Nutrition

1_Energy needs:

Basal: the energy required at rest to maintain body temperature, breathing, digestion, etc. This depends on the animal's size.

Care: Depends on the animal—that is, on what it does and what it produces (movement, growth, reproduction, etc.).

Factors That Affect Energy Needs

Species, age, physiological state (pregnancy, lactation, etc.), outdoor temperature, body condition, temperament, health status, and physical activity.

 

2_Eating behavior:

Characteristics of a Dog's Eating Behavior

.Controlling access to food is an essential prerogative of the owner.

.Dogs eat their food very quickly.

.Dogs eat 1 to 3 meals a day.

Characteristics of a Cat's Eating Behavior

.No social significance of meals

.The Importance of Predation (Prey Capture) 

.Frequent, small meals (he eats several small meals, ranging from 8 to 20 times a day)

 

3_Appetite:

Smell: very important; the most highly developed sense in carnivores

Food temperature: the best temperature is lukewarm

Shape and texture: prefers meatballs to plain pâté

Water content: Moisture brings out the flavors

Nutritional composition: The most palatable nutrients are fats and proteins

Manufacturing Technology: Impact on Aromas and Taste

 

4_ Change in diet:

.Dogs and cats do not need a varied diet. If the food is well-suited to their needs, there is no need for variety. In fact, this can be harmful; it causes an intestinal imbalance and may contribute to obesity (a new food can stimulate an increased appetite).

 

.How do you transition to a new diet?

Sometimes it is necessary to switch to a different type of food (growth formula, special-diet food, etc.). A gradual transition is needed to allow the gut flora to adapt.

Example: Day 1: 75% old food + 25% new food

                 Day 2: 50% old food + 50% new food

                 Day 3: 25% old food + 75% new food

                 Day 4: 100% new food

.How can I make the feed more palatable?

Moisten the dry food, warm up the wet food or moist kibble, and place a small amount in the cat's mouth or in the owner's hand for the dog. Mix the dry food with the wet food.

 

5_Household Food Supply

A "homemade" meal prepared by the owners using their own ingredients. It must meet nutritional requirements.

. Ingredients: The basic ingredients are the same for dogs and cats, but the proportions are different (have your veterinarian calculate them):

Protein: from animal sources, i.e., meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products (essential for cats). Meat is best served hot for hygiene reasons.

Complex carbohydrates (starch): easily digestible: white rice or pasta; double the cooking time. Potatoes and bread are not recommended.

Non-metabolizable carbohydrates (fiber): You can use any cooked green vegetables.

Fats: Vegetable oil and fat in meat. 

Minerals and Vitamins: Home-cooked meals are always too low in minerals and vitamins. In addition, they contain too much phosphorus relative to calcium. For this reason, it is essential to supplement them with a mineral and vitamin supplement that corrects these imbalances. There are several types of supplements available, depending on the species, age, and other factors...

Prohibited foods:

Tendons and skin (indigestible), milk (lactose intolerance in adults), raw eggs, raw fish, deli meats, raw pork.

Non-digestible starch (fermentation-induced gas, diarrhea): legumes, peas, cabbage.

Onions and grapes (gastroenteritis, destruction of red blood cells).

High-calorie foods: pastries, sugar (obesity).

Toxic: chocolate (cardiac toxicity) and coffee.

Fats include: sauces, cooked fats (frying oil), and rancid fats.

Miscellaneous: Bones can puncture the digestive tract at the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestine. They can cause constipation, which may lead to an intestinal obstruction.

Leftovers from the tables.

All kinds of excesses.

 

6_Dry food, canned food

Complete food that meets all nutritional needs; may be fed on its own. Consider the pet’s species, age, physiological condition, and lifestyle to best meet its needs. Follow the feeding guidelines on the kibble package to avoid obesity or malnutrition. 

The benefits: A balanced diet, appropriate portions, and all essential nutrients.

No additional information required

High-quality raw materials

Guaranteed Hygiene

Ease of use: no preparation required, easy to open

Long shelf life

High digestibility: fewer stools because nutrients are absorbed efficiently; well-formed stools that are less foul-smelling

Wide range of products: volume, texture, fragrance

Good value for the money

Storage: 

Once opened, use within 3 days; store in the refrigerator with the lid on.

Bag of dog food: 1 month after opening