Feeding A Normal Dog or Cat
Owners can prepare diets for their pets with no more difficulty than for their own needs. The following diets contain foods that humans commonly use for their own diets. This section provides recipes for feeding adult dogs and cats a maintenance diet. Also included are diets for growing puppies and kittens. Some very active or hard working dogs require greater amounts of energy than growing animals. Recipes are given to sustain the needs of such animals.
Preparing Diets
Unless
stated the following diets are all nutritionally balanced and complete. Each
recipe lists quantities of proteins and fats that cannot be compared with
those listed for commercial pet foods. Commercial products list higher
concentrations for proteins. These foods have higher levels because
digestibility and availability for their proteins are poor compared to those
in owner-prepared recipes. Commercial pet foods need up to twice as much
protein than owner-prepared diets because it takes that much to supply amino
acid requirements. The amino acid content of owner-prepared diets is also
closer to ideal so that less protein is needed to provide an animal's needs.
Fat content varies with each diet. In many recipes vegetable oil is the
primary source of fat. If a pet gains weight and its body fat exceeds the
ideal, dietary oil is reduced. Most diets contain other sources of fat that
provide essential unsaturated fatty acids, so eliminating vegetable oil will
not result in a deficiency. The
diets contain more than required amounts of sodium chloride but much less
than commercial pet foods which contain approximately one percent salt.
Iodized table salt can be used to add flavor if desired.
Vegetable Supplements
To each of the following diets vegetables can be added. They are
not necessary to make a diet nutritionally complete. The number of calories
added with the inclusion of vegetables can be found in the following table. Uncooked vegetables contain few available calories. If they are included or
fed as snacks it is not necessary to calculate their caloric contribution to
the pet's intake. They provide additional fiber.
Caloric Content of Vegetable Portions
Vegetable |
Quantity |
kcalories |
Asparagus, cooked |
½ cup |
22 |
Broccoli, cooked |
½ cup |
23 |
Brussels sprouts, cooked |
½ cup |
30 |
Cabbage, cooked |
½ cup |
16 |
Carrots, cooked |
½ cup |
35 |
Celery, cooked |
½ cup |
11 |
Green beans, cooked |
½ cup |
22 |
Peas, green, cooked |
½ cup |
67 |
Peppers, sweet, cooked |
½ cup |
12 |
Spinach, cooked |
½ cup |
21 |
Squash, summer, cooked |
½ cup |
18 |
Tomato, cooked |
½ cup |
30 |
Turnip, cooked |
½ cup |
14 |
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
When the diet cannot be balanced with natural foods to provide vitamin and
mineral requirements, it is necessary to supplement with a vitamin-mineral
preparation. Supplements prepared for pets are used unless they are not
tolerated. The common supplements prepared for pets contain flavoring
agents, binders, fillers, and other additives that can cause
gastrointestinal problems in animals with allergies. Such additives are less
likely to be used in supplements prepared for humans. The amount of vitamin
and mineral supplement to give is based on an animal's caloric intake or body weight. Supplements
formulated for an adult human supply the average needs for a person weighing
much more than most dogs. Thus, a vitamin-mineral tablet for a human
contains too high concentrations of ingredients for most dogs. Some may
believe that excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals are not harmful;
more is better than the required amounts. Excessive amounts of most vitamins
and minerals are not harmful. An excess amount of vitamin A or D is harmful,
however. Excess vitamin A is toxic to the liver, especially when a toxin is
present or the liver must detoxify a chemical (drug). Excess vitamin D is
also toxic in that it stimulates absorption of excess calcium. Excess
dietary copper causes large amounts to accumulate in the liver. If the liver
is unable to excrete copper it can cause severe liver damage. Vitamin supplementation is based on caloric
consumption. Each 1000 kilocalories of food should contain a certain level
of each vitamin. The recommendations are more precise for growing animals
than for adults. All of the diets in this website contain vitamins at levels
based on the caloric content. It is not necessary to supplement any diet
with vitamins unless the recipe states that a supplement is required. It is
also possible to make vitamin recommendations based on an animal's body
weight. The following tables give vitamin recommendations based on an
animal's weight. The second table gives adjustments for using human vitamin-mineral preparations based on an
animal's size or food consumption. Although a growing animal has greater requirements than an adult, the
vitamin content based on amounts per 1000 kilocalories is almost the same
for growing and adult animals. The growing animal receives more vitamins
because it eats more per pound body weight. Cooking destroys vitamins so
vitamin supplements are added after cooking and before feeding.
