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DR.TERRI Me GINNIS’
DOG & CAT GOOD FOOD BOOK
CBY CTERRI CM¢° GINNIS,“D.U.M.

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CLLLUST RATED CBY (MARGARET CHOL

CTAYLOR & NG SAN CFRANCISCO

1977
ISBN 0-912738-09-X
Library of Congress Card #77-6007
Printed in the United States of America
Copyright ©1977 by Terri McGinnis, D.V.M.
Published by Taylor & Ng
P.O. Box 200
Brisbane, California 94005
All Rights Reserved
First Edition
Second Printing 1978
Distributed by Random House, Inc.
and in Canada by Random House of Canada Ltd.
I.S.B.N. 0-394-73419-X
 encouraged her to write one. The Well Dog Book
and The Well Cat Book resulted and their
popularity among pet owners in several coun-
tries attests to their usefulness.
Dr. McGinnis writes the monthly “Ask the
Vet” column for Family Health magazine, con-
tributes regularly to San Francisco’s KGO-talk
radio and has made numerous television ap-
pearances. She has come to accept the role of
pet health care writer but places most impor-
tance on her regular work with animal patients.
Dr. McGinnis lives in the Bay area with three
dogs, a pet bird and as many flowers, vegeta-
bles, wild birds and other friendly creatures as
she can lure into her yard.

Photo courtesy of Paul Hinxmann

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A native San Franciscan illustrator and
Dr. Terri McGinnis has loved and had a designer, Margaret Choi demonstrates her
rapport with animals from the time she was a skill, talent, and integrity in Dr. Terr McGinnis’
child living in Southern California. Although, Dog &§ Cat Good Food Book. During the five years
or perhaps because, she had few pets while she has worked with the innovative team at
growing up, her ambition was to become a Taylor & Ng, Margaret Choi has been integral-
veterinarian. Fortunately, her relatives, ly involved in numerous company projects,
teachers, counselors and finally the University including both the design and layout aspects of
of California at Davis concurred. She received books, packaging, and promotional materials.
her Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 with A city flat serves as home for Margaret and her
highest honors and was awarded her Doctor of 7 year old daughter Kim (born in the Year of
Veterinary Medicine degree in 1971. the Dog) and as an art studio/office in which she
Following her graduation from Davis, Dr. produces her own creative projects.
McGinnis moved to the San Francisco Bay area
and became engaged in the practice of compan-
ion animal medicine. Although she had no
plans to become a writer, a wise client made it
clear to her that good books about health care
for dogs and cats were difficult to find and
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 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
l. THE WHERE,WHEN
& WISE OF FEEDING.......:
Il. NUTRITION:
ABOUT THE BASICG........ G
IIL. FOOD FACT & FICTION....32
ID WHAT & HOW
TO FEED YOUR PET......60
VD. SPECIAL NEEDS -
SPECIAL FEEDG............. 76
 To Don,
Thank you for making me
the author I never planned to become.
Your help and encouragement
will always be remembered.

This book could not have been completed without the help of others. Dr. James Morris, Professor of Nutrition and
Physiology, University of California, Davis deserves special thanks for reading the manuscript for scientific accuracy.
Alan Wood’s general supervision, editorial efforts and design suggestions were invaluable. Thanks must also be:
given to Margaret Choi for her illustrations, Diane Ahlgren for testing the recipes, and to Drs. Jim Milligan, Miles
Powers and Tom Reed for making many thoughtful suggestions. All of your efforts were greatly appreciated.
 Feeding your dog or cat is the most impor- to learn how to formulate pet foods. It is a
tant thing you do for your pet. Nothing else book, however, which gives pet owners facts
that you must do daily is more essential to your which can be used to feed their dogs and cats
pet’s life. Not grooming or training or even intelligently and economically.
giving love is more important than providing In a time when significant nutrient resources,
good nutrition. Despite nutrition’s importance, such as protein, are becoming increasingly
however, most pet owners know little about it scarce, it is important to learn what food
and those who have tried to study it often have sources can be used safely and effectively to
become misinformed. feed pets. However, pet feeding is much more
Books on gourmet cooking for pets have than a matter of efficiency and economics since
flourished recently, but they offer little accu- most pet owners value their cats and dogs as
rate information on the nutrition of the dog or friends, aides, and companions who should
cat. Books about animal nutrition are available, enjoy their day to day lives including their
but they are often too complicated and boring meals. Commonsense feeding of cats and dogs
to be useful to the average pet owner. Some are does not always result in a healthful diet. Since
outdated and some are inaccurate. This book misinformation about the best ways to feed
is designed to present up-to-date, correct in- these pets for health and happiness abounds, a
formation about feeding cats and dogs in a practical guide to sound feeding methods is
pleasing and interesting manner that all pet necessary. This book can dispel myths which
owners can use. Although this book can serve lead to wasteful and sometimes dangerous feed-
as an introduction to more complicated infor- ing practices. It can help you feed your pet ina
mation about nutrition, it is not a nutrition sensible and nourishing manner. Use it to keep
textbook for the scientist or breeder who wants your cat or dog well-fed, healthy and content.
CTHE WHERE, WHEN & WISE
OF CFEEDING

Before you even feed your pet his or her first and that the bowls are separated by a barrier or
meal there are several basic facts you should a distance of at least three feet at feeding time.
know about feeding. Some of the things you This simple procedure prevents many fights
read here may seem trivial at first, but they are and can result in remarkable improvements in
all important and you will find that most will be general body condition for pets who have been
useful to you if you will take them into con- intimidated by others at feeding time in the
sideration when feeding your pet. past. If you own both cats and dogs, consider
feeding your cats from bowls placed on plat-
CATS AND DOGS LIKE A FEEDING
forms above your dog’s reach or behind a
ROUTINE
barrier your dog can’t squeeze through. Most
Years of experience have shown that most dogs love to steal the cat’s food, and any timid
dogs and most cats thrive on routine. Although cat can certainly be discouraged from eating by
some pets seem ready, willing and able to eat at a rambunctious dog. Once the feeding ar-
any time, even the most adaptable pet is less rangements have been made, don’t relax com-
stressed when served its meals in a familiar pletely. Check things periodically to be sure
place, in a familiar bowl and at a scheduled time each pet is getting a fair share.
without competition from other family pets. Some pets seem to thrive when fed by the
This does not mean that every pet must have same person each day. This practice contrib-
scheduled mealtimes (see chapter 4), but even utes, of course, to the development of a routine
pets who have food available at all times need to about feeding, but it can also cause problems.
know that it will be found in the same spot daily Pets who become overly dependent on one
and that it will not be pirated by other family person for their meals may not be willing to eat
pets. . on occasions when they must be fed by
Set aside a specific dining area for your pet strangers. To avoid such problems, be sure pets
and don’t change it. An easy to clean corner in are fed by all family members. In households
the kitchen or laundry area or one near your where this is not possible, the food itself must
pet’s bed are all good. If you own more than be the highlight at mealtime. If your pet will
one pet, be sure each has his or her own food not eat without you standing by, measures must
bowl (water bowls can usually be shared safely), be taken to correct the situation.
 The importance of having a routine feeding of plastic, metal, pottery or glass usually meet
method can become very obvious when you these criteria.
must travel with a cat or dog. Pets which travel Glass or pottery containers are often the most
frequently to dog or cat shows are notorious for good looking and inexpensive available. They
weight loss caused by the stresses imposed by are usually heavy enough to withstand easily
new surroundings, exposure to new people and being tipped over by the average pet. An
animals, and the failure to eat when meals are attractive, inexpensive earthenware bowl is the
not offered in a familiar manner. Family pets old-fashioned beige crock that has been used
traveling on vacation are subjected to similar for years as a food bow! for rabbits. This type of
stresses. To keep your pet in top condition bowl comes in several sizes and can be used for
while on vacation, be sure to take along either dogs or cats. If you select a pottery bowl,
adequate supplies ofa favorite, familiar diet however, be sure that it has been fired with a
and make feeding time as close to the home non-toxic, lead free glaze.
routine as possible. Plastic bowls come in a variety of shapes and
sizes. One can usually be found to meet the
HOW TO CHOOSE A FOOD needs of any pet, but choose among them
OR WATER BOWL carefully. Some become deformed when
washed with hot water or crack easily when
Two most important items on any new pet cold. Others are too soft to be left alone with an
owner’s shopping list should be food and water active pet. A bored dog may tear one ofthese to
bowls. Many owners feed their dogs or cats shreds. If pieces are swallowed, they can
from dishes which have previously done duty at produce an intestinal obstruction and you can
their own dinner table. Others, when presented lose more than a food bowl! Some plastic bowls
with the array of feeding dishes available at pet are easily tipped over, but most intended for
stores, select the ones most pleasing to the eye pets’ use are shaped or have weighted bottoms
with little regard to the purpose they are to to resist catastrophe.
serve. Despite the facts that many unplanned Metal containers, particularly those made of
selections turn out to be suitable and that many stainless steel, are probably the best. They
cats and dogs will find a way to eat from withstand hard daily use and vigorous cleaning;
unsuitable containers, there are a few items they are unbreakable and are inexpensive,
which, if considered, will help you make an particularly when you consider the years of use
appropriate choice for your pet. they provide. When you look for metal food
All food and water containers for pets should and water bowls be sure to check with a general
be made out of materials which are non-toxic, feed store if you have one near by. A variety of
easy to clean, impermeable to grease and inexpensive metal feed containers made for
germs, and able to withstand the kind of abuse livestock are also suitable for pet cats and dogs. ,
young pets may administer to them as well as Do not use galvanized containers, however:
the wear and tear of daily use. Containers made they may produce zinc toxicity.
 Once you have decided what material is best drink from slowly dripping faucets. Pet stores
for your pet’s food and water containers, carry automatic watering devices for dogs
consider what size and shape is most appropri- which can be attached to a faucet and provide a
ate. Bowls of different shapes have specific drink when licked. For dogs who must be
purposes. The short-legged dog needs to eat kenneled outside, investigate livestock watering
and drink from containers with low sides or it devices which come equipped with warming
must continually stretch to reach its meal. coils to prevent the water from freezing over in
Bowls with narrow tops and sloping sides are cold weather.
designed to keep long ears out of the food. Cats Metal self-feeding bins for pigs are also
and small dogs need small dishes, of course, livestock equipment useful for feeding dry
and the converse is true for large dogs. foods to large dogs kenneled outside. Although
Although most people consider this when they are not necessary for daily feeding of most
choosing food dishes, many fail to provide pets, they can be used for feeding when you
water containers large enough for big dogs. If must be away overnight. Smaller versions can
you own one of the giant breeds, consider a be built from metal or wood for medium-sized
water bucket instead of a water bow] since it is dogs. Pet stores carry plastic versions for food
important for water to be available at all times. and/or water which are ideal for cats or very
Water can also be offered in ways other than small dogs.
from a bowl or bucket. Many cats prefer to
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CLEAN BOWLS AND WHOLESOME

