Transcript SA103 Dog Health and Reproduction

Dog Health
Dogs are carnivores ...
But they can eat some plants
Nutritional health depends on receiving
proper amounts of:
• Water
• Protein
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins
• Minerals
Staff photo by Nancy Crombie.
Commercial pet foods ...
Come in dry, semi-moist, canned
Mainly differ by amount of water
Labels must list ingredients in order of weight
Guaranteed analysis lists nutrients
Labels include feeding guidelines
"Complete and balanced" on the label
means ...
These dog foods must meet standards
established by the Association of American
Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
• By nutrient profile OR
• Feeding trial
Profiles revised in 1995
• One profile for growth and reproduction
• Another profile for adult maintenance
Nutrition Standards
Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients
have been established for the first time
because of concern that overnutrition, rather
than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with
many pet foods today.
Standards include recommendations on
protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble
vitamins and mineral content of foods.
Levels of Nutrients
Nutrients in tables are expressed on a “dry
matter” (DM) basis.
On most pet food labels, the levels listed in
the guaranteed analysis are expressed on an
“as fed” basis.
To convert “as fed” to “dry matter” a simple
conversion is necessary.
• If a dry food has 10% moisture it has 90% dry
matter.
Example
A dog food has 10% moisture and 90% dry
matter.
The label indicates that the protein level is
20%.
Divide the 20% protein by the 90% dry matter.
That yields 22% protein on a dry matter basis.
All of the nutrients of dog food can be
compared this way.
AAFCO Recommended Nutrient Levels
in Dog Food
Nutrient
Growth and Reproduction
(minimum)
Protein
Maintenance
(minimum)
22%
18%
Fat
8%
5%
Calcium
1%
0.6%
Phosphorus
0.8%
0.5%
Metabolizable Energy
3.5 - 3.6 Kcal/g
3.5 - 3.6 Kcal/g
Feeding guidelines
 Look on the bag or can
 Based on growth level and weight
 Varies by activity level,
metabolism, environment
 Pups and pregnant or nursing
families need more protein and
calories
 Large, fast-growing breeds need
less per pound
Staff photo by Nancy Crombie.
Activity
Divide into seven groups.
Each group will be responsible for teaching
one of the following nutrients to the class:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Protein
Fat
Minerals
Vitamins
Energy
Carbohydrates
Fiber