Vitamin Requirements For Growing and Adult Cats and Dogs
(amounts per kilogram body weight per day)
Vitamin |
Growing Cat |
Adult Cat |
Growing Dog |
Adult Dog |
A |
200 IU |
75 IU |
202 IU |
75 IU |
D |
20 IU |
8 IU |
22 IU |
8 IU |
E |
1.2 IU |
0.5 IU |
1.2 IU |
0.5 IU |
Ka |
2 µg |
2 µg |
2 µg |
2 µg |
Thiamin |
200 µg |
200 µg |
54 µg |
20 µg |
Riboflavin |
160 µg |
160 µg |
100 µg |
50 µg |
Pantothenate |
200 µg |
200 µg |
400 µg |
200 µg |
Niacin |
1600 µg |
1600 µg |
450 µg |
225 µg |
Pyridoxine |
160 µg |
160 µg |
60 µg |
22 µg |
Folic acid |
32 µg |
32 µg |
8 µg |
4 µg |
Biotin |
2.8 µg |
2.8 µg |
-- |
-- |
B12 |
0.8 µg |
0.8 µg |
1 µg |
0.5 µg |
Choline |
96 mg |
96 mg |
50 mg |
25 mg |
Percent of adult human vitamin-mineral capsule to give daily
Dog's body weight in pounds
15 |
30 |
45 |
60 |
75 |
90 |
105 |
120 |
135 |
150 |
10% |
20% |
30% |
40% |
50% |
60% |
70% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
Vitamin-mineral supplements are formulated for small animals so they provided needs for their varying body size. Examples include PET-TABS® and VI-SORBITS® made by SmithKline Beechmam. The former contains ingredients such as liver (beef and pork), fish meal, wheat germ meal and a number of other additives and fillers that could cause problems in animals with gastrointestinal problems. If these are tolerated they can be given more easily that human vitamin-mineral preparations. The animal preparations are not regulated as closely by governmental agencies for potency etc. For animals with food intolerances and allergies human non-allergenic preparations can be given and the amount to use in any diet is one-fifth of a capsule or tablet for each tablet of pet vitamin-mineral tablet called for in a recipe. An example of a non-allergenic human preparation is a multiple vitamin-mineral product made by Nature’s Way Products, Springville, Utah.
The diets for dogs that do not contain sardines lack vitamin B12, even when a vitamin-mineral supplement is added. Sardines are added to provide vitamin B12. That vitamin can also be added by including liver in the diet. One reason for not using liver is that it contains very high levels of vitamin A and sometimes excess vitamin D. Excess amounts of either vitamin are toxic. Thus, liver should not be given daily to a dog or cat. Sardines also increase palatibility; some diets lack flavor. If sardines are not fed, vitamin B12 tablets can be added. (Removing 2 tablespoons sardines from a diet lowers the caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein content by 6.2 grams and fat by 4.6 grams.) Most tablets contain 1000 micrograms which is 50 times more than a dog requires. It is probably not necessary to give this vitamin more than once a week. Many dogs and cats eat diets very deficient in vitamin B12 for months and sometimes for years, and signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are not seen. Thus, it is not important to supplement owner-prepared diets with additional vitamin B12.
Mineral supplementation is based on the number of calories consumed. Each 1000 kilocalories of pet food should contain a certain level of each mineral. The recommendations are more precise for growing animals than for adults. All of the diets in this website contain minerals at levels based on the caloric content. None of these diets need to be supplemented with minerals unless the recipe states that a supplement is required. It is also possible to make mineral recommendations based on an animal's body weight. The following table gives mineral recommendations on an animal's weight. It is apparent that a growing animal has greater requirements than an adult. The mineral content based on amounts per 1000 kilocalories is almost the same for growing and adult animals. The growing animal gets more minerals because it eats more per pound body weight. Bone meal provides a balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and in addition provides trace minerals. Bone meal powder is readily available but the dosage may vary considerable. The recipes in this website contain bone meal powder manufactured by KAL® where the amount used is based on a level teaspoon of the product weighing 6 grams. Recommendations on how much bone meal to use on the labels for different products are often very much more than an animal's requirement. Thus, it is important to determine the calcium and phosphorus content from any product's label and judge whether the recommended amount of bone meal to give agrees with meeting the pet's requirements.
Mineral Requirements For Growing and Adult Cats and Dogs
(minimum amounts per kilogram body weight per day)
Mineral |
Growing Cat |
Adult Cat |
Growing Dog |
Adult Dog |
Calcium |
400 mg |
128 mg |
320 mg |
119 mg |
Phosphorus |
300 mg |
96 mg |
240 mg |
89 mg |
Sodium |
25 mg |
8 mg |
30 mg |
11 mg |
Potassium |
200 mg |
64 mg |
240 mg |
89 mg |
Chloride |
95 mg |
30 mg |
46 mg |
17 mg |
Magnesium |
20 mg |
6.4 mg |
22 mg |
8 mg |
Iron |
4 mg |
1.28 mg |
1.74 mg |
0.65 mg |
Copper |
0.25 mg |
0.08 mg |
0.16 mg |
0.06 mg |
Manganese |
0.25 mg |
0.08 mg |
0.28 mg |
0.10 mg |
Zinc |
2.5 mg |
0.8 mg |
1.94 mg |
0.72 mg |
Iodine |
0.017 mg |
0.006 mg |
0.032 mg |
0.012 mg |
Selenium |
5 µg |
1.6 µg |
6 µg |
2.2 µg |
Determination of Caloric Needs
Determine a pet's ideal body weight. Refer to tables on caloric requirements
to find the number of calories to feed each day. The following recipes show
how to prepare an amount for which its caloric content is given. That amount
is appropriate for an adult pet at a certain weight. If the size of the
recipe is inappropriate for any animal, reduce or increase the size of the
recipe to meet its nutritional needs.
Eggs and Rice Diet
3 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(320 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
2 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(28 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride (1.5 gram
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 964 kcalories, 34.1 g protein, 49.4 g fat
supports caloric needs of 33 to 34 pound dog
This diet is relatively high in fat and is suitable for an active or working
dog.
To modify this diet for less active dogs the vegetable oil can be
omitted which reduces the caloric content to about 712 kcalories.
Omission
of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2 g and
fat by 4.6 g.
Eggs and Potato Diet
3 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
3 cups potato, cooked with skin
(370 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 708 kcalories, 34.5 g protein, 21.0 g fat
supports caloric needs of 22 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Eggs and Macaroni Diet
3 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 cups macaroni, cooked
(280 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 696 kcalories, 39.1 g protein, 22.4 g fat
supports caloric needs of 22 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Cottage Cheese and Boiled Rice Diet
1 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat
(226 grams)
2 1/2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(400 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(21 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 973 kcalories, 47.8 g protein, 31.2 g fat
supports caloric needs of 34 pound dog
Diets containing cottage cheese are much higher in sodium; water consumption
will be greater on these diets than on others.
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Cottage Cheese and Potato Diet
2/3 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat (152 grams)
2 cups potato, cooked with skin (247 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil (21 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 661 kcalories, 32.7 g protein, 28.8 g fat
supports caloric needs of 20 to 21 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Cottage Cheese and Macaroni Diet
2/3 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat (152 grams)
2 1/2 cups macaroni, cooked (350 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
2 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(28 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 946 kcalories, 43.6 g protein, 37.9 g fat
supports caloric needs of 33 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Poultry Meat and Boiled Rice Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat (152 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(14 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 879 kcalories, 43.1 g protein, 37.3 g fat
supports caloric needs of 29 to 30 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Poultry Meat and Potato Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat (152 grams)
3 cups potato, cooked with skin (369 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce (38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil (14 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 851 kcalories, 42.4 g protein, 34.3 g fat
supports caloric needs of 28 to 29 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Poultry Meat and Macaroni Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat (152 grams)
2 cups macaroni, cooked (280 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce (38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil (14 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 940 kcalories, 50.4 g protein, 36.2 g fat
supports caloric needs of 32 to 33 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Beef Meat and Boiled Rice Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) very lean beef (152
grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce (38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil (14 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 890 kcalories, 44.3 g protein, 38.1 g fat
supports caloric needs of 30 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Beef Meat and Potato Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) very lean beef (152
grams)
3 cups potato, cooked with skin (369 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce (38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
1/2+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 862 kcalories, 43.6 g protein, 35.1 g fat
supports caloric needs of 29 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Beef Meat and Macaroni Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) very lean beef
(152 grams)
2 cups macaroni, cooked (280 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil (14
grams)
1/2+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 951 kcalories, 51.2 g protein, 37.1 g fat
supports caloric needs of 33 pound dog
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
It is possible to substitute other pastas for macaroni without changing the nutrients provided. In comparing these diets, feeding macaroni provides a medium size dog eight grams of protein more than rice or potato. The digestibility of macaroni is poorer than for rice or potato.
Vegetarian Diets for Adult Dogs
Completely balanced vegetarian diets can be fed to dogs without fear of causing any nutritional deficiency. The digestibility of vegetable proteins is less complete than for proteins of animal origin. Vegetarian diets are usually less expensive than those containing animal protein. These diets require supplementation with vitamin B12, a vitamin found only in food prepared from animal sources. This vitamin can be given once a week.
