ANIMAL NUTRITIONIST: TIPS FOR NUTRITIONING DOGS, CATS, SMALL PETS, AND HORSES!
Nutrition is the primary driver of health for dogs, cats, small pets, and horses. However, between marketing trends and debates about BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), homemade diets, and grain-free kibble, it's easy to get lost. An unbalanced diet can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, urinary stones, or serious deficiencies.
ServicesPourAnimaux explains why consulting an animal nutritionist or a veterinary nutritionist is the most cost-effective investment for your pet's longevity.
Why consult an animal nutrition specialist?
Contrary to popular belief, nutrition isn't just about quantity but also about the bioavailability of nutrients. Each species, each breed, and each individual has specific needs depending on their age, activity level, and health status.
1. For dogs and cats:
The animal nutritionist doesn't just choose a brand; they analyze several parameters, namely:
_ Calculating energy requirements (ER): Essential to prevent weight gain.
_ The protein/fat/carbohydrate balance: Crucial for domestic carnivores.
_ Formulating homemade diets: If you cook for your pet, the professional calculates the essential vitamin and mineral supplement (VMS) to prevent calcium and trace element deficiencies.
2. For Exotic Pets:
For rabbits, guinea pigs, and other rodents, a dietary mistake is often fatal.
_ Rabbits: The critical importance of quality hay and managing calcium intake to prevent kidney stones.
_ Birds and reptiles: Extremely complex needs for specific vitamins and minerals depending on the species' geographic origin.
3. For horses:
Equine nutrition is a precision science where the balance between fiber and concentrates is vital to prevent colic and gastric ulcers.
_ Hay analysis: Understanding the nutritional value of grass and hay.
_ Exercise management: Adapting energy intake depending on whether the horse is at rest, at a riding club, or competing at a high level.
What are the key terms in animal nutrition to know?
_ Homemade ration: A meal prepared at home, specifically balanced by a professional animal nutritionist or veterinary nutritionist.
_ BARF/RAW: A diet based on raw meat and meaty bones that requires strict monitoring.
_ Energy Requirement (ER): The number of calories needed per day, expressed in kcal.
_ Ash Content: An indicator of the mineral content in commercial pet food.
_ Glycemic Index: Important for managing diabetes and weight gain.
What happens during an animal nutrition consultation?
An animal nutritionist or veterinary nutritionist typically follows three steps:
Step 1: Complete History: Medical history, lifestyle, known allergies, and analysis of the current diet.
Step 2: Calculation of Requirements: Using mathematical tools to determine the ideal ration.
Step 3: Monitoring and Adjustment: A dietary transition doesn't happen overnight; the animal nutrition professional will work with you over several weeks to observe digestion and overall health (coat, stools, energy levels).
Beware of online recipes: A recipe found on a forum is never suitable for your pet. A deficiency can take months to become apparent, but the damage, particularly to bones or kidneys, is often irreversible. Only a professional assessment by an animal nutritionist or a veterinary nutritionist can guarantee the safety of your pet's food.
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