CVA Animal Nutrition and Feeding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which nutrient class provides the primary source of energy for dogs and cats?
- Vitamins
- Carbohydrates and fats (Correct answer)
- Minerals
- Water
Correct answer: Carbohydrates and fats
Carbohydrates and fats are the primary energy-yielding macronutrients in companion animal diets.
Question 2: What does the term 'AAFCO' refer to in pet food labeling?
- American Animal Feed Certification Organization
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (Correct answer)
- American Association of Feline and Canine Owners
- Animal and Avian Food Control Office
Correct answer: Association of American Feed Control Officials
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets nutritional standards and regulates pet food labeling in the US.
Question 3: Taurine is an essential amino acid for which species?
- Dogs
- Rabbits
- Cats (Correct answer)
- Horses
Correct answer: Cats
Cats cannot synthesize adequate taurine and must obtain it from dietary sources; deficiency leads to dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration.
Question 4: A body condition score (BCS) of 5 out of 9 in a dog indicates:
- Underweight
- Obese
- Ideal body weight (Correct answer)
- Severely obese
Correct answer: Ideal body weight
On the 9-point BCS scale, a score of 5 represents ideal body condition with ribs easily palpable and a visible waist.
Question 5: Which type of diet is formulated to support all life stages of a cat?
- Maintenance diet
- Senior diet
- Gestation/lactation diet that also meets kitten needs (Correct answer)
- Weight management diet
Correct answer: Gestation/lactation diet that also meets kitten needs
An 'all life stages' diet must meet the highest nutritional demands—those of growing kittens and pregnant/lactating queens—making it suitable for all cats.
Question 6: What is the recommended feeding method that best controls caloric intake in pets prone to obesity?
- Free-choice feeding
- Timed feeding twice daily
- Measured meal feeding (Correct answer)
- Grazing on dry kibble
Correct answer: Measured meal feeding
Measured meal feeding with precise portions prevents overconsumption and is the most effective method for managing caloric intake.
Question 7: Which mineral deficiency in large-breed growing puppies most commonly leads to developmental orthopedic disease?
- Excess calcium relative to phosphorus (Correct answer)
- Zinc deficiency
- Sodium excess
- Iron deficiency
Correct answer: Excess calcium relative to phosphorus
Excessive dietary calcium (or imbalanced Ca:P ratio) in large-breed puppies impairs normal endochondral ossification and contributes to conditions like osteochondrosis.
CVA Animal Nutrition and Feeding 1
Which nutrient class provides the primary source of energy for dogs and cats?