Tofu and Rice Diet
2/3 cup tofu, raw firm
(169 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(160 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 679 kcalories, 36.6 g protein, 18.4 g fat
supports caloric needs of 21 pound dog
Tofu and Potato Diet
1/2 cup tofu, raw firm
(126 grams)
2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(246 grams)
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 455 kcalories, 25.9 g protein, 11.3 g fat
supports caloric needs of 12 to 13 pound dog
Tofu and Macaroni Diet
1/2 cup tofu, raw firm
(126 grams)
2 cups macaroni, cooked
(280 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 721 kcalories, 36.6 g protein, 18.4 g fat
supports caloric needs of 23 pound dog
Tofu, Lentils, and Potato Diet
1/2 cup tofu, raw firm
(126 grams)
1 cup lentils, boiled
(198 grams)
2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(246 grams)
2 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(10 grams)
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 775 kcalories, 43.9 g protein, 22 g fat
supports caloric needs of 25 pound dog
Tofu, Lentils, and Rice Diet
1/4 cup tofu, raw firm
(63 grams)
1 cup lentils, boiled
(198 grams)
1 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(160 grams)
2 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(10 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 629 kcalories, 33 g protein, 18 g fat
supports caloric needs of 19 pound dog
Tofu, Lentils, and Macaroni Diet
1/4 cup tofu, raw firm
(63 grams)
1 cup lentils, boiled
(198 grams)
2 cups macaroni, cooked
(280 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 861 kcalories, 44.6 g protein, 13.6 g fat
supports caloric needs of 29 pound dog
Tofu, Beans or Peas, and Rice Diet
1/3 cup tofu, raw firm
(83 grams)
1 cup blackeye peas, boiled
(171 grams)
1 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(160 grams)
2 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(10 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 627 kcalories, 31.7 g protein, 19.1 g fat
supports caloric needs of 19 pound dog
Soybean and Rice Diet
1 cup soybeans, mature, boiled
(172 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(320 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 733 kcalories, 38.7 g protein, 19 g fat
supports caloric needs of 23 to 24 pound dog
Soybean and Potato Diet
1 cup soybeans, mature, boiled
(172 grams)
2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(246 grams)
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 570 kcalories, 34.6 g protein, 15.7 g fat
supports caloric needs of 17 pound dog
Soybean and Macaroni Diet
1 cup soybeans, mature, boiled
(172 grams)
2 cups macaroni, cooked
(280 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 792 kcalories, 45.3 g protein, 17.8 g fat
supports caloric needs of 26 pound dog
Growth requires greater amounts of protein, calories, vitamins and minerals. Puppies can double their body weight in a short time. A number of recipes follow that are based on using animal sources of proteins. It is possible to support a puppy's growth by feeding a vegetarian diet, some of which are included. Because vegetable and cereal proteins are not as well digested as animal proteins vegetarian diets need greater amounts of proteins than diets based on animal proteins.
Beef Meat and Boiled Rice Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) very lean beef
(228 grams)
1 1/2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(172 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
2/3 teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 815 kcalories, 54.6 g protein, 34.3 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Beef Meat and Potato Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) very lean beef
(228 grams)
2 1/2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(308 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(14 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
3/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (5 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 858 kcalories, 51.2 g protein, 29.7 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Beef Meat and Macaroni Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) very lean beef
(228 grams)
2 1/2 cups macaroni, cooked
(350 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(14 grams)
1/2 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon
bone meal powder (6 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 1081 kcalories, 64.9 g protein, 45 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Eggs and Boiled Rice Diet
5 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1 1/2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(240 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1/3 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 765 kcalories, 44.5 g protein, 32 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Eggs and Potato Diet
5 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 1/2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(308 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 798 kcalories, 45.5 g protein, 31.7 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Eggs and Macaroni Diet
5 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 1/2 cups macaroni, cooked
(350 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1/3 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
2/3 teaspoon
bone meal powder (4 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 952 kcalories, 54.6 g protein, 33.6 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Poultry Meat and Boiled Rice Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat
(228 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(320 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/3 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
3/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (5 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 929 kcalories, 56.5 g protein, 35.9 g fat
caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Poultry Meat and Potato Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat
(228 grams)
3 cups potato, cooked with skin
(369 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
3/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (5 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 901 kcalories, 55.1 g protein, 32.9 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Poultry Meat and Macaroni Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat
(228 grams)
2 1/2 cups macaroni, cooked
(350 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 tablespoon vegetable (canola) oil
(14 grams)
1/3 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon
bone meal powder 6 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 997 kcalories, 57.4 g protein, 39.3 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Cottage Cheese and Boiled Rice Diet
1 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat
(339 grams)
2 1/2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(400 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
1 tablespoon vegetable (canola) oil
(14 grams)
1/3 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 teaspoon
bone meal powder (6 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 1021 kcalories, 64.6 g protein, 26.5 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Cottage Cheese and Potato Diet
1 1/3 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat
(300 grams)
2 1/2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(308 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
2 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(28 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
3/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (5 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 936 kcalories, 54.7 g protein, 39 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Cottage Cheese and Macaroni Diet
1 1/3 cup cottage cheese, 2% fat
(300 grams)
2 1/2 cups macaroni, cooked
(350 grams)
2 tablespoon sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(38 grams)
2 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(28 grams)
1/3 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 teaspoon
bone meal powder (6 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 1124 kcalories, 71.2 g protein, 42 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Omission of sardines reduces caloric content by 68 kcalories, protein by 6.2
g and fat by 4.6 g.
Vegetarian Diets for Growing Dogs
Soybean and Rice Diet
2 cups soybeans, mature, boiled
(344 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked
(320 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
3/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (5 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
supplement with vitamin B12
provides 1078 kcalories, 67.8 g protein, 39.5 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Soybean and Potato Diet
2 cups soybeans, mature, boiled
(344 grams)
2 1/2 cups potato, cooked with skin
(308 grams)
2 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(10 grams)
1/10 teaspoon table salt
3/4+ teaspoon
bone meal powder (5 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
supplement with vitamin B12
provides 1028 kcalories, 64.9 g protein, 41.4 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
Tofu, Peas and Rice Diet
1 cup tofu, raw firm
(252 grams)
1 cup blackeye peas, boiled
(171 grams)
1 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(160 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
supplement with vitamin B12
provides 914 kcalories, 58.5 g protein, 39 g fat
see table for a puppy's caloric needs
All vegetarian diets must be supplemented with vitamin B12.
