratin for hair and wool growthwool growth

Most feeds contain enoughMost feeds contain enough Deficiencies would be similar to iron Deficiencies would be similar to iron

deficienciesdeficiencies

Microminerals- IodineMicrominerals- Iodine

Necessary for production of thyroid glandNecessary for production of thyroid gland

Most water and feeds contain sufficient Most water and feeds contain sufficient amountsamounts

Common symptoms of deficiency would be Common symptoms of deficiency would be swelling of neck, hairlessness, infected swelling of neck, hairlessness, infected navel, and weaknessnavel, and weakness

Microminerals- CobaltMicrominerals- Cobalt

Necessary for growth of B vitaminsNecessary for growth of B vitamins

Symptoms of deficiency include poor Symptoms of deficiency include poor appetite, weakness, anemia, decreased appetite, weakness, anemia, decreased fertility, slow growth, and decreased fertility, slow growth, and decreased milk/wool productionmilk/wool production

Microminerals- FluorineMicrominerals- Fluorine

Associated with calcium and phosphorus Associated with calcium and phosphorus utilizationutilization

Most feeds are usually sufficient in this Most feeds are usually sufficient in this nutrient and not a major concern in dietsnutrient and not a major concern in diets

Microminerals- ManganeseMicrominerals- Manganese

Involved with the enzyme systems that Involved with the enzyme systems that influence estrus, ovulation, fetal influence estrus, ovulation, fetal development, udder development, milk development, udder development, milk production, growth, and skeletal production, growth, and skeletal developmentdevelopment

Deficiencies in this mineral affect fetal Deficiencies in this mineral affect fetal growth, deformed young, poor growth, growth, deformed young, poor growth, abortions, etc.abortions, etc.

Most feeds contain adequate amounts of Most feeds contain adequate amounts of thisthis

Microminerals- ZincMicrominerals- Zinc

Necessary to promote general thriving and Necessary to promote general thriving and growth, wound healing, and hair/wool growth, wound healing, and hair/wool growthgrowth

Most feeds are adequate in this mineralMost feeds are adequate in this mineral

Microminerals- MolybdenumMicrominerals- Molybdenum

Necessary component for digestion and Necessary component for digestion and enzyme developmentenzyme development

Sufficient in most feedsSufficient in most feeds

Microminerals- SeleniumMicrominerals- Selenium

Necessary for the absorption and Necessary for the absorption and utilization of Vitamin Eutilization of Vitamin E

Deficiency symptoms are similar to Deficiency symptoms are similar to Vitamin E- heart failure, paralysis, poor Vitamin E- heart failure, paralysis, poor growth, low fertility, and muscle problemsgrowth, low fertility, and muscle problems