FOOD ARE IMPORTANT MU
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All pets’ food and water containers and

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eating areas should be kept scrupulously clean.
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Frequent washing with hot, soapy water fol-
lowed by thorough rinsing 1s, of course, neces-
sary for food and water bowls. There are
additional sanitary practices, however, which
help keep the feeding area aesthetically pleas-
ing and help prevent disease transmission.
All moist food such as meats, canned pet ‘

foods, moistened dry pet foods, leftovers, and

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eee
liquids such as milk or meat broths should be
picked up and refrigerated or discarded if not
consumed by your dog or cat within two hours.
Many of these foods become unpalatable after
sitting and it is wasteful to leave them uneaten.
Such foods attract flies, particularly when left
outdoors. Those foods remaining palatable
enough to be eaten provide an ideal environ-
ment for bacterial growth. Foods wholesome
when first offered can produce digestive upsets
or even severe cases of food poisoning when
eaten after remaining at room temperature for
a short time.
Commercial soft-moist foods can be left out
safely, but many quickly become stale and
unappetizing to pets. Dry kibbles or biscuits,
however, were designed to remain palatable
and wholesome even when left standing at
room temperature for days. Feel free to leave
this type of food in your cat’s or dog’s bowl severe muscle stiffness, weakness and pain. You
unless flies or rodents can also reach the food. can prevent it in your pet by not feeding raw or
These pests can carry disease-producing or- undercooked pork in any form. You may want
ganisms so food contamination by them is to to avoid feeding pork to your pets completely
be avoided at all costs. Any dog or cat food left since some pets develop indigestion after eating
outdoors must, then, be kept in a vermin and it. For cats an additional precaution is to try to
fly-resistant container. prevent hunting. Infected rodents can transmit
Good general sanitation must be followed trichinosis if they are eaten by a cat.
when feeding cats or dogs because, like people, Other internal parasites of cats and dogs are
they are subject to diseases which occur when also meat borne. Cooking destroys their infec-
cleanliness breaks down. Like people also, tive forms so two good general rules to follow
animals become sick when their food is not are 1) never give your pets uncooked meats to
wholesome. Unfortunately, many pet owners eat and 2) prevent free roaming of dogs and
believe that items unfit for human consumption cats who hunt and eat their prey. Toxoplasmosis,
can be fed with impunity to their dogs or cats. a protozoan infection capable of causing seri-
This is not the case! Never offer your pet foods ous generalized disease in cats and dogs is one
which are spoiled or moldy. With the exception of these meat borne diseases. It can, at times,
of milk or cottage cheese which has just begun become a public health hazard. Another proto-
to sour, never offer your pet any leftover foods zoan, Nanophyetes salmincola, is spread via raw
which you would not eat yourself. Water for salmon. Some dog and cat tapeworms are
pets should be fresh and pure. If your home transmitted in raw, fresh water fish, uncooked
water supply is not safe for you to drink, it is meats such as lamb, pork, beef and venison, or
not safe for your pet. prey including rodents and rabbits. The impor-
tance of offering wholesome foods and cooked
INTERNAL PARASITES CAN BE meats, and fish, I think, is clear.
Consider your pet a family member with
TRANSMITTED BY FOODS
mealtime needs similar to your own. If you do
Trichinosis is a roundworm infection which so, it will become obvious why an eating place
occurs when larval forms of the worm and routine free from stress, clean, suitable
Trichinella spiralis, which encysts in muscle food bowls, and wholesome foods are so
tissue, are eaten. This disease affects humans, important to a pet. Given a little special
pigs, rats and other mammals including dogs consideration, your dog or cat will be more
and cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea and likely to live a long, healthy life.

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 CNUTRITLON:
ABOUT THE CBASICS
Dogs and cats, like people and all other living storage ofiron. Antibodies are proteins which
things, have very specific requirements for help provide the body with protection against
nutrients in their diets. Proteins, carbohy- viruses, bacteria and other foreign body invad-
drates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water are ers. Nerve function and motion, the quality we
all important nutrient substances. A deficiency all associate with life are both dependent on
of one or an imbalance between some can result protein. When proteins are consumed in excess
in health problems. At best a nutritionally of the basic daily need, they can also provide
deficient pet may become visibly ill in time for the body with energy by being changed to
the diet to be corrected. At worst signs of carbohydrate and fat.
deficiency may remain silent until body changes All proteins are composed of twenty-three
have become irreversible. A young pet may smaller units called amino acids. Variation in the
never achieve proper growth and development kinds and quantities of amino acids present is
if fed a diet only slightly inadequate. In order responsible for the variety of proteins which
to understand how to feed a pet well, then, it is exist. Essential amino acids are protein building
obvious that a concerned owner must learn blocks which cannot be synthesized in your
something about each class of nutrient and the dog’s or cat’s body at a rate sufficient to meet
importance of each one. the daily need. Because proteins cannot be
synthesized in the body from other dietary
PROTEINS constituents when the essential amino acids are
lacking, they must be supplied by proteins in
Proteins are essential substances for the the diet. To be used optimally, essential amino
body’s growth and repair. This fact alone acids must be supplied in special proportions.
makes them extremely important to nutrition, Proteins which supply, these amino acids in near
but they also serve many other essential body optimum quantities in a readily avaitable form
roles. For example, nearly all chemical reac- are said to have a high biological value, i.e., they
tions in the body are catalyzed (enhanced) by can be used efficiently by the body. Eggs are
protein molecules called enzymes.Proteins are considered the protein of highest biological
responsible for the transport of oxygen by the quality and are given the value of 100. Other
red blood cells and in the muscles. A special high quality proteins are milk, horse muscle
protein is also responsible for the transport and meat and beef liver. Based on biological value,
the sum total of several criteria of protein The tables on pages 28 and 30 list the
utilization, animal proteins are generally found protein and other nutrient requirements as
to be of greatest nutritional value to dogs and they are now accepted for dogs and cats. It is
cats. Some plant proteins, however, have fairly readily apparent from these tables that cats
good biological value, e.g., soybean protein, require a diet higher in protein than dogs need.
and are finding an increasing place in dog and At most life stages this protein need is at least
cat nutrition as animal sources of protein twice that of dogs. This is one good reason not
become increasingly scarce. Cooking increases to feed cats commercial dog foods. In addition,
the availability of some plant proteins (beans) to commercial dog foods may not meet a cat’s
cats and dogs as does feeding animal protein need for taurine, an amino acid essential for
along with plant proteins, so do not ignore normal vision in cats. Cats fed diets deficient in
these items as nutrient sources for your taurine develop retinal atrophy accompanied
pet’s diet. by blindness.
The exact amount of protein required in a Depending on the stage in the life cycle, a
pet’s diet is influenced by several factors. dog may require up to twenty times the daily
Protein quality (biological value and digestibil- protein you do. Cats’ requirements may be
ity), physiological state of the animal being fed three to four times those of dogs—up to sixty
(e.g., growth vs. old age), and caloric density to eighty times your daily need on a pound for
(energy supplied per volume fed) of the diet pound basis! It is obvious, then, that as the
are all important. Proteins of very low biologi- world’s proteins become more dear so may
cal value cannot supply enough amino acids to healthful diets for cats and dogs.
meet a dog’s or cat’s daily requirements no
matter how much of them are eaten. Pet food
companies take such factors into consideration
when they formulate commercial diets for pets.
You must also give such items consideration if
you plan to make all your pet’s food at home.
Protein deficiencies usually occur when pets are
fed diets high in carbohydrate containing only
plant proteins of low biological value and which
are supplemented with animal waste products
which are deficient in essential amino acids as
protein sources.
 EGGS
Eggs are an excellent protein source to be
used as a basic part of your dog’s or cat’s diet or
as a dietary supplement. Eggs are a complete
protein food containing all the essential amino
acids in such ideal proportions that egg protein
is the most nutritious known. And, on a pound
for pound basis, eggs supply protein to the
diet in one of the least expensive ways.
If you plan to use eggs often as a protein
source for your pet, be sure to offer them
cooked. Cooked eggs are more easily digested
and raw egg white contains a substance called
avidin which binds biotin (an essential B vitamin)
preventing its absorption from the gut.

MILK

Milk and milk products such as cottage

cheese or yogurt are also good sources of
protein and provide other nutrients such as
calcium, phosphorous and fats as well. Most
pets seem to enjoy drinking milk and since milk
protein contains an amino acid, lysine, which is
not as abundant in cereal protein, the addition
of milk to cereals or to pet food products based
on cereals is an easy way to improve their
e
°
protein quality. However, some dogs and cats
develop diarrhea when fed any milk products;
e
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others may develop diarrhea only when fed
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ones
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large amounts of them.
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 Diarrhea associated with the ingestion of SOYMILK
milk products occurs when lactose (milk sugar)
is not digested. Failure to digest lactose is due to Soymilk can be an inexpensive milk sub-
a deficiency in intestinal lactase, the enzyme stitute which may be used as a good protein
responsible for breaking down milk sugar. It supplement for a pet’s diet. When prepared
may also be associated with a lack ofintestinal with the same percentage water as cow’s milk, it
bacteria which break down lactose as they use it contains 51% more protein, 15 times as much
for their own nutrition. In either case, undi- iron and many B vitamins. Although it is not
gested lactose attracts water into the intestine the good calcium source for pets that cow’s milk
causing the diarrhea. is, the calcium content is not important when
Be sure that milk and milk products pro- soymilkis used only to improve the protein
vided as sources of protein in the diet are given content of an otherwise well-balanced diet.
with care. If loose stools develop when milk is Soymilk powder is available in many natural
fed, withdraw it from the diet and wait for the food stores and in Oriental markets. Or you can
stools to return to normal before trying a new make your own soymilk. The Book of Tofu by
milk product. Avoid evaporated milk when William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi, published
introducing milk to a pet unaccustomed to by Autumn Press, 1975 gives directions for
drinking it; its lactose content is twice that of homemade soymilk as well as other soy recipes
regular cow’s milk. In some instances gradual both you and your pets can eat.
introduction of milk succeeds since its slow
introduction allows the intestinal flora to
adjust to the new food stuff. In other cases
pets which cannot drink milk without develop-
ing diarrhea can eat cottage cheese or yogurt
which have much lower lactose contents than
uncultured milk.
An enzyme powder which can be added to
milk before use to break down the lactose has
recently become available. If your pet cannot
tolerate milk, this product could be of use to The following is a recipe which can be used as an
you. For more information write to the Sugar early morning snack for your pet or as a protein
Lo Company, P.O. Box 1017, Atlantic City, supplement for mixing with a balanced commercial
New Jersey, 08404. food.