This
vitamin is not found in foods that come from plant material.
Biscuits for Dogs
Wheat Flour, Wheat Germ, Brewers Yeast
2 cups wheat flour, unbleached
(230 grams)
1/2 cup wheat germ
(56 grams)
1/2 cup brewers yeast
(112 grams)
3 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil
(42 grams)
1 cup chicken broth
1/6 teaspoon table salt
flavoring such as garlic powder
5 calcium carbonate tablets (2000 mg calcium)
Mix flour, wheat germ, brewer's yeast and salt. Mix in oil and chicken broth (with added flavoring). Work dough into a 1/2 inch thick piece from which biscuits are prepared with biscuit or cookie cutter. Bake in preheated oven at 4000 for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn heat off and allow biscuits to dry for 2 hours. Store in refrigerator or freezer. Recipe contains 1773 kcalories, 72.3 g protein and 51.6 g fat. Recipe can make 36 biscuits containing 50 kcalories, 2 g protein and 1.5 g fat each.
Wheat Flour, Corn Meal, Milk Powder
1 cup whole wheat flour
(115 grams)
1 cup cornmeal
(125 grams)
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
4 tablespoons margarine (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup bulgar, cooked
(68 grams)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup water
flavoring such as garlic powder
3 calcium carbonate tablets (2000 mg calcium)
Mix flour, corn meal, milk powder and baking powder. Cut in margarine. Mix in water (with added flavoring) and bulgar. Work dough into a ½ inch thick piece from which biscuits are prepared with biscuit or cookie cutter. Bake in preheated oven at 4000 for 20 minutes. Turn heat off and allow biscuits to dry for 2 hours. Store in refrigerator or freezer. Recipe contains 1634 kcalories, 53.2 g protein and 56 g fat. Recipe can make 32 biscuits containing 50 kcalories, 1.7 g protein and 1 g fat each.
Turkey Diet
6 ounces (weight before cooking) ground turkey meat
(171 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/3
teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 372 kcalories, 34.1 g protein, 25.5 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Chicken Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) chicken (boneless breast)
(228 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/2 ounce clams, chopped in juice (15 grams)
4 teaspoons vegetable (canola) oil
(20 grams)
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/3 teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 471 kcalories, 53.1 g protein, 27.4 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Chicken and Rice Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) chicken (boneless breast)
(152 grams)
1 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/2 ounce clams, chopped in juice
(15 grams)
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
4 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(20 grams)
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 503 kcalories, 43.4 g protein, 28.6 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Beef Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) beef (lean ground)
(228 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/2 ounce clams, chopped in juice
(15 grams)
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 447 kcalories, 46.2 g protein, 27.5 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Beef and Rice Diet
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) beef (lean ground)
(152 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/2 ounce clams, chopped in juice
(15 grams)
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/3 teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 433 kcalories, 34.8 g protein, 24.7 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Lamb Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) lamb (lean ground)
(228grams)
1/4 ounce clams, chopped in juice
(7grams))
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 457 kcalories, 41.2 g protein, 31.6 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Lamb and Rice Diet
1/2 pound (weight before cooking) lamb (lean ground)
(228grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/2 ounce clams, chopped in juice
(14 grams)
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
1/2 teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 573 kcalories, 47.1 g protein, 34.2 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Tuna Fish Diet
4 ounces tuna, canned in water, without added salt
(114 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/4
teaspoon
bone meal powder (1+ grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 355 kcalories, 30.2 g protein, 27 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Tuna Fish and Rice Diet
4 ounces tuna, canned in water, without added salt
(114grams)
1 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/2 ounce clams, chopped in juice
(14 grams)
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1/3 teaspoon
bone meal powder (2 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 482 kcalories, 38.3 g protein, 30 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Sardine Diet
4 1/2 ounces sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(128 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1 calcium carbonate tablet (calcium 400 mg)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 266 kcalories, 23.8 g protein, 18.3 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Sardine and Rice Diet
6 ounces sardines, canned, tomato sauce
(171 grams)
1 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
1 calcium carbonate tablet (calcium 400 mg)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 418 kcalories, 32.4 g protein, 24.2 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Salmon Diet
5 ounces salmon, canned with bone
(142 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1 calcium carbonate tablet (oyster shell, 500 mg calcium)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 259 kcalories, 32.9 g protein, 14 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Salmon and Rice Diet
5 ounces salmon, canned with bone
(142 grams)
1/2 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
1 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(5 grams)
1 calcium carbonate tablet (calcium 400 mg)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
provides 371 kcalories, 34.2 g protein, 19 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Vegetarian Diets for Cats
Cats have always been carnivores. Cats have some unique nutritional needs that a strictly vegetarian diet cannot satisfy. They have a need for arachidonic acid that plants do not make. Thus, an animal source of this nutrient must be given. Cats also have a unique need for taurine because they cannot make it from other nutrients. Foods supplied from plant material contain no taurine. It must be supplied from a source where it is produced. In the following diets it is necessary to obtain taurine from a health food supplier and add it to the cat's diet. Because vitamin B12 is not produced by any plant sources of food, it must be added to the diet. If a cat is fed a vegetarian diet appropriate for human beings it is likely that signs of a nutrient deficiency will eventually develop.
