Life stage
Energy requirement Cats Gestation 140 kcal / kg BW 0 . 67
Lactation ( no . of kittens )
< 3 100 kcal / kg BW 0 . 67 + 18 kcal × kg BW × L 3 – 4 100 kcal / kg BW 0 . 67 + 60 kcal × kg BW × L > 4 100 kcal / kg BW 0 . 67 + 70 kcal × kg BW × L
L = 0.9 in weeks 1 – 2 of lactation ; 1.2 in weeks 3 – 4 ; 1.1 in week 5 ; 1 in week 6 ; 0.8 in week 7 .
Dogs Gestation 0 – 5 weeks 132 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75 > 5 weeks 132 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75 + 26 kcal / kg BW
Lactation ( no . of puppies )
1 – 4 145 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75 + 24 n × kg BW x L 5 – 8 145 kcal / kg BW 0 . 75 + ( 96 + 12 n ) × kg BW × L
n = number of puppies ; L = 0.75 in week 1 of lactation ; 0.95 in week 2 ; 1.1 in week 3 ; 1.2 in week 4 .
Dogs
Canine gestation is an average of 63 days in length , split into three trimesters . Unlike queens , the energy requirements of bitches do not increase until the final trimester of gestation . A complete commercial diet designed specifically for canine adult life-stage should be fed during the first two trimesters to maintain optimum body condition . During the final trimester , calorie intake increases by 30 – 60 %, depending on litter size , and can be met by switching to a complete commercial diet designed for canine growth . Large-breed growth diets are formulated to slow growth and prevent developmental orthopaedic disease , so contain limited fat and energy and controlled levels of calcium , making them unsuitable for feeding during pregnancy and lactation . Adequately fed bitches gain 15 – 25 % more than their pre-breeding weight during gestation and 5 – 10 % more during the post-partum period ( Debraekeleer et al ., 2010 ).
Conclusion
Appropriate feeding protocols and diet choice play a critical role in the care and clinical outcome of healthy and clinically affected companion animals . The veterinary healthcare team plays a fundamental role in providing optimal nutrition-related support and owner education , appropriate to the species , life stage and health status of pets . Life-stage nutrition tailors dietary requirements to optimise longevity , performance and health , and to prevent disease . A one-size-fits-all approach to the nutritional support of cats and dogs is not appropriate , and a nutritional assessment , with identification of any risk factors , is essential as part of wider regular health screening .
Part 2 of this article ( in a future issue of VNJ ) will review the appropriate species-specific nutritional adaptations required during growth and senior stages of life , and will consider how these can be met through dietary provision . It will also examine the vital role veterinary nurses play in educating pet owners about optimal nutrition and dietary choices .
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Dr Cecilia Villaverde Haro , BVSc , PhD , DACVN , DECVCN , and Dr Marge Chandler , DVM , MS , MANZCVS , DACVN , DACVIM , MRCVS , for their valued comments on this article .
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