10
 Eggnog For Pets

1 cup cow’s or soymilk

1 egg, including shell*
1 teaspoon liver powder
(available at' health food
stores)

Place all ingredients into blender jar and mix

until thoroughly blended and foamy.

*Use a soft-boiled egg if you offer this

drink more often than an occasional
snack or treat.
 CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are food substances which are

important energy sources to the body. Under
normal circumstances the digestible carbohy-
drates, sugar and starch, are used to maintain
the blood glucose level, thereby serving a
crucial physiologic role in supplying the brain
with energy since it has only very small
carbohydrate stores of its own. Although
neither the dog nor the cat has been shown to
require carbohydrate in the diet, both have been
found to be able to use starch and sugars very
effectively as energy sources. This is an impor-
tant fact since carbohydrate, used for energy,
frees protein (which may also be used for
energy) to be used for the important structural
purposes in the body that no other foodstuffs
can fulfill. In light of the fact that high quality
proteins are becoming scarce and expensive
today, any relatively inexpensive nutrient
which allows us to include less protein in our
pets’ diets beomes very important indeed.
Carbohydrates are supplied in the diet
primarily by plant substances such as grains,
vegetables and legumes (peas, beans). Dogs and
cats can digest many of these foodstuffs in a
raw form. However, some raw starches can
induce diarrhea. Grinding and/or cooking
helps prevent this problem. Such treatments
also free starches and sugars which are shel-
tered from digestion by cellulose, the undigest-
ible carbohydrate which forms plant cell walls.

te
 Although cellulose cannot be digested by
your dog or cat, this carbohydrate has its own
dietary role. It comprises most of the fibrous
part of the diet which stimulates intestinal
function and helps prevent constipation.
Under normal circumstances the fibrous
carbohydrates also control the distribution
of water in the intestines preventing diarrhea as
well.
Animal nutrition authorities recommend
that digestible carbohydrate comprise no more
than 33% ofa cat’s diet measured on a dry
weight basis. For dogs no more than 50% to
60% is recommended. These limitations on
carbohydrate content are necessary to insure
that the diet contain sufficient protein, fat,
vitamins and minerals.

FATS
Fats are indispensable to the diet of a cat or
dog. They transport the oil soluble vitamins
A, D, Eand K and supply linoleic acid, the
unsaturated fatty acid essential to healthy skin
 and hair. In addition to these unique functions,
fats in the diet provide a concentrated source
of energy (nine calories per gram as compared
to only four for carbohydrates) and havea .
favorable effect on diet palatability.
The amount of fat your dog or cat requires
in the diet depends on the makeup ofthe fatty
acid chains (degree of saturation) and the
content oflinoleic acid. Deficiency oflinoleic
acid (or of its metabolites, arachidonic and
linolenic acid) results in dry coarse hair and
scaling skin which can develop raw areas and
is more susceptible to infection. Authorities HOW TO SUPPLEMENT A DOG’S DIET
recommend at least one percent linoleic acid WITH FAT
be present in the diet (dry basis) to prevent
deficiency in dogs or cats. This amount is Since most commercial diets for dogs contain
usually found in commercial diets for dogs sufficient levels of unsaturated fatty acids, the
containing no less than five to eight percent fat idea that a young or old dog with flaky skin
(dry basis). needs more fat is probably overworked. Scaly
Apart from deficiency of essential fatty acid, skin and a dry coat can be caused by many
deficiency in total fat may have an adverse distinct disease processes not related to diet.
effect on growth. This is especially true for cats. Other dietary deficiencies (e.g., protein defi-
Kittens fed a high fat ration (provided optimal ciency) can also lead to a poor coat. If, however,
protein is supplied) grow better than those fed you think your dog has a fatty acid deficiency,
diets lower in fats. For this reason, among you can supplement the diet with vegetable oil
others (including palatability), recommended (safflower, corn, soybean or cottonseed oil are
diets for cats often contain twenty-five to thirty good) or lard or bacon fat (not as good). Avoid
percent fat. Many commercial canned meats beef fats or butter fat as supplements since both
for cats contain this fat level. Many commercial are low in essential fatty acids. Fats can be
canned fish products, dry foods and soft moist added at the rate of one teaspoon to one
products do not. tablespoon per pound dry food. Canned foods

14
containing 2% to 3.5% fat (as fed) can have fat HOW TO SUPPLEMENT A CAT’S DIET
added at the rate of approximately one table-
WITH FAT
spoon per one pound fed. Soft moist or canned
foods containing more than 6% fat should not Most commercial dry and soft-moist foods
have fat added. By increasing the fat content of and some canned foods for cats appear to fail to
a dog’s diet so that it supplies more than forty provide fat in optimal quantities. Although the
percent of the daily calorie requirement, total total fat content of many of these products is
food consumption can be lowered enough to relatively low, problems do not arise when they
induce other nutritional deficiencies, so be- provide adequate quantities of essential fatty
ware. Skin improvement is usually seen one to acid. Products which derive their fat from
two months after beginning supplementation natural substances high in unsaturated fats
if fat deficiency was responsible for the skin such as poultry, fish, or vegetable oil will usually
problem. A better approach to treating un- provide adequate linoleic acid even if their total
healthy skin resulting from dietary deficiencies fat content is low. Products which derive all
may be to use a balanced nutritional supple- their fat from meat and meat by-products could
ment containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, fail to provide adequate essential fatty acid even
vitamins A and E, pyridoxine and zinc, or find if their total fat level was relatively high.
a new diet and discuss the problem with your Adding vegetable oil to some cat food
veterinarian. products will protect against possible fatty acid
deficiency. Dry foods containing 10% fat or less
(as fed), soft-moist foods containing 13% fat or
less and canned foods containing less than 3%
fat can all have vegetable oil (safflower or corn)
added at the rate of four tablespoons per
pound fed. Canned foods containing more
than 4% fat usually do not need fat added.
Canned foods containing 5% fat or more
should not have fat added. If such products are
deficient in essential fatty acid, they should be
discontinued and a more adequate product fed.

Or
 VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic compounds needed

by the body in minute amounts for growth,
reproduction and to maintain health. They
cannot be made in the body so vitamins must be VITAMIN A
supplied in the diet. They differ from other
nutrients in that they are not used by the body Cats need more than twice as much vitamin A
for structural purposes or to provide energy. than dogs do to meet their requirements. Since
Vitamins are classed into two groups: the oil cats Cannot convert beta-carotene (provitamin A
soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, and the water found in green and yellow vegetables) to
soluble vitamins also called the vitamin B vitamin A as do dogs, a cat owner must be sure
complex (includes vitamin C). that other sources of fully formed vitamin A
Although it has been known for many years are provided in the diet or a deficiency may
that cats and dogs, like people, need vitamins, occur causing skin, eye or reproductive
minimum levels of all the essential vitamins changes. On the other hand, a cat’s diet too
have not yet been firmly established. Fortu- rich in vitamin A can result in skeletal deform-
nately, the average well-balanced diet based on ities and crippling.
natural ingredients (whether made at home or In order to prevent vitamin A deficiency or
purchased prepared) seems to provide the excess in a Cat’s or dog’s diet, use a complete
necessary vitamins in adequate quantities and and balanced commercial diet (see page 43)
problems relating to vitamin overconsumption and add liver (an organ meat high in vitamin A)
rather than deficiency are seen more often in only as a supplement to your pet’s diet rather
“well-fed” pets. Therefore, the use of nutri- than assign it a major role. Feed an adult cat no
tional supplements for healthy dogs and cats more than one ounce of beef liver twice a week.
known to be fed a balanced diet is not to be One ounce of beef liver per ten pounds body |
recommended. weight each week should be adequate when

