Page 361 - Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 5th Edition

370 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition

Water foods containing 78 to 82% moisture will result in diuresis.
VetBooks.ir Water needs of cats also differ from those of dogs, not because
of feline feeding behaviors (i.e.,carnivorous vs.omnivorous) but
because of their ancestors’ adaptation to environmental
extremes. Domestic cats are thought to have descended from LIFESTAGE NUTRITION
the African wildcat (Felis silvestris libyca), a desert dweller. Lifestage nutrition is the practice of feeding foods designed to
Several unique features of water balance in cats may be meet an animal’s optimal nutritional needs at a specific age or
explained by adaptation to a dry environment. Cats are able to physiologic state (e.g., maintenance, reproduction or growth).
survive on less water than dogs and may fail to increase water The concept of lifestage nutrition recognizes that feeding either
intake at minor levels of dehydration, up to 4% of body weight below or above an optimal nutrient level can negatively affect
(Anderson, 1982). Cats compensate for reduced water intake, biologic performance and health (Figure 5-2). This concept
in part, by forming highly concentrated urine. Unfortunately, differs markedly from feeding a single product for all lifestages
this strong concentrating ability coupled with a weak thirst (i.e., all-purpose foods), whereby nutrients are added at levels to
drive may result in highly saturated urine, increasing the risk of meet the highest potential need (i.e., usually growth and repro-
crystalluria or urolithiasis, both components of the feline lower duction). For maximum benefit, risk assessment and preventive
urinary tract disease complex. plans should begin well before the onset of disease. The value
Cats consume 1.5 to 2 ml of water/g of dry matter (DM). of lifestage nutrition is greater if risk factor management is also
This 2:1 ratio of water to DM is similar to that of typical prey. incorporated into the feeding practice. A narrower range of
This ratio represents approximately 0.5 ml water/kcal ME nutrient recommendations often emerges when age and physi-
intake.Practical recommendations for water provision are some- ologic needs are reviewed in conjunction with reducing nutri-
what higher at 1 ml water/kcal ME. Water ingested from moist tional risk factors for disease.

Box 19-3. Commercial Treats and Table Foods.

An estimated 41 to 60% of cats are regularly fed table foods and Calcium
a
34% of cats are fed commercial treats. Feeding treats and table Breeders sometimes provide supplemental calcium during pregnan-
food allows more social interaction with the owner, increases diet cy, lactation or growth. Additional calcium is rarely necessary, except
variety and provides additional caloric intake. Some commercial for cats fed a homemade food or queens with eclampsia, and may
treats claim dental benefits either by mechanical cleansing or lead to nutritional excess or nutrient imbalances in cats fed complete
through use of an active ingredient (Chapter 47). When fed in and balanced commercial cat foods.
excess, treats and table foods may negatively affect a well-balanced
food. Because most commercial cat foods contain vitamins and min- Chromium
erals well above the nutritional needs of cats, table foods and treats Chromium has been called a “glucose tolerance factor” for its role in
fed at less than 10% of the total daily intake should be safe. normal glucose homeostasis and insulin action in experimental ani-
Providing high-calorie treats or table foods can also contribute to mals. Chromium supplementation promotes lean tissue accretion in
obesity and must be considered in the calculation of total calories for growing livestock. Thus, health food stores now stock chromium as
a cat. an “anti-diabetic” nutrient and “fat-burner” for people. Little informa-
tion exists about the effect of chromium supplementation in cats.
MILK Some caution may be warranted given excess chromium has been
One of the most common human foods offered to cats is milk. Milk is associated with chromosomal damage.
highly palatable and small quantities are well tolerated by most
healthy cats. However, after weaning, intestinal lactase activity Brewer’s Yeast/Thiamin
declines unless milk is a regular part of the diet. Undigested lactose Brewer’s yeast and thiamin have been promoted as coat conditioners
is subject to bacterial fermentation and promotes osmotic diarrhea. and flea preventives for dogs and cats. Although brewer’s yeast is a
Feeding milk to cats unaccustomed to receiving it may overwhelm good source of B vitamins, particularly thiamin, research has not
digestive capacity resulting in diarrhea, flatulence or gastrointestinal proven its efficacy as a flea repellent.
distress. Although commercial lactase supplements may alleviate
signs of lactose intolerance, lactose avoidance is more prudent for RAW MEATS
affected cats. Breeders and owners commonly feed raw meats to cats. Raw mus-
cle and organ meats are highly palatable, digestible and generally
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS nutritious when supplemented with appropriate vitamins and miner-
Although many supplements are legitimate sources of essential nutri- als. Cooking destroys some nutrients and increases the availability of
ents, others represent food fads that reflect current trends in human others.A benefit to feeding raw meat to cats has not been document-
nutrition. Poor-quality foods are rarely “fixed” by adding a supple- ed, and the disadvantages far outweigh any advantages. Raw meat,
ment. Changing to a higher quality food is a more appropriate recom- even when “flash frozen,” may contain harmful bacteria (e.g.,
mendation and often less expensive. Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli) and parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma