Library
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Alternative diets cover a range of options that target specific feline nutritional needs. While some alternative diet options include certain ingredients like novel protein sources, others exclude certain ingredients like grains. Determining which diet is best for your cat should include a discussion with your veterinarian, as there is no documented data that alternative diets are any healthier for the average cat compared to conventional diets.
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A cat that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a cat with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your cat to eat or lose her appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.
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Breed-specific diets are a category of commercial pet feeds available for dogs and cats that are formulated to accommodate various breed predispositions. This article provides a concept overview of these diets, including what they are and what benefits they may serve. Specific examples are reviewed in brief to illustrate case scenarios for common canine and feline breeds.
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Treats are a great way to bond with your cat but are an additional source of calories that must be considered within the overall diet. Treats should be no more than10% of your cat's daily calorie intake and, in greater quantities, can create a nutritional imbalance.
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Periodontal disease is the most common problem affecting cats of all age groups. The importance of daily, at-home dental care cannot be overemphasized. Cats may benefit from either a food, treat, water additive, gel or powder that has been approved by the VOHC to reduce plaque buildup.
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Veterinarians generally agree that there is no single best food for all dogs or all cats. Pet owners may also have preferences related to cost, convenience of shopping, and how a particular pet food manufacturer conducts their business. This handout briefly outlines key aspects of selecting the most appropriate food and water for your dog or cat.
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Critical care patients in the hospital are at risk of becoming malnourished, and poor food intake can delay healing and recovery. When hospitalized patients don’t get adequate calories and nutrients, their cellular metabolic activities are disrupted. They can develop problems with medications - either with inadequate drug activity, or creating a relative overdose if drug elimination is slowed. Critically ill cats that are not eating well on their own can directly benefit from the nutrition support provided by a feeding tube.
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Cat food labels can be confusing. These labels are an important way that pet food manufacturers communicate nutritional information to consumers. It is important to understand some of the rules regulating cat food labels to better interpret the information they contain.
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Diabetes mellitus is an inability to regulate blood glucose caused by a loss of insulin production (Type I) or inadequate insulin supply or resistance (Type II). In cats, diabetes mellitus is most often type II. This type of diabetes usually results from obesity, creating insulin resistance. Cats with type II may be treated with oral medication, but some cats may ultimately require insulin injections. Diet is also important. This article discusses various treatments and monitoring regimens.
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This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the different food forms available for cats, including dry, canned, and semi-moist foods. Dry food, or kibble, is easy to portion control and can be fed in puzzle toys. Canned food is a good option but more expensive than kibble and does not last as long once opened. Semi-moist foods are generally not recommended as the main diet due to their high sugar and sodium content, as well as difficulty with portioning. Feeding a combination of canned and dry is recommended for young, healthy cats so that they are exposed to a variety of textures.