16
used in addition to an already balanced diet for uninformed cat owners have fed their pets
dogs. When necessary for specific health rea- excessive quantities of red meat tuna. It has also
sons, balanced vitamin-mineral preparations occasionally followed the feeding of other fish
may also be used as dietary supplements to diets, fish oils (e.g., cod liver oil) or large
supply vitamin A to pets. Use them quantities of liver.
for this purpose only upon the recommen- Vitamin E plays an important role in the diet
dation of a reliable veterinarian and follow by protecting vitamin A from oxidative destruc-
directions for use carefully. tion and preventing rancidity of fats. Within
the body it helps protect cells from peroxida-
tion and the destructive effects of free radicals.
In vitamin E deficiency in cats, body fat is
oxidized and becomes inflamed. This condition
is called pansteatitis (steatitis) by veterinarians.
Affected cats lose their appetite, develop fever
VITAMIN E and pain accompanied by relectance to move.
Untreated cases can eventually end in death.
The supposed wonders vitamin E can per- Pansteatitis should be diagnosed and treated
form when added to the human diet have by a veterinarian, but, more importantly, you
received widespread publicity in recent years. can prevent its occurence by feeding your cat
This might lead you to wonder what vitamin E a sound diet. Be sure your cat’s basic diet is
supplementation can do for your pet—prob- a complete and balanced one and avoid fre-
ably nothing. It is doubtful whether under quent feeding of unsupplemented red meat
normal feeding conditions vitamin E deficiency tuna. Any canned tuna fed should be clearly
(or excess) will occur in dogs and cats. marked—supplemented with vitamin E.
Unfortunately, however, there have been Fortunately, reliable cat food manufacturers
many cases of vitamin E deficiency in cats. are aware of the serious problems which can
These have resulted when well-meaning but be caused by lack of vitamin E and most now
 supplement their products. In addition to causes the removal of calcium from the bones
avoiding fresh tuna or unsupplemented followed by skeletal weakness, lameness and
canned tuna, remember to feed liver spar- sometimes deformity. Insufficient levels of
ingly and do not use fish oils as routine dietary vitamin D interfere with calcium absorption
supplements. from the gut. Excessive amounts of dietary
vitamin D in the presence of adequate calcium
and phosphorus may result in excessive min-
eralization of bone, abnormal teeth, hyper-
tension and calcification of the soft tissues of
the body. The delicacy of the interrelationships
of calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D is
obvious and illustrates the point that unneces-
VITAMIN D sary supplementation of a pet’s diet is often a
foolish and risky practice. Serious internal
Most people know that adequate vitamin D changes may be occurring while your pet's
in the diet is necessary for the development of external appearance is normal.
normal teeth and the formation and mainte- Health problems caused by vitamin D
nance of strong bones. Knowing these facts deficiency alone are rarely encountered in
alone, however, has caused many pet owners to dogs and cats. Owners have produced hyper-
imbalance their dogs’ and cats’ diets and to vitaminosis D in their pets, however, by ad-
produce severe metabolic upsets and bone ministering cod liver oil (or other fish oils) in
deformities. In the case of nutrition, knowing a the mistaken belief that it will promote the
few facts can sometimes be more damaging development of strong bones and a shiny coat
than having no knowledge at all. or that it will prevent the formation of hairballs.
Vitamin D fulfils its normal nutritional role Cod liver oil should not be used as a routine
by promoting the absorption of calcium from daily dietary supplement for dogs and cats.
the intestine and by promoting the mineraliza- One teaspoon of N.F. cod liver oil contains
tion of bone. It can only carry out this function, 312 1U of vitamin D. This amount is more than
however, when calcium and phosphorus are three times the estimated daily requirement for
present in the diet in adequate amounts and in an adult cat and supplies more vitamin D than
the proper ratio to one another. (For more each pound of dry food should supply to a dog,
information about this see page 23). Vitamin Regular use, particularly when an already
D in the presence of too little dietary calctum adequate diet is fed, can produce toxicity.

18
 most instances where requirements have been
established, cats need (on a per kilogram basis)
about twice the amounts of B vitamins needed
to keep a dog healthy.

B VITAMINS

The B vitamins are an important group

in which several member vitamins are easily
destroyed by heating. One B vitamin, thiamine,
can not only be destroyed by heating but by an
enzyme Called thiaminase which is found in some
raw fish and shellfish. Both dogs and cats whose
diets have consisted of large quantities
of raw fish have developed signs of thiamine
deficiency including loss of appetite, vomiting,
abnormal reflexes, convulsions and heart fail-
ure. Thiamine deficiency is perhaps one of the
most readily provoked vitamin deficiencies in
dogs and cats.
Problems with thiamine deficiency can be pre-
vented by not feeding raw fish and by carefully
selecting commercial foods for your pets. If raw The tables on pages 28 and 30 show currently
fish must be fed, it should comprise less than recommended vitamin allowances for dogs and cats.
ten percent ofa dog’s or cat’s diet. Heat Use the chart on the following page to learn the role
processed commercial foods should have evi- vitamins play in the body and natural food sources of
dence of thiamine and other B vitamin each vitamin.
supplementation on the label. This is of par-
ticular importance if your pet is a cat since, in

19
CUITAMINS:
This chart can answer questions you have about the importance of any vitamin to your cat
or dog. If your pet’s diet contains foods which are natural sources of vitamins, additional
supplements are not usually necessary.

| UDITAMIN ROLE IN THE BODY NATURAL FOOD

SOURCES
Important for healthy skin, haar, eyes, Dogs can convert provitamin A
normal bone growth. present in vegetables to vitamin
A. Cats cannot. Best sources for
both: milk, fat, liver.

Needed for normal bone and tooth Formed in the bedy in response
formation. to sunlight. Easy to produce
excess in dog or cat. Fish liver
oils, egg yolk.

Protects against effects of oxidized or Present in most foods, e.g LX }

unstable fats in diet. Important to egg yolks, grains, milk fat.

reproduction.

K Important to normal blood Synthesized by intestinal

clotting. bacteria.

THIAMINE (B:) Essential in the metabolism of carbo- Pork, egg yolk, liver, wheat, oats,
hydrates and protein. Deficiency yeast.
causes heart and nerve disease.

RIBOFLAVIN (Bz) Necessary for normal growth, healthy Present in most foods. Rich in
skin and hair. yeast, organ meats, soy flour,
beans, eggs.
| DITAMIN ROLE IN THE BODY NATURAL FOOD
SOURCES

PANTOTHENIC Necessary for normal growth, healthy Eggs, organ meats, cereals. Also
ACID skin and hair. synthesized by gut bacteria.

NIACIN Helps maintain the integrity of mouth Rich in natural foods, e.g.,
tassues and the nervous system. brewer’s yeast, liver, wheat germ,
eggs.

PYRIDOXINE (Bs) Essential for the metabolism of Brewer's yeast, egg yolk, wheat
protein, normal blood, nerves, and and wheat germ, fish, liver, milk,
growth. legumes.

FOLIC ACID Normal blood; growth and health of Yeast, organ meats, leafy
the fetus. vegetables.

BIOTIN Normal growth, healthy skin and harr. Available in many foods. Rich in
yeast, liver, milk, molasses.
Deficiency produced by excessive
feeding of raw egg white.

Bie Normal red blood cells. Muscle meats, milk, liver.

SE eS es ae EE es

CHOLINE Helps prevent fatty infiltration of the Liver, eggs, yeast, plant foods.
liver.

INOSITOL Helps prevent fatty infiltration of the Meats, whole grains, plants, yeast.
liver.

Necessary to the integrity of body Normally synthesized in sufficient

tassues. amounts by the dog’s and cat’s
body.
 or selenium usually required in only trace
amounts can produce signs of toxicity. Because
of the interrelationships and amounts involved
minerals should always be considered as a
group and, like vitamins, sources of minerals
should be added to your dog’s or cat’s diet
with great care.
CALCIUM AND PHOSPHOROUS

Calcium and phosphorous are the minerals

required by the dog and cat in the largest
quantities in the diet. Together they form the
strong crystalline structure of healthy teeth and
bones where 99% of the body’s calcium and
80% of the body’s phosphorous is found. The
smaller quantities of calctum and phosphorous
found elsewhere in the body are no less
important. Calcium is essential to blood coagu-
MINERALS
lation, muscular contraction, activation of many
enzymes, transport of substances through cell
Minerals are inorganic compounds which, walls and the transmission of nerve impulses.
like vitamins, are essential nutrients which Phosphorous has more known functions than
cannot be manufactured by the body. They are any other required mineral. Without it almost
not used for energy but serve very important every form of energy exchange inside living
structural and metabolic purposes in the body. cells would not occur.
Minerals are found in both the soft and the Calcium and phosphorous must be present in
hard tissues, in body fluids, and are important your pet’s diet in approximately equal quan-
constituents of many hormones, enzymes and tities. A ratio of 1:1 by weight is adequate for
vitamin Biz. Major minerals such as calcium cats. A ratio of 1.2 to 1.4:1 is recommended for
and phosphorous interact with one another in dogs. Too little total calcium in the diet or a
delicate relationships which can be easily upset relative deficiency of calcium caused when the
when recommended amounts in the diet are phosphorous intake is too high can cause
not met or are exceeded. In some instances thinning of the bones, loose teeth, and bone
increased intake of one mineral requires in- fractures as well as improper growth in the
creased intake of other. In other rare cases one young animal. On the other hand, bone
mineral may replace another thereby decreas- abnormalities have also been seen when exces-
ing its requirement in the diet. Small increases sive calcium is fed. Vitamin D is important to
in the intake of some minerals such as fluorine these relationships as well since it affects the

hoho
 body’s absorption and transport of calcium. A become flatulent or develop diarrhea when fed
balanced calcium:phosphorous intake lowers an all meat diet. Such diets may also place an
the vitamin D requirement. However, vitamin excessive metabolic load on an older pet when
D added to a diet already low in calcium or kidney failure is present.
imbalanced in calcium and phosphorous results Wild carnivores consume the entire carcass
in demineralization of bone, lameness, abnor- of their prey including the bones and the
mal conformation and fractures. Such imbal- vegetable-filled visera. They also eat insects
ances can also alter the body’s requirements and nibble on grasses. Clearly, an all meat diet
for other nutrients such as magnesium. from the meat counter or out of a can Is not the
When dogs and cats are fed a complete and answer to providing a nutritious diet for your
balanced diet, problems with calcium and pet. Use meat only as a supplement to a
phosphorous intake are unlikely to arise. How- complete and balanced diet!
ever, Many pet owners unknowingly upset their
animal’s calcium:phosphorous balance by feed-
ing unbalanced mineral supplements such as
calcium carbonate or bone meal to the diet or
by a feeding practice they erroneously believe
will improve their dog’s or cat’s health—the
feeding of all meat diets.
Meat is a highly palatable food to most dogs
and cats. Few unspoiled pets will refuse a tasty
-morsel of beef, chicken or lamb, and those who
are fed such palatable items routinely, often
refuse to eat anything else. If you can afford to
feed such a diet to your pet, shouldn’t you offer
it? If the relatives and ancestors of dogs and
cats are carnivores, shouldn’t our pets’ diets be
all meat? The answer to these questions is an
emphatic, “No!”
The calcium:phosphorous ratio in muscle
meats is about 1:15. Organ meats such as liver, Although absolute requirements for all the minerals
heart and kidney may contain 30 to 50 times necessary in a cat’s or dog’s diet have not yet been
as much phosphorous as calcium. In addition, established, many important facts about these pets’
for the dog a diet of beef containing sufficient mineral needs are known. Turn to the chart on page
calories would contain inadequate quantities of 24 for information about the role minerals play in
vitamins A, D and E, inadequate iron, sodium, your pet’s body. Current recommendations for mineral
potassium, magnesium, and iodine, and exces- intakes for dogs and cats are presented in the tables on
sive amount of fat. Many dogs and some cats pages 28 and 30.
CMINERALS:
This chart can answer questions you have about the importance of any mineral to your cat
or dog. If your pet’s diet contains foods which are natural sources of minerals, additional
supplements are not usually necessary.

