Small Animal Nutrition

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

Unhealthy Diet= Unhealthy 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 Health http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5aBXjr-B_4&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

6 Essential Nutrients Water Proteins Carbohydrates Fats Vitamins Minerals

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

Nutrition Deficiencies usually do not occur among animals fed properly formulated diets. Most problems occur from feeding table scraps or homemade diets.

Water The most important nutrient. Makes up 55-65% of an animal’s body and is located in every cell of the animal. Absorbed into the body through the walls of the stomach

Water Supports biochemical reactions in the body Respiration: the process by which oxygen is supplied to the cells and tissues in exchange for carbon dioxide; breathing Digestion: the breakdown of food materials and the absorption of nutrients Assimilation: converting food into a form that can be absorbed in the body

Water 2. Transports other nutrients 3. Helps maintain body temperature 4. Helps give the body its form 5. Carries waste from the body

Proteins Complex nutrients made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen Broken down into Amino Acids during digestion

Proteins Develops and repairs body organs and tissues, such as muscles, nerves, skin, hair, hooves, and feathers Aids in producing milk, wool, and eggs Assists in development of the fetus

Proteins 4. Generates Enzymes- necessary for biochemical reactions 5. Generates Hormones- influence body actions, releases from glands 6. Develops Antibodies- neutralize the effects of microorganisms’ toxins in the body

Proteins 7. Transmits DNA- Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid, genetic materials that carries hereditary codes

Proteins There are 25 amino acids found in animal feeds. 10-11 are considered essential Essential amino acids- cannot be produced by the animal’s body and therefore have to be supplied in food Nonessential amino acids- not needed or can be synthesized in the body

Carbohydrates Used to: Support bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and exercising. Produce heat to keep the body warm. Store fat. Provide energy.

FATS Made up of the same chemical elements as carbohydrates but in different combinations They contain 2.25 times as much energy as same amount carbohydrates and proteins

FATS Essential in the diet for the following: Provides energy Aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins Provides fatty acids (most animals require less than 3%)

Vitamins Organic substances required in very small amounts Used to: Regulate digestion. Develop normal vision, bone, and external body coverings such as hair and feathers. Forms new cells. Protect against disease. Develop and maintaining the nervous system.

Vitamins Classified on their basis of solubility- capable of being dissolved Fat soluble- can be stored in the body (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) Water soluble- stored in limited amounts (Vitamins C, B Complex)

Vitamin A Required to prevent poor vision, respiratory ailments, digestive problems, and reproduction difficulties Green leafy plants contain carotene which animals can convert to Vitamin A

Vitamin D Used with calcium and phosphorus in the body Animals deficit in this vitamin usually have weak legs Exposing to sunlight usually takes care of this vitamin If an animal is kept in confinement, you will need to supplement. Good, quality hay is a good source

Vitamin E Important for successful reproduction and muscle development Feeding a good rationed diet will usually take care of this vitamin

Vitamin K Necessary for maintenance of normal blood coagulation (good clotting) Green forages, seeds, and good hay can provide sufficient amounts

Vitamin C Deficiency symptoms are diarrhea, rough coat, and coat loss Also called ascorbic acid (think of citrus fruits) Produced in the digestive system of most animals and is therefore not needed to supplement Guinea Pigs must have this added to diet Deficiency symptoms are diarrhea, rough coat, and coat loss

Vitamin B- Complex Group Vitamins in this group are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, choline, folic acid, biotin, inositol, para-amino benzoic acid, and pyridoxine Used for: Metabolism of carbs Digestive assistance Normal growth and reproduction Healthy coats Transportation of fatty acids

Minerals Essential in supporting and maintaining animal, but do not contribute to tissue development Supply materials to build skeleton and produce body regulators

Macrominerals Calcium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Sulfur Chlorine Magnesium

Macrominerals- Calcium Required by vertebrates in larger amounts than any other mineral 99% in the body is found in the teeth and bones Essential for bone, teeth, and eggshell formation; blood coagulation, and milk production

Macrominerals- Calcium Deficiency- retarded growth and deformed bones “Rickets”- soft, flexible bones Osteoporosis- bones lose their density and become porous and brittle Osteomalacia- softening of the bones Good sources- limestone, oyster shell, bone meal, etc.

Macrominerals- Phosphorus Closely associated with calcium 75% in the body is found in teeth and bones Essential for bone development and biochemical reactions Deficiency symptoms are similar to calcium Good sources- fluorine phosphates and bone meal

Macrominerals- Potassium Required for many body functions (osmotic relations, acid-base balance, and digestion) Deficiency symptoms- decreased appetite, slow growth, stiffness, and weight loss Most grains and feeds are sufficient so no supplements are needed

Macrominerals- Sodium and Chlorine Necessary in the formation of digestive juices, control of body fluid concentration, control of body fluid pH, and in nerve and muscle activity No deficiency symptoms Supplemental salt usually provides with enough (blocks, loose or free choice salt, spools in cages, or in a mineral mix)

Macrominerals- Magnesium Necessary for many enzyme systems and for proper function of the nervous system Most feeds are sufficient so no deficiency systems are noticed

Microminerals Iron Iodine Copper Cobalt Fluorine Manganese Zinc Molybdenum Selenium

Microminerals- Iron Necessary in formation of hemoglobin- component of blood that is responsible for transporting oxygen Deficiencies show early in life- low content in milk Anemia- disease associated with deficiency. Animal will have loss of appetite and become weak.

Microminerals- Copper Necessary for proper iron absorption, for hemoglobin formation, enzyme systems, and in synthesis of keratin for hair and wool growth Most feeds contain enough Deficiencies would be similar to iron deficiencies

Microminerals- Iodine Necessary for production of thyroid gland Most water and feeds contain sufficient amounts Common symptoms of deficiency would be swelling of neck, hairlessness, infected navel, and weakness

Microminerals- Cobalt Necessary for growth of B vitamins Symptoms of deficiency include poor appetite, weakness, anemia, decreased fertility, slow growth, and decreased milk/wool production

Microminerals- Fluorine Associated with calcium and phosphorus utilization Most feeds are usually sufficient in this nutrient and not a major concern in diets

Microminerals- Manganese Involved with the enzyme systems that influence estrus, ovulation, fetal development, udder development, milk production, growth, and skeletal development Deficiencies in this mineral affect fetal growth, deformed young, poor growth, abortions, etc. Most feeds contain adequate amounts of this

Microminerals- Zinc Necessary to promote general thriving and growth, wound healing, and hair/wool growth Most feeds are adequate in this mineral

Microminerals- Molybdenum Necessary component for digestion and enzyme development Sufficient in most feeds

Microminerals- Selenium Necessary for the absorption and utilization of Vitamin E Deficiency symptoms are similar to Vitamin E- heart failure, paralysis, poor growth, low fertility, and muscle problems