What are the differences between dogs and cats in their nutritional requirements? How can you use this knowledge to better advise owners about how to feed their animals?

Over the past 40 years, the widespread feeding of commercial foods to dogs and cats has diminished awareness of the special nutritional characteristics of these domestic animals. Although commercial foods, formulated to meet the known nutrient requirements of dogs and cats, have ensured good nutritional health, there are still circumstances where malnutrition of these species can occur. The aims of this course are to emphasise the differences between dogs and cats in their nutritional requirements, to draw attention as to how this knowledge can help veterinarians better advise dog and cat owners about how to feed their animals and to awaken an understanding about how nutritional knowledge can assist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Veterinary nurses with a special interest in the topic are welcome to enrol in this course. Please be aware that the course is designed for qualified veterinarians and you should consider this in light of your knowledge and experience before you register.

“Dr Fraser was very good, knowledgeable and gave prompt and interesting replies. Thank you!” Kimberley Godwin, CIT

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Learning Objective By successfully completing this course, you will:

1. Gain a better understanding of how knowledge of nutritional science is needed to be able to provide guidance on how to meet the specific nutrient requirements of dogs and cats
2. Have covered how to use feeding standard tables and food composition tables to formulate diets that meet the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats
3. Gain a better understanding of how to apply nutritional knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases where nutritional factors are involved in their aetiology
4. Gain a better understanding of the significance of clinical signs that indicate a history of malnutrition in dogs and cats.

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Modules

1. The physiological and biochemical characteristics that determine the different nutritional requirements of dogs and cats.
2. The specific nutrient requirements of dogs and cats.
3. The application of nutritional knowledge in the prevention and treatment of disease.
4. Malnutrition of dogs and cats with consequent disease.