MINERAL ROLE IN THE BODY NATURAL FOOD

SOURCES

CALCIUM Formation of normal teeth and bones. Milk and milk products, molasses,
Important to transmission of nerve egg shells, bone meal.
impulses and muscle contraction.

PHOSPHOROUS Formation of normal teeth and bones. Milk and milk products, beans,
Essential to storage and release of eggs, chicken, bone meal, cereal
energy in body cells. grains.

POTASSIUM Necessary to normal growth, body Present in most common foods

fluid balance and muscle contraction. for cats and dogs.

SODIUM Essential to normal body fluid balance Table salt, present in most other
CHLORIDE and normal muscle strength. common foods for dogs and cats.

MAGNESIUM Necessary for normal tooth and bone Present in most common foods
formation. Important to cellular for cats and dogs. Rich in soy and
energy transfer and normal muscle other beans, whole wheat and
and heart function. wheat flour.

IRON Normal red bloods cells. Important Muscle meat, liver, blood meal,
to oxygen transfer in blood and yeast, soy and other beans.
muscles.

COPPER Necessary for normal iron use and for Present in most common foods
normal bones and hair. for dogs and cats; liver, kidney.
 MINERAL | ROLE INTHE BODY NATURAL FOOD
SOURCES

MANGANESE Necessary for normal growth, bone Adequate in most normal food-
formation and reproduction. stuffs; rich in organ meats.

Necessary for normal growth, healthy Muscle and organ meats.

skin and hair; essential constituent (Requirements higher on cereal
of insulin. based vs. meat based diets.)

IODINE Necessary for normal thyroid Sea salt, fish and fishmeal, shell-
function. fish, iodized table salt.

SELENIUM Probably essential to normal liver, Present as a trace element in most

muscle and reproductive function. plant and animal tissues.
Interacts with vitamin E.

TRACE ELEMENTS- Have diverse functions. Required Adequate quantities probably

E.G., COBALT, in minute amounts. present in common foodstuffs
MOLYBDENUM, for cats and dogs.
FLUORINE,
NICKEL,
CHROMIUM

Xe)[Sy
WATER

Water is perhaps the most important nutri-

ent of all. A dog or cat can go without food for
days and lose thirty to forty percent of its body
weight without dying, but a water loss of ten to
fifteen percent can be fatal. You must, then, be
sure your pet gets all the water it requires daily.
Cats and dogs require roughly three-fourths
to one ounce water per pound body weight
(55 to 65 ml per kg) each day. They obtain this
necessary water in the food they eat and the
liquids they drink. Water is also a by-product of
metabolism. The metabolism of fats by cats is of
particular importance in this regard. In fact,
the importance of all foods in supplying the
water needs of cats is so great that a cat that eats
a moist food (75% water) may drink so little as
to often lead its owners to believe their pet does
not drink at all.
The actual amount of water your dog or cat
must drink each day to maintain health is
influenced by many factors in addition to diet.
Environmental temperature, the amount of
exercise taken, the presence of vomiting,
diarrhea, or fever are all examples ofitems
which have an effect. Since so many things have
an effect on water intake, the best solution to
the water problem is to be sure that your pet
has access to clean water at all times. Do not
give your dog or cat water considered unfit for
human consumption, and, if for some reason
you are unable to give your pet free water
access, be sure to offer water at least three
times each day.
 Following are charts which show the nutrient
requirements for dogs and cats.

|oy I~
CNUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS
CFOR “DOGS:
This table can help in the evaluation of dog foods. Complete diets should meet or exceed the
values in column one. Those that do will provide the required quantities of nutrients listed
in column two when consumed in normal amounts. Column two can be used to determine
what part of the daily requirement any single food provides when used in conjunction with
a table offood composition.
} | . .

Minimum % or Amount Minimum Amount

NUTRIENT Required Per Kilogram Required Per Kilogram
Food (Dry Basis)* Body Weight Per Day*

PROTEIN 18%-22% 1.25 g-10g The amount required varies with

| the quality (biological value) and
digestibility of the protein, physio-
| logic state of the dog, and caloric
density of the food. In general, about
20% of the diet’s calories should be
supplied by protein.

FAT, total 5% Bs If adequate linoleic acid and fat

(Linoleic acid) (1%) soy | soluble vitamins are provided, protein
or carbohydrate can replace fat as a
supplier of energy in the diet.

| CARBOHYDRATE Not more than Not more than | Not essential in the diet. Necessary
50%-65% 30g | to body cells, however, and will be
| formed from protein or neutral fat if
not supplied in the diet.
| MINERALS
| Calcium 484 mg
Phosphorous ey, 396 mg
Potassium 264 mg
Sodium chloride 484 mg
Magnesium 17.6 mg

*Where a range of values are given, the upper levels are usually necessary to maintain normal growth or lactation.
 Minimum % or Amount Minimum Amount
NUTRIENT Required Per Kilogram
Food (Dry Basis)*
Required Per Kilogram
Body Weight Per Day* COMMENTS
MINERALS
Iron
Copper
Manganese
Zinc
Iodine
Selenium

VITAMINS
500 IU Ze LE Requirement affected by Ca:P in diet.
50 1U 221
5000 IU ZOOTU.
Not required in Not required in May be required during prolonged
the diet; normally the diet; normally antibiotic therapy or chronic
formed by intes- formed by intes- intestinal disease.
tinal bacteria tinal bacteria
and absorbed. and absorbed.

Thiamine (B1) 1.0 mg 0.044 mg

Riboflavin (Bz) 2.2 mg 0.096 mg
Pantothenic acid 10 mg 0.44 mg
Niacin 11.4 mg 0.50 mg
Pyridoxine (Be) 1.0 mg 0.044 mg
Folic acid 0.18 mg 0.008 mg
Biotin 0.10 mg 0.004 mg Deficiency can be produced by
feeding excessive raw egg white.
Biz 0.022 mg 0.001 mg
Choline 1,200 mg 52 mg

Inositol Requirement not Requirement not

established established

C Formed in the Formed in the Possibly necessary-during specific

liver by liver by illnesses.
healthy dogs healthy dogs

Kronfeld, D.S., ed., Canine Nutrition, University of Pennsylvania, 1972.

Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, ISBN 0-309-02043-0, Committee on Animal Nutrition, National Academy of Sciences—National Research Council, Wash.,
D.C., 1974.
Wannemacher, R.W., Jr. and McCoy, S., “Determination of Optimal Dietary Protein Requirements of Young and Old Dogs,”
Journal ofNutrition, 88:66, 1966.
ho©
CNUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS
CFOR CATS:
Although all nutrient requirements of cats are not well-established, this table can be used
as a guide in evaluating the diet. Complete diets should meet or exceed the values listed in
column one. Column two can be used to determine what part of the daily requirement any
single food provides when used in conjunction with a table offood composition.

Minimum % or Amount Minimum Amount

NUTRIENT Required Per Kilogram

Food (Dry Basis)*
Required Per
Cat Per Day*
COMMENTS

PROTEIN 22 %-40% 2 glkg-11 glkg The amount required varies with

the quality (biological value) and
digestibility of the protein, physio-
logic state of the cat, and caloric
density of the food. In general, about
30% of the diet’s calories should be
supplied by protein.

FAT, total Not less than Not less than Cats may also have a specific require-
15% 7.5 glkg ment for arachidonic acid, a fatty acid
(Linoleic acid) (Not less than (Not less than available only from sources of animal
1%) 0.5 glkg) fat in the diet.

CARBOHYDRATE Not more than Not more than Not essential in the diet, however
33% 17 glkg may be used for energy.

MINERALS
Calcium O77 or" 200-400 mg Diets containing more than 2%
Phosphorous 0.50%** 150-400 mg calcium or 1.6% phosphorous may
Potassium 0.58 %o** 80-200 mg provoke urinary tract obstruction.
Sodium chloride 0.67 %** 1000-1500 mg

Kier, A., “Nutrient Requirements of Cats,” Southwestern Veterinarian, 27 :137-141, 1974.

Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals, ISBN 0-309-02028, National Academy of Sciences—National Research Council, Wash., D.C., 1974.
Personal communication with Dr. James Morris, Professor of Nutrition & Physiology, U niversity of California, Davis, 1977.
Scott, Patricia P., “Nutrition and Disease,” Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., American Veterina ry Publications, Inc., 1975.
 Minimum % or Amount Minimum Amount
NUTRIENT Required Per Kilogram
Food (Dry Basis)*
Required Per
Cat Per Day*
COMMENTS
MINERALS
Magnesium 0.04 %** 80-110 mg Diets containing more than 0.5%
Iron 40 noe 5 mg magnesium may promote urinary
Copper 10 mg** 0.1-0.2 mg tract obstruction.
Manganese 56 mg** 0.2 mg
Zinc 60 mg** 0.25-0.3 mg
Iodine 2.0°mg** 0.1-0.4 mg
Selenium OJmmgr*

VITAMINS
YadBibstf 50-100IU
28,000 IU 1000-3000 IU
LDC 4-10 IU
Not required in Not required in May be required during prolonged
the diet; normally the diet; normally antibiotic therapy or chronic
formed by intes- formed by intes- intestinal disease.
tinal bacteria tinal bacteria
and absorbed. and absorbed.
Thiamine (B1) 4.4.mg 0.2-1 mg
Riboflavin (Bz) 4.4mg 0.15-0.4 mg
Pantothenic acid 5.5 mg 0.25-1.0 mg
Niacin 44 mg 2.6-4 mg
Pyridoxine (Be) 2.0 mg 0.1-0.3 mg
Folic acid 18 mg 10 mg Formed by intestinal bacteria;
unlikely to be deficient in diet
based on natural foodstuffs.
Biotin 10 mg 0.1 mg Deficiency may be produced by
feeding excessive amounts of raw
egg white.
Biz Required; amount Required; amount Unlikely to be deficient in diets
not determined not determined containing animal protein
Choline 3,333 mg 100-300 mg
Inositol 222 mg 10-25 mg
C Formed 1n the Formed in the May be necessary during specific
liver by liver by illnesses.
healthy cats healthy cats

