CVA Animal Nutrition and Feeding 3

Question 1

Which condition is most commonly associated with feeding a grain-free, legume-heavy diet to dogs?

Accepted Answer

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Answer

The FDA has investigated a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes (peas, lentils) and an increased incidence of DCM in dogs.

Question 2

When reading a pet food ingredient list, ingredients are listed in what order?

Accepted Answer

By descending weight before processing

Answer

AAFCO requires pet food ingredients to be listed in descending order by weight as added (pre-processing), meaning the heaviest ingredient appears first.

Question 3

A rabbit's diet should consist primarily of which feedstuff to support proper gastrointestinal motility?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited timothy hay

Answer

Timothy hay provides the long-fiber cellulose that maintains normal GI motility, dental wear, and cecal fermentation in rabbits.

Question 4

Which life stage typically has the highest caloric energy requirement per unit of body weight?

Accepted Answer

Growing puppies and kittens

Answer

Growing animals have rapid cellular proliferation, organ development, and high metabolic rates, requiring significantly more calories per kilogram than adults.

Question 5

What is the safest way to transition a pet to a new diet to avoid gastrointestinal upset?

Accepted Answer

Gradually mix increasing amounts of new food with the old food over 7–10 days

Answer

A gradual transition allows the gut microbiome and digestive enzymes to adapt, reducing the risk of vomiting and diarrhea.

(CVA) Certified Veterinary Assistant Practice Test

(CVA) Certified Veterinary Assistant Practice Test

CVA Animal Nutrition and Feeding 3