Animal Nutrition and Feeding Flashcards

What does the guaranteed analysis on a pet food label legally require manufacturers to list?

Answer: Minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, and maximum moisture

AAFCO requires guaranteed analysis to include at minimum crude protein (min), crude fat (min), crude fiber (max), and moisture (max).

A cat that has been anorexic for 3 days is at risk for which serious nutritional complication?

Answer: Hepatic lipidosis

Cats mobilize fat rapidly when anorexic, overwhelming the liver and leading to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

Which vitamin is synthesized in a dog's skin upon exposure to sunlight and is important for calcium absorption?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is synthesized photochemically in the skin and plays a critical role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

When transitioning a pet to a new diet, what is the recommended minimum transition period to avoid gastrointestinal upset?

Answer: 7-10 days

A gradual 7-10 day transition, slowly increasing the proportion of new food, allows the gut microbiome time to adjust.

Which of the following foods is toxic to both dogs and cats?

Answer: Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic contain thiosulfates that cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia in both dogs and cats.

What is the term for the total amount of calories available to an animal from a food after accounting for digestive losses?

Answer: Metabolizable energy

Metabolizable energy (ME) represents the energy available to the animal after subtracting losses in feces, urine, and combustible gases.

A ferret's diet should be high in which macronutrient due to its obligate carnivore status?

Answer: Animal-based protein and fat

Ferrets are obligate carnivores requiring diets high in animal protein and fat, with very limited carbohydrate content.