*Where a range of values are given, the upper levels are usually necessary to maintain normal growth or lactation.
**Minerals administered at these dietary levels have maintained normal growth in kittens. Values given here are not
meant to represent minimum quantities required.
 4
4
cauguneylay

Mag 0 Zu
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osZNy, , Bs.
byUy

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me Wy A tailie

Aw

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{,- y hs pe
 CFOOD CFACT& CFICTION
What should you feed your pet? Since dogs nutrient requirements (see page 23). Instead
and cats have specific nutritional requirements, feeding them causes malnourishment while the
balanced diets must be fed for growth and to cat becomes addicted to a very expensive diet.
maintain health. Many commercial foods which Variety and strict attention to diet ingre-
claim to be nutritious are found in markets and dients are the keys to success when feeding a
pet stores. But how can a cat or dog owner be homemade diet. Since all the nutrient require-
sure such claims are true? What role should ments of cats have not been firmly established,
commercial products play in the day to day a varied diet is the best way to assure that
feeding of pets? Should pet owners try to nutrients needed in small but important quan-
formulate a homemade diet? tities are not lacking. This is true even when
your Cat eats some commercial products.
HOMEMADE FOODS FOR CATS Whole milk and milk products (such as
cottage cheese or yogurt), eggs, and meat
The least expensive and most time-saving should comprise three-fourths of a homemade
way to feed a cat for health is to use a good cat diet by weight as fed. The remaining
commercial food purchased from a pet shop, one-fourth of the diet should consist of cooked
grocery store or your veterinarian as a basic cereals, whole grains and grain products such
diet. However, if you have the interest and the as pasta, breads and flours, beans, rice and
time to cook for your cat and the cost of feeding vegetables. Measure these items’ portions be-
your pet is not your major concern, a nutritious fore cooking to allow for water absorption and
diet for cats can be prepared at home. dilution of nutrients. Cats fed a home prepared
House cats can grow, reproduce and live to diet should be given safflower or corn oil daily
old age on a homemade diet which mimics the (two teaspoonsful mixed with the food 1s
foods of their wild carnivorous ancestors and adequate for an adult). Complete your cat’s diet
relatives. Unfortunately, few cat owners are with a balanced vitamin-mineral supplement
willing or able to supply a diet of fresh whole purchased from your veterinarian or pet shop
rodents, birds, insects and plants and such diets and used strictly according to directions. Tech-
cannot be recommended for pet cats from the nically speaking vitamin-mineral supplements
standpoint of safety (see page 5). An obvious are not necessary to an already well-balanced
alternative for people who want to give their diet; however, the danger of a homemade diet
cats home prepared foods is to offer muscle or being nutritionally inadequate is so great that
organ meats or deboned chicken or fish. These a supplement under these circumstances is
foods, however, tasty to cats, cannot meet their advisable.

33
 You must be sure that you offer and that
your cat eats the milk products and eggs, the
vegetables, cereals and other carbohydrates as
well as the meats or your home diet will fail. It is
easy to fall into the routine of offering a cat the
foods he or she adores and to quickly lose the
variety that is essential to a nutritious
homemade diet. This you must not do. which may help you is: Nutrient Requirements
The meats you offer should be cooked of Laboratory Animals, National Academy of
(medium). The cut is not important. However, Sciences, Washington, D.C., second revised
since cats have trouble eating chunks larger edition, 1972 (to be updated 1978).
than about % inch square, ground meat is
probably your best buy. Lamb, beef, and horse
COOKBOOKS AREN’T NECESSARY
muscle meats are all good to feed. (One
experiment showed that cats prefer their Although cookbooks for cats and dogs are
flavors in that order.) Other good and inexpen- available, you really don’t need them. Most pets
sive meats are chicken, turkey, rabbit, tongue will eat the necessary foods if they are offered
and spleen. Liver is highly nutritious, but avoid with no more preparation than chopping them
feeding it too frequently since cats easily into small pieces and cooking or mixing any
become addicted to its flavor and vitamin or vegetables offered thoroughly with their meat
mineral problems can result (see page 16 and and eggs. For cats or dogs who pick out the
23). Do not feed lungs or other animal parts meat goodies and leave their vegetables, cere-
you would not eat frequently yourself. They als, eggs, or cheese you can resort to any good
may provide inadequate energy and digestible cookbook for ideas. Just use the most simple
nutrients for cats. recipes you can find and leave out all season-
Cat owners feeding their pets from scratch ings except salt, garlic or onion.
should keep up on the latest information Here is an example ofa simple recipe that
available about cat nutrition. One publication will provide a nutritious meal for a dog or cat.

34
 HOMEMADE FOOD FOR DOGS
Healthy Meat, Poultry or
Like cats, dogs can be fed nutritious home-
Fish Loaf For Cats and Dogs made diets if you care to spend the time and
money necessary to do it. An old rule that your
1 pound ground meat or poultry, or dog will receive an adequate diet if he or she
cooked and finely chopped poultry or eats everything you do works only if you yourself
fish eat a nutritious diet of basic foods that is
extremely high in protein and low (in terms of
1 cup cooked brown rice
human needs) in carbohydrate. Although the
2 eggs, and shells, blended thoroughly protein requirements of adult dogs are not
until shells are finely broken much higher than those of people, dogs have
Y teaspoon salt very strict protein requirements for growth.
Many American diets will not healthfully meet
1 cup cooked and chopped green and
the nutritional needs of growing dogs and the
yellow vegetables (e.g. green beans,
variety of foods people eat can quickly cause
carrots, peas) —
digestive upsets in many dogs.
Combine meat and rice. Stir in blended eggs Fortunately, much more printed information
and shells. Sprinkle salt over vegetables then is available on the formulation of well balanced
mix them thoroughly with the other ingre- homemade diets for dogs than is available for
dients. Place in a loaf pan and bake at 350°F cats. Wise dog owners should make use ofit
until done, approximately 30 to 60 minutes. when feeding their pets home prepared foods.
 Publications which can help you formulate an Doggie Delight
adequate diet for your dog are:

Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, National

¥% cup farina (commonly known as
Cream of Wheat®), cooked to make 2
Research Council, National Academy of
Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1974.
cups

The Collins Guide to Dog Nutrition, D.R. 1 cup creamed cottage cheese
Collins, Howell Book House, Inc., New 1 large whole egg, hard cooked
York, 1973. 2 tablespoons dry active baker’s yeast
3 tablespoons granulated sugar or 1
Composition of Foods, Agriculture Hand-
tablespoon honey
book No. 8, Bernice K. Watt and Annabel
1 tablespoon corn oil or lard
L. Merrill, United States Department of
Agriculture, 1963. (This book has infor-
mation cat owners can also use when a Cook farina according to package directions.
home prepared diet is fed.) Cool. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
This recipe yields about 134 pounds food con-
taining approximately 425 calories per pound.*
You will probably find that formulating a
diet to meet your dog’s nutritional needs for
growth, adulthood and old age is more difficult
For growing dogs add to the above:
and time-consuming than you desire. In that
case the safest thing to do is to feed high quality
2 large whole eggs, hard cooked, or
commercial diets. If this is not satisfactory, use
2 ounces canned mackerel, or
some of the following recipes (or ones your
14 ounce cooked ground beef or lamb
veterinarian may be able to supply) to make
or liver
home prepared meals for your dog. You might
also consider mixing some of the following *Onginally published in The Well Dog Book, Ran-
recipes with balanced commercial foods to dom House/Bookworks, 1974 with thanks to Dr. Mor-
provide meals half way between home cooking ris of Mark Morris Associates, Topeka, Kansas for
and store bought. supplying the basic recipes for these diets.

36
 My Hero Stew Exchange Diet for Dogs
Cook as a stew:
1 pound ground beef 2/3 cup (5 oz. dry) rice, farina, tapioca,
1 large can stewed tomatoes or barley
6 large potatoes 3 oz. medium fat beef, lamb or pork, or
2 large onions chicken, ground or chopped into
1 cup macaroni ¥2-inch chunks
1 pound dry rice 2 oz. chopped liver
2 crushed eggshells 1 teaspoon steamed bone meal or dical-
2 cups water
cium phosphate
Juice of 2 three-ounce cans of yellow
beans ¥ teaspoon iodized salt
Juice of 2 three-ounce cans of green 2 cups water
beans
Juice of 2 three-ounce cans of carrots Combine all ingredients with water and boil for
twenty minutes. Add 1 teaspoonful corn oil if
Add green beans, yellow beans, and carrots, lean meat or chicken is used.
and mix well. This makes ten quarts of food to For a high protein diet, substitute one egg for
be fed at the rate of about one quart per forty one ounce rice.
pounds body weight per day. (This is a re-
stricted protein diet and, as such, may not be Makes enough for a twenty-two pound dog (ten
suitable for growing puppies.)* kilograms).*

*Originally published in The Well Dog Book, *Onginally proposed by Dr. D.S. Kronfeld at the
Random House/Bookworks, 1974 with thanks to Dr. symposium Diet and Disease in Dogs, U.C. Irvine,
Morris of Mark Morris Associates, Topeka, Kansas November 1975. Published in the article “Canine
for supplying the basic recipes for these diets. Diets Analyzed,” DVM, pp. 12-14, Vol. 8, No. 2,
February 1977.
 KINDS OF COMMERCIAL FOODS

Commercial diets for dogs and cats were

originally developed as ways to preserve food,
but they soon became ways for pet owners to
feed their animals economically and conve-
niently. In the past many were nutritionally
unsound, but today the use of commercial
foods gives the pet owner the ability to offer the
dog or cat nutrition which usually surpasses
that of equally priced home prepared diets. Not
only do most commercial diets offer pets good
nutrition conveniently and inexpensively, they
also help conserve the world’s diminishing
protein resources by using protein sources not
readily available to you or palatable to your pets
without special processing. Naturally, feeding
commercial pet foods is not foolproof. When
an owner walks into a pet shop or market he or
she is often confronted by at least ten different
brands of foods and more than fifty different
products. How can you choose which is best for
your pet? Use the information in this section as
a guide to help you make this most important
decision.

