Table 2 . Average daily energy requirements ( DER ) during growth of healthy cats and dogs ( FEDIAF , 2021 ). The alternative method for calculating the DER of large- and giant-breed dogs , using 15 – 100 % of anticipated adult body weight ( BW ), is proposed by Richardson et al . ( 2010 ). MER , Maintenance energy requirement .
|
Age and percentage of anticipated adult BW |
DER using MER factor MER ( kcal / day ) = 75 – 100 ( BW kg ) 0 . 67
|
Cats |
Kittens up to 4 months (< 50 % of adult BW ) |
2.0 – 2.5 × MER |
|
4 – 9 months ( 50 – 70 % of adult BW ) |
1.75 – 2.0 × MER |
|
9 – 12 months ( 70 – 100 % of adult BW ) |
1.5 × MER |
Age and percentage of anticipated adult BW DER
Dogs |
Newborn |
25 kcal / 100 g BW |
|
Up to 50 % of adult BW |
210 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75
|
|
50 – 80 % of adult BW |
175 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75
|
|
80 – 100 % of adult BW |
140 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75
|
|
Percentage of anticipated adult BW |
DER using MER factor MER ( kcal / day ) = 130 ( BW kg ) 0 . 75
|
Large and giant dog breeds
15 |
2.5 |
30 |
2.1 |
43 |
1.9 |
60 |
1.6 |
71 |
1.4 |
80 |
1.3 |
100 |
1.0 |
Large and giant-breed puppies
Puppies predicted to have an adult bodyweight of over 23 kg ( 50 lb ) and 45 kg ( 100 lb ) are considered large and giant breeds , respectively ( Kerby , 2018 ). Their rate of growth is prolonged and they are sensitive to nutrient deficiencies and excesses , and overfeeding . Excessive calorific intake contributes to an accelerated growth rate and excessive weight gain , predisposing puppies to developmental orthopaedic disease ( Lauten , 2006 ). A diet formulated for large-breed growth , fed on a mealrestricted / portion-controlled basis ( not ad-libitum ) and without any supplementation , is fundamental to reducing this risk . Puppies should be assessed regularly throughout the growth period and dietary adjustments made as necessary to encourage gradual growth , managed weight gain and maintenance of a lean body condition .
Feeding during senior years
The rate and manifestations of ageing are determined by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors , of which one is nutrition . The Association of American Feed Control Officials ( AAFCO ) and the Fédération Européenne De l ' Industrie des Aliments pour Animaux Familiers ( FEDIAF ) – the European pet-food industry federation – only distinguish growth , reproduction , and adult maintenance as life stages in dogs and cats . Consequently , there is no clear definition or agreement on the nutritional requirements for the senior life stage , and nutrient profiles vary widely and according to the manufacturers ' philosophies ( Corbee , 2018 ; Villaverde , 2017 ). It is therefore essential that the nutritional evaluation of senior pets involves an individual assessment with a recommended nutrient profile ( rather than product name ) matched to the needs of the individual . This makes it even more critical for the veterinary healthcare team to be able to provide a source of credible nutritional advice and support for owners of ageing pets .
Frequent nutritional assessment is of particular importance during this life stage and owners should play an active role . Teaching owners how to accurately and objectively assess their pet ' s body condition score ( BCS ) and muscle condition score ( MCS ) is crucial to the early detection of secondary health conditions . Each unit increase above ideal ( a score of 5 ) on a 9-point BCS equates to 10 – 15 % excess bodyweight . Unhealthy weight gain increases the risk to health and exacerbates age-related conditions such as diabetes and arthritis ( Churchill , 2018 ; Laflamme , 2005 ). Obesity further decreases quality of life and life expectancy and should , therefore , be prevented . Unless life expectancy is poor for reasons other than
28 Veterinary Nursing Journal