Tofu Diet
1/2 cup tofu, raw firm
(126 grams)
1/4 egg yolk, chicken, cooked
1/2 calcium carbonate tablet (calcium 200 mg)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
35 mg taurine
provides 198 kcalories, 20.6 g protein, 12.3 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Tofu and Rice Diet
3/4 cup tofu, raw firm
(189 grams)
1/2 egg yolk, chicken, cooked
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
(53 grams)
2 teaspoon vegetable (canola) oil
(10 grams)
1/4
teaspoon
bone meal powder (1+ grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
50 mg taurine
provides 419 kcalories, 35.2 g protein, 30.2 g fat
see table for a cat's or kitten's caloric needs
Behavioral Problems
Behavioral problems can be associated with diet. Coprophagy is a relatively common problem in dogs fed commercial pet foods, especially dry foods. It is rare in animals fed owner-prepared diets or consuming food caught while hunting. Coprophagy is associated with feeding high carbohydrate diets, especially in German Shepherds. Coprophagy ceases in working dogs fed horse meat instead of dry dog food where caloric intake remains unchanged. Enough horsemeat is fed to reduce the diet's carbohydrate content from about 40 percent to about 25 percent. The problem is managed by feeding owner-prepared diets containing sufficient amounts of protein and relatively small amounts of carbohydrate. Instead of correcting the nutritional problem causing coprophagy, pets are often fed something to give feces an offensive odor and taste. Chemicals for parasite control are sometimes given orally to discourage coprophagy. Sodium glutamate mixed with a purified edible vegetable protein fraction is marketed with claims for curbing coprophagy. It also makes the odor and taste of feces offensive. If a pet eats fecal material of other animals, these preparations have no value.
Feeding Geriatic Pets1-4
Factors Insuring A Long And Happy Life
Pet dogs and cats live considerably longer today than in the past. Better care, especially medical care, is assumed to increase their life expectancy. Life expectancy is also genetically determined. Life span is unique for each animal species and for breeds within a species. Life spans varies greatly for canine breeds. Small breeds and very large breeds of dogs do not live as long as intermediate size breeds.
Environmental factors also influence life span of dogs and cats. They include airborne toxins, and toxic-contaminants in food and water. Toxic substances can reduce resistance to disease and directly injure tissues. The greatest exposure to toxic substances is through what is consumed. An animal can eat literally hundreds of pounds of foodstuffs yearly. Thus, quality of the diet is important in determining long life expectancy in dogs and cats.
Geriatric Diets
Manufacturers design some pet foods for aged dogs. Compared to diets for younger dogs, these have reduced fat and possibly increased fiber. Fat content is less because obesity is common in aged dogs and reducing dietary fat helps in weight reduction. Manufacturers give little consideration to improving dietary quality. Some believe that elderly animals digest and absorb a meal as well as young animals. That conclusion is based on older animals having few changes in digestive tract morphology. But digestive function changes with aging.
Protein Needs of Older Pets
Older dogs require more protein than younger adult dogs. Merely increasing
dietary protein does not satisfy this increased requirement. Protein quality
must also be improved to make dietary protein highly digestible. Overall dietary composition is important for optimum protein digestion and
absorption. Dietary carbohydrates and fiber reduce protein digestibility by
delaying its digestion. Normally, high quality dietary protein is completely
digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and little or no protein
enters the colon. Delay in protein digestion can cause some protein to
escape digestion and absorption. Excess unabsorbed protein entering the
colon is degraded by colonic bacteria to non-nutrient substances. These
substances are absorbed and must be detoxified for excretion. Some of these
substances are biogenic amines. Their colonic concentration increases with
increased dietary protein. Thus, in addition to poor quality pet foods not
supplying adequate protein for aged dogs, they can also contribute to
non-nutrient substances (some are toxic) because of poorer assimilation.
High dietary fiber and poorly digested carbohydrates, such as in most
cereal-based foods, aggravate this problem. Geriatric pets should be fed
proteins with high biological value and high digestibility. This minimizes
protein residue entering the colon where bacteria act on it to produce
toxins. Protein requirements are satisfied by feeding 4.5 g of digestible
crude protein per kilogram metabolic body mass (4.5 g/kg bw0.75)
This level is 50 percent more than recommended for maintenance of adult
dogs. However, commercial diets for adult maintenance often exceed this
amount.
Caloric Needs Of Older Pets
Food is consumed primarily to satisfy energy requirements. Older dogs and
cats need fewer calories because they are less active than younger adults.
To maintain optimal weight in old animals, caloric intake can decrease to 80
percent of that needed for younger adults. Total caloric intake reductions
must take into consideration that requirements for other nutrients may be
unchanged or increased. As already noted, dietary protein must increase even
if caloric intake remains unchanged. Needs may increase for some vitamins
and trace minerals, but that is unproven. Vitamin E is most important to
supplement. Aging is associated with many degenerative changes and vitamin E
helps prevent damage. Older animals are more likely to be overweight than younger adults. This
greater tendency is specific for neither sex, and neutering is not
significant in promoting obesity. The number of daily feedings is not a
factor. Factors that do not make a difference include living with young
children (who feed the pet frequently), raiding the garbage, or living with
an older or younger person. The only significant factor associated with
obesity in older animals is reduced physical activity.
Fat Digestion And Absorption
Fat digestibility and tolerance are not poorer in older dogs and cats but
aging can delay fat absorption. Reduced fat intake is not necessary unless a
weight reduction program is planned based on low-fat intake. Older animals
require essential fatty acids so they should be given.
Carbohydrate Digestion And Absorption
Dietary carbohydrates are selected to increase digestibility for both starch
and protein. Rice is the most completely digested carbohydrate. Dogs and
cats poorly digest and absorb other grain cereals, the basis of most
commercial pet foods. Although carbohydrate assimilation appears to be
normal in older animals, in some dogs and cats it is associated with
abnormal glucose regulation and signs of diabetes mellitus.
Nutrients Protecting Aging Animals5,6
Chemicals and nutrients play a role in development of and protection against
disease. Cancer is one such disease where some forms develop in humans
consuming certain diets. Such a dietary effect is evident in humans eating a
typical Japanese diet that is associated with a high incidence of stomach
cancer and low incidence of colon cancer. In contrast, the typical high-fat
American diet results in the opposite. The reason for these differences is
unknown. Diet composition can affect mammary tumors. Diets low in methionine protect
against tumor appearance and growth. Foods rich in methionine promote tumor
appearance and growth.7 Chemicals in some diets are toxic and over time can cause diseases such as
cancer. High dietary nitrosamine, for example, causes acute hepatic necrosis
and chronic ingestion of lower amounts causes hepatic cancer. Some
microorganisms produce dietary chemicals, such as aflatoxin produced by a
fungus, that cause hepatic necrosis. Normal dietary constituents can be toxic and naturally occurring protectants
minimize or prevent damage. Antioxidants protect against free radicals which
appear as oxygen is used to produce energy. Antioxidants are important as
dietary unsaturated fatty acids increase. These protectants include
naturally occurring nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin C, and vitamin E.
In addition, commerciallyprepared foods contain synthetic antioxidants such
as butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, and ethoxyquin. Vitamin E is essential for cell membrane protection against the many
chemical reactions generating free radicals. Vitamin E is more potent than
synthetic antioxidants because it binds cell membranes. To be as effective,
synthetic antioxidants must be given continuously and in large amounts
compared with vitamin E. Membrane bound vitamin E loses its antioxidant
activity on neutralizing free radicals, but other antioxidants such as
vitamin C can restore membrane vitamin E antioxidant activity. Vitamin E appears to lengthen life span. When animals are given vitamin E
from a young age, the onset slows for some age-related problems such as
cataracts, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and decreased immune function.
High blood vitamin E levels may lower the risk of some cancers. This effect
can be due to vitamin E blocking the formation of carcinogens (such as
nitrosamines from nitrates in the diet), inhibiting carcinogens from
reaching cells, suppressing the effects of cancer and stimulating the immune
system.
Phytochemicals As Protectants
Phytochemicals are the source of nearly all phenolics found in animals. The
important phytochemicals are phenolics. Phenolics essential for animals such
as tyrosine come either directly from plants or are modified from essential
plant precursors. Phenolic phytochemicals are grouped into flavonoids (such
as anthocyanins, genistein and daidzein), tannins, lignans, and simple
phenols such as the benzoic and cinnamic acids. These chemicals protect
plants and have beneficial effects in animals. They protect animal cells by
chelating, quenching free radicals, which provides antioxidant activity.
Phytochemicals are found in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes; a human
consumes about 25 to 35 milligrams daily.
Soybean products are rich in flavonoids. Other beans are also rich in phytochemicals. In addition, natural blue, purple, red, orange and yellow foods are abundant in flavonoids. The benefits of flavonoids can be lost with food processing. Phytochemicals’ benefits can be enhanced by feeding substances that reduce intestinal absorption of toxins; such substances include soluble fiber. Flavonoids help control cancer growth. The flavonoid genistein prevents malignant angiogenesis, blood vessel development that promotes cancer growth. Genistein also promotes leukemia cell differentiation so they revert to normal cells. Some phytochemicals are toxic to intestinal bacteria. Reducing this bacterial population decreases toxin formation and absorption. Phytochemicals are beneficial only from dietary levels in naturally occurring foods. Excess phytochemicals can be toxic. Phenol-based compounds can be toxic; metabolism of any phenolic chemical releases phenol which is toxic. Owner-prepared diets should be formulated with a natural source of phytochemicals. Their beneficial effects for detoxification and protection should be lifelong.
Feeding to Reduce Cancer
The incidence of tumors is lower than expected in animals fed soy protein
diets.7 Several soy protein constituents can inhibit tumor
growth. They include isoflavones, phytosterols, protease inhibitors,
inositol hexaphosphate, and saponins. Soy proteins are also deficient in
methionine. Dietary soy protein instead of animal protein is associated with
a lower incidence of breast and colon cancer in humans. No long term studies
have been done in dogs and cats but the probability is great that feeding
soy protein could have the same effects. A number of forms of soy protein
are available. Many diets in this website are based on using one form, tofu, as
the primary source of protein.
Feeding to Prevent Cancer Cachexia5,8
Weight loss and cachexia are important complications of cancer. Cancer
patients that maintain normal weight live longer and have fewer
complications during treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Tumor cells uncouple metabolism which accelerates wasting and poor use of
nutrients. Metabolic abnormalities affect use of carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats resulting in many defects in nutrient usage.
Cancer patients are invariably anorectic and have a basal energy requirement that is twice normal, requiring food intake to be greatly increased. High-caloric density diet are fed to increase energy intake. Up to 50 percent of non-protein calories should be fat. High carbohydrate diets should not be fed. To improve anorexia, palatability should be enhanced by using animal fat such as chicken fat, seasonings such as garlic powder, and feeding food warm. No commercial pet foods meet dietary requirements for cancer patients.
The following diets for geriatric dogs contain the highest quality protein and the most easily digested form of starch. Some are high in fat for normal weight animals that have problems maintaining normal weight. Others are low in fat when obesity is an important problem to manage. All these diets can be supplemented with vegetables listed at the beginning of this page. If a pet tolerates other vegetables or fruits ones can be fed that provide natural chemicals that protect against tissue injury and aging. The diets are relatively low in vitamin and mineral content. Their requirements are met but excesses are avoided because that can be an important cause of tissue injury in older animals. Vitamin E can be supplemented for further protection. Feeding recommendations are based on the diet providing 80 percent of the caloric requirements of a younger dog of the given weight.
Tofu and Rice Diet (high fat)
1 cup tofu, raw firm (252 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 777 kcalories, 48.3 g protein, 22.9 g fat
supports caloric needs of 34 pound dog
Cottage Cheese and Boiled Rice Diet (low fat)
1 cup cottage cheese, 1% fat (226 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 575 kcalories, 36.5 g protein, 3.2 g fat
supports caloric needs of 23 pound dog
Diets containing cottage cheese are much higher in sodium; water consumption
will be greater on these diets than on others.
Avoid feeding this diet in dogs with sodium retention.
Cottage Cheese and Boiled Rice Diet (high fat)
1 cup cottage cheese, 1% fat (226 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
1 tablespoon chicken fat (13 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 689 kcalories, 36.5 g protein, 16 g fat
supports caloric needs of 29 pound dog
Egg Whites and Boiled Rice Diet (low fat)
egg whites from 4 large eggs, cooked
1 egg, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 554 kcalories, 28.4 g protein, 6.2 g fat
supports caloric needs of 21 to 22 pound dog
Eggs and Boiled Rice Diet (high fat)
4 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 722 kcalories, 33.7 g protein, 22.1 g fat
supports caloric needs of 31 pound dog
Poultry Meat and Boiled Rice Diet (low fat)
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat (152 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 575 kcalories, 40 g protein, 4.18 g fat
supports caloric needs of 22 to 23 pound dog
Poultry Meat and Boiled Rice Diet (normal fat)
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat (152 grams)
1 eggs, large, chicken, whole, cooked
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 653 kcalories, 46.3 g protein, 9.48 g fat
supports caloric needs of 27 pound dog
Poultry Meat and Boiled Rice Diet (high fat)
1/3 pound (weight before cooking) poultry meat (152 grams)
2 cups rice, long-grain, cooked (320 grams)
1 tablespoon chicken fat (13 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1/10 teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon
bone meal powder (3 grams)
1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
1 vitamin E (400 IU)
(vitamin B12 once a week)
provides 691 kcalories, 40 g protein, 17 g fat
supports caloric needs of 29 pound dog
References
1. Burger, Ivan H. 1993. A Basic Guide to Nutrient Requirements. In The Waltham Book of Companion Animal Nutrition. Edited by I.H. Burger, 5-24. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
2. Earle Kay E. And Philip M. Smith. 1993. A balanced Diet for Dogs and Cats. In The Waltham Book of Companion Animal Nutrition. Edited by I.H. Burger, 45-55. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
3. Legrand-Defretin, Veronique and Helen S. Munday. 1993. Feeding Dogs and Cats for Life. In The Waltham Book of Companion Animal Nutrition. Edited by I.H. Burger, 57-68. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
4. Armstrong, P. Jane and Elizabeth M. Lund. 1996. Changes in Body Composition and Energy Balance With Aging. Veterinary Clinical Nutrition 3(3):83-87.
5. Hammer, Alan S. 1994. Nutrition and Cancer. In The Waltham Book of Clinical Nutrition of the Dog and Cat. Edited by J. M. Wills and K. W. Simpson, 75-85. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
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