YOU’LL FIND THREE KINDS OF

PET FOODS

Commercial foods for dogs and cats are

available in three basic forms—canned, semi-
moist (soft-moist), and dry. Frozen foods are
also available, but not as readily as the other

38
kinds. Canning pet foods allows the manufac- gas, often follow such overindulgence. When
turer to use fresh, wet ingredients, cook them overeating becomes a routine, obesity soon
and preserve them so you can feed them results (see page 77).
conveniently at home. In general canned foods Semi-moist foods are a technological tri-
are the most expensive products for feeding umph. The processing these products undergo
cats and dogs (you pay for 65-78% water) and allows foods with a moisture content that would
they vary most in content and quality. Some usually cause them to spoil at room tempera-
canned foods contain only meat and/or fish and ture to be stored unrefrigerated and to be fed
meat (fish) by-products. These products fed conveniently from a package. In general, all
alone cannot provide balanced nourishment soft-moist products for dogs and for cats are
for a dog or cat (see page 23). Other canned relatively uniform in ingredients and are de-
foods contain meat (and/or fish, and/or by- signed to provide complete nutrition. They are
products) and just enough vitamin-mineral usually two to three times as expensive to feed
supplement to make them a complete and as dry foods, but less expensive than canned
balanced diet for a cat or dog. The last group of foods when water content is considered. Most
canned foods includes a great variety of pets find them very palatable; when semi-moist
products which use meat or fish as a base but products are offered, mealtime is usually over
also add eggs, vegetables, cereals or flours to quickly with a minimum of effort and little or
balance the nutrition, improve the flavor or “fill no clean up.
them out”. These products are commonly Manufacturers are able to produce these soft
called “canned mixed diets” or “canned ration tidbits in a package by mixing and cooking the
type” foods. Some of these foods will provide basic food ingredients (soybean meal, meat
complete nourishment for your pet. Others and/or meat by-products, fat, vitamins and
cannot and you must be very selective when minerals) with artificial flavors and colors, large
choosing among them. quantities of humectants and sugar (dog foods)
Canned foods are usually highly palatable to or phosphoric acid (cat foods). Humectants
cats and dogs. Although this allows you, if you (such as sorbitol or propylene glycol) hold
are careful, to select and feed products which water keeping the foods soft and helping to
provide complete nutrition and are eaten prevent spoilage. The sugars (sucrose most
readily, feeding them freely can easily lead to often) or acids also act as preservatives since
overeating. In pets not accustomed to canned bacteria and molds have difficulty growing in a
foods, digestive upsets, such as diarrhea and high sugar or acid environment. Unfortu-
 nately, humectants, preservatives, large quan-
tities of sugars and artificial flavors and colors
do not resemble the natural foods dogs’ and
cats’ bodies evolved to metabolize. Although
sorbitol, propylene glycol and sugar can all be
used for energy, some pets develop digestive
upsets when fed soft-moist products containing
such ingredients. Until the long term effects of
feeding such foods are apparent, I think it is
best to use semi-moist products only as a treat in many shapes, sizes and colors—biscuits,
or to coax a lagging appetite, not as the regular kibbles (broken up biscuits), meals, nuggets and
diet. pellets. Some products make a “gravy” when
water is added, others do not. There is only
slightly less variety among cat foods, the
uniformity which is present occurs because cats
seem to have trouble picking up pieces larger
than about ¥% inch. Most major brands of dry
foods for cats and dogs are designed to provide
a complete and balanced diet for your pet, but
Dry dog and cat foods combine several some brands are not. As with other foods, you
characteristics desirable in pet foods. They are must select a dry product carefully to insure
easy to transport and store, convenient to feed, proper nutrition.
resist spoilage when left in the food bowl, and Most dogs and cats find dry foods palatable,
are the least expensive commercial pet foods. especially if they have been fed them from an
All complete dry foods are similar in the sense early age. Pets which have been fed “people
that they are based on a combination of cereals, foods” and meaty canned foods while young
grains and flours, meat or fish products, may refuse dry foods at first but this problem
sometimes dairy products, and vitamins and can usually be solved relatively easily (see page
minerals which are processed to produce a dry, 61). Free choice feeding of dry foods can
crunchy product containing about eight to usually be allowed without the danger of
twelve percent water. However, at this point obesity, and dry foods help promote dental
their similarity stops. Dry foods for dogs come health in cats and dogs.

40
 Some authorities question the protein con-
tent of dry dog foods. Any possible difficulties
can usually be avoided by selecting complete
and balanced dry foods with protein contents
greater than 18% dry matter for adults and
greater than 28% dry matter for puppies. For
additional insurance, particularly for growing,
working or nursing dogs, you can give your pet
relatively inexpensive supplements such as
powdered dry or fresh milk, eggs, or cottage
cheese or use the more expensive protein
supplementation of fresh or canned meats.
Even with protein supplements added, dry
foods give you the best dollar value in nutrition. There is no generally accepted scientific evi-
.
dence that dry foods are the primary cause of
bladder inflammation and urinary tract
obstruction in cats. As long as you make sure
that adequate water supplies are always avail-
able to your cat, it is safe to feed dry foods to
your pet unless health problems which require
special dietary restrictions already exist.
The primary draw back of dry foods lies in
the fat content. The physical characteristics of
the standard dry foods prevent incorporation
Recently unfavorable comments have been of fat at a level much greater than about 10%.
made in the press about the advisability of During storage some of this fat is lost by
feeding cats dry foods. Some individuals have exudation or deterioration so it is of no use to
suggested that dry foods may induce urinary the cat or dog. If fat is not added to some dry
tract disease in cats. Although many veterinar- cat and dog foods, a deficiency of essential fatty
ilans suggest changing the diet of cats stricken acids may occur. Fortunately any problems
with urinary tract disease, this does not mean associated with fat content in dry foods are
that they feel the diet caused the problem. usually easily corrected. (see page 14).

4]
HOW TO CHOOSE A COMMERCIAL FOOD information will become printed on dog and cat
food packages as a result of increased con-
Commercial pet foods and their labels fall sumer interest and the efforts of the Associa-
under the regulation of the Federal Food and tion of American Feed Control Official
Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Com- (AAFCO). This group consists of animal feed
ission and the United States Department of control officials from throughout the United
Agriculture as well as individual state regula- States and Canada who enforce laws regulating
tory agencies. These groups generally insure the production of foods for animals and
that pet foods are pure and wholesome, contain develop laws and regulations which promote
no harmful substances and are truthfully effective pet foods and useful and truthful pet
labeled. These policies are enforced in many food labels.
states by random sampling and testing of pet The selection of a commercial diet for your
foods off supermarket shelves. Unfortunately cat or dog must be done in a logical manner.
these groups do not yet require enough infor- There are six items found on all pet food labels
mation to be present on pet food labels to that can be of most help to you. They are 1) the
enable you to compare one product directly with nutritional statement, 2) the list of ingredients,
another. There is, however, enough regulation 3) the guaranteed analysis, 4) the net weight, 5)
that information found on the products sold at the cost, and 6) the manufacturers name and
your local supermarket or pet store can help address. Examine each item in turn, then use
you make an intelligent choice of foods for all the information you have gathered to make
your pets based on a process of elimination. your final food choice. Even if you use more
And as time passes, more and more useful than oné product to feed your pet, care should
be given to each food selected. Feeding even a Dog or cat foods which state on the label that
single poor quality product can significantly they are complete, perfect, scientific or balanced
detract from the all around good nutrition of rations or indirectly imply that they are by
your dog’s or cat’s diet. statements such as “All your pet ever needs”
must contain sufficient ingredients to meet the
nutrient requirements of cats or dogs at all life
HOW TO USE THE NUTRITIONAL stages. Companies which make such statements
STATEMENT
on their product labels must include appropri-
ate ingredients in quantities sufficient to meet
The most important piece of information on the nutrient requirements established by the
a pet food label for the average pet owner is the National Research Council of the National
nutritional statement. Increasingly uniform regu- Academy of Sciences (or an equivalent nutri-
lation of pet foods virtually guarantees accurate tion authority) or must have undergone testing
label statements about pet food ingredients, but which proves they will support proper growth,
the proliferation of dog and cat food products adult activity and reproduction when fed
for various purposes can make foods com- without supplementation. Foods which say they
pounded of the same ingredients inadequate provide complete and balanced nutrition for
for one pet’s needs while desireable for your dog or cat (or make an equivalent
another’s. Use the nutritional statement to statement) are the only products which can be
determine whether any cat or dog food should fed without additional effort being made to
be given further consideration as part or all of balance your pet’s diet. Products without state-
your pet’s diet. ments attesting to their nutritional complete-

43
 ness are not guaranteed to provide total HOW TO USE THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS
nutrition for your pet and must not constitute
your Cat’s or dog’s complete diet if you are to be Once you have narrowed your choice of
sure proper nutrition is being provided. They foods down to products that fall into a class
can, however, be used as part of a varied diet. your pet can use, the list of ingredients on the
Some commercial foods for dogs and cats are product labels can further aid you in your
designed to provide complete and balanced selection. By law, pet food ingredients must be
nutrition only at particular life stages. Companies listed in order of their respective predomi-
which produce these specialty foods are al- nance by weight in the product. Although the
lowed to label these products which are suitable ideal ingredients list would tell you the exact
for limited purposes as complete or balanced quantity of each ingredient present and allow
diets only in conjunction with a statement of commercial pet foods to be compared directly
that limited purpose. Unsuspecting cat or dog with one another, the current method oflisting
owners must beware! Such products, while ingredients does allow you to eliminate some
perfectly good for their intended use, can cause pet foods from further consideration.
trouble when fed to pets for which they were The best foods for feeding cats and dogs
not intended. Foods designed for adult pets contain a source of animal protein found
may not provide adequate nutrition for growth. among the first or second (canned foods) to
Foods for pregnant or nursing mothers will third or fourth (soft-moist or dry foods)
provide too much nutrition for the old, fat ingredients. Balanced diets for dogs and cats
female. Trim working dogs fed weight reduc- can be produced from vegetable products alone
tion diets will have to consume huge amounts but meat protein not only improves the pal-
of them in an attempt to obtain enough energy atability of dog and cat foods, but also the
to meet their daily needs. utilization of proteins from vegetable sources.
Read every commercial product’s nutrition Proteins in foods where animal tissues fall low
statement carefully and use it to eliminate from in the list of ingredients may not be as well
consideration foods which are not suited for utilized by your dog or cat as those in products
your pet’. diet. If you are not sure what the containing more animal protein. You may pay
nutrition statement means, ask your veterinar- the same price for both products, but your pet
ian for help. may receive less nutrition from the product
whose company skimps on animal protein. (For
more information about protein utilization see
page 49.)

44
 Other foods you should seriously consider have a complaint, you can encourage the most
eliminating from your deliberation are those wholesome foods to be produced.
containing artificial colors or food additives It is important not to confuse substances
such as sodium nitrite. Artificial colors and added to pet foods to correct or improve the
other additives may be included in pet foods if vitamin-mineral content or to prevent fat
they are listed in the Federal Government’s rancidity with undesirable additives. Heat pro-
“Generally Recognized As Safe List” (GRAS cessing and storage can destroy necessary
list). Additives not on the GRAS list may also be vitamins and fats present in natural ingredients
included depending on the circumstance; how- and certain foods used in the preparation of cat
ever, feed control officials may require the and dog rations are initially deficient in impor-
maker to submit evidence attesting to the safety tant vitamins and minerals (e.g., meats). Com-
of the pet food containing such additives. mon safe vitamin-mineral supplements used in
Unfortunately in years past food additives commercial cat and dog foods are potassium
reached the GRAS list without extensive testing chloride, calcium carbonate, choline chloride,
and additives once considered safe have only iron oxide, potassium iodide, cobalt carbonate,
recently been removed from the list after being calcium pantothenate, manganous oxide, zinc
implicated in health problems. (Red dye No. 2 oxide, ferrous sulfate, copper oxide,
is a good example.) Except for substances menadione sodium bisulfite, thiamine, biotin
added to balance the vitamin and mineral and folic acid. The tocopherols (vitamin E),
content of pet foods, most additives are in- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT
cluded to impart characteristics desirable to pet (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used most often
owners, not pets! Cats and dogs who have little, to preserve fat. You may obtain a copy of the
if any, color vision don’t care if their food looks Official Publication of the Association of
like yellow bits of cheese and red bits of meat in American Feed Control Officials, Inc., by
a gravy. They don’t require that cooked meat in writing to their treasurer. (A current address
a can retain the pink blush that indicates can be obtained from your local reference
freshness to most owners, a blush that can only librarian.) This publication contains official and
be maintained with preservatives. Since our tentative definitions of animal food ingredients
pets place most importance on the texture, taste and will help you understand what is meant by
and odor of their food, we as pet owners should meat by-products, wheat middlings and the
learn to rely less on appearances. By refusing to names of other pet food ingredients. If you
purchase pet foods with unnecessary additives don’t need such detail, when you find an
and writing to the food companies when you ingredient you question you can ask your
 veterinarian for an opinion or for a less The guaranteed analysis tells you nothing
detailed reference that may help you. about the digestibility of the dog or cat food. No
matter what a product’s guaranteed analysis
states, if the ingredients are not highly digest-
HOW TO USE THE GUARANTEED ible they are not available for use by your pet.
ANALYSIS Fortunately, reputable manufacturers formu-
The guaranteed analysis must appear on the late their commercial diets from high quality,
labels of all commercial cat and dog foods. The wholesome foods and food products and the
information which is required to appear must list of ingredients can help you eliminate
be listed in the following order: products made from the poorest ingredients.
For detailed information about the digestibility
crude protein (minimum amount) of a product you will have to write the
expressed in percent manufacturer.
crude fat (minimum amount)
expressed in percent HOW TO USE THE MANUFACTURER’S
crude fiber (maximum amount) ADDRESS
expressed in percent The name and address of the manufacturer,
moisture (maximum amount) packer or distributor of a dog or cat food is also
expressed in percent information required by law on every pet food
label. If the address is not listed, it is present in
Additional guarantees, such as for the mini- the local telephone directory of the city shown
mum amount of calcium or phosphorous on the label. This can be an important tool for
present, may follow the above information but you. Use it to request more detailed informa-
are not required by law. tion about the company’s foods. You can also
The guaranteed analysis can provide you as a use it to direct any complaints you have to the
pet owner with a lot of information if you keep manufacturer. (Remember to send the food’s
some important facts in mind. Protein and fat identifying code number whenever you have a
content (the more expensive ingredients) usu- complaint.)
ally approach the minimum amounts listed and On the following page you will find a pet food
the less expensive ingredients approach the evaluation chart.
maximums. This is not inherently bad; use it to Use the guaranteed analysis along with the price of
your advantage. For example, if the minimum the food and package weight to fill in the pet food
protein content in a food you are considering evaluation chart. Information you fill into the
just barely exceeds the minimum amount columns on this chart will help you make a final
recommended for your pet, eliminate it 1m-
choice among the pet foods you are considering.
mediately from your deliberations since the See page 48-49 for instructions on how to fill in the
product is unlikely to contain much more
Pet Food Evaluation Chart.
protein.

46
 BRAND NAME PROTEIN | FIBER PRICE| PRICE |PRICE |PRICE
De ia lb. per lb.
has | %d Jas} Sd jas | % ime Zie protein
fed tieagh fea toeighe Na MoKsr TER ies

| COLUMN
COLUMN NO.
NO.
NO. 1)
1] 2 |
Ss ee es
Photocopy _page=
and llin the columns to help you decide which food to choose for your pet
 HOW TOFILLIN THE EVALUATION CHART:

iEiUse the pet food evaluation chart to com- Products containing less than 30% protein dry
pare only complete and balanced commercial matter should not be fed to adult cats.
foods which have withstood your initial criteria Products containing less than 28% protein dry
for elimination. Rations not labeled complete matter are not suitable for feeding puppies.
and balanced are designed only to be diet sup-
Products containing less than 18% protein dry
plements or treats for your pet.
matter should not be fed to adults or puppies
(unless specifically recommended by your vet-
erinarian.)
AR Fill in columns 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 from the
information found on the package.
*Assumes 80% utilization. Protein levels may need
adjustment up or down depending on the caloric
density of the diet.
3. Calculate the percent dry matter, column 9.
FAT:
100% — % Moisture = % Total Dry Matter
Products containing less than 15% fat dry mat-
Since food’s energy and nutrition is present ter should not be fed to cats without fat
only in its dry matter, foods cannot be com- supplementation. Products containing 25% to
pared adequately with one another unless dif- 30% fat dry matter do not require supplemen-
ferences due to water content are eliminated. tation.
Products containing less than 5% fat dry matter
should not be fed to dogs without fat supple-
4. Fill in columns 3, 5 and 7. mentation. Products containing more than 8%
fat dry matter do not require supplementation.
Guaranteed % of Nutrient as Fed
x 100
% Dry matter
FIBER:
= % Nutrient
When choosing between. products that are
Present Dry Basis
equal in other respects, eliminate the product
higher in fiber content. Since dogs and cats
PROTEIN* require little fiber in their diets, it is not eco-
Products containing less than 34% protein dry nomical to pay for this undigestible material.
matter are not suitable for feeding kittens or (Speciality diets for weight reduction are high
nursing mothers. in fiber to give pets a feeling of fullness.)

48
 5. Fill in column 11. ble protein (amount of protein in a food your
dog or cat can really use). To make the calcula-
Price tion for the cost of the usable protein, you will
x 16
Product Weight have to write to the manufacturer. Good com-
In Ounces panies will send you a value for protein digest-
ibility and protein biological value (the protein’s
= Price Per Pound Sold
ability to supply your pet with the amino acids
he or she needs).
6. Fill in column 12.

Price Per Pound Sold % Digestible Protein <x Biological Value

x 100 x 100 = % Utilizable Protein
% Dry Matter
= Price Per Pound Dry Matter (Use this value in your calculation
instead of % Protein.)
When choosing between products equal in all
other respects, use this column to determine
which one is most economical.

pe Fill in column 13.

Price Per Pound Sold i

% Protein Ae
= Price Per Pound Protein

The information in this column will reveal

some interesting facts about the cost of protein
(the most expensive nutrient) especially when
you compare different kinds of foods, e.g., dry
vs. canned, which have similar values for pro-
tein, fat and fiber calculated on a dry weight
basis. This column can help you determine
which product is really the best protein bargain
if you make the calculation using percent utiliza-

49
 WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU TAKE A PET
thinly on a plate—large quantities of hair,
FOOD HOME
feathers, wood, bone or other foreign material
The final steps in choosing any food indicate a poor product with poor quality
for your dog or cat are to take the product control. Small pieces of bone are not unde-
home, examine it and feed it. Physical examina- sirable. However, large pieces of bone are, as
tion of commercial foods gives you very limited are large quantities of bone, blood vessels, skin
information about most products today. Obvi- or other hard to digest materials. Foods con-
ously, you should not purchase products in taining these items are, in general, low quality
damaged containers or which show evidence of foods which are poorly utilized by a dog or cat
attack by rodents or insects (rodent stool or fur and often lead to digestive problems.
in the food, holes chewed in boxes or packages, The best test of any product you have
insect larvae or dead insects in the package). If selected is actually feeding it. No matter how
all brands of dog or cat food sold in the store ideal a pet food product looks on paper or how
are damaged, change your pet food outlet, fine its appearance, it can’t be nutritious if your
since the current one is not giving their pet won't eat it. And if your pet eats it, but
merchandise proper care. Dry or soft moist develops diarrhea or some other digestive
foods which show evidence of spoilage (furry upset when the product is fed, any important
white, black, gray or green spots of mold or nutrients present are likely to be lost.
moist-looking spots of white or yellow bacteria) If your cat or dog develops diarrhea, consti-
should never be fed to your cat or dog. Return pation or becomes flatulent after the gradual
affected foods to the store and don’t feed that introduction of any commercial product, this is
particular brand if spoilage is a regular feature. not a product you should continue to offer no
The ingredients of many canned foods, most matter how nutritionally sound it seems or what
dry foods and all semi-moist foods are finely kind of bargain it may be. New foods intro-
ground so you can tell little about them. duced suddenly, however, may cause transient
However, there are some rules of thumb which digestive upsets. (For more information see
can be applied. Avoid products with a dark- page 61.)
ened surface. In dry foods this may indicate What effect a food has on your dog’s or cat’s
overcooking which destroys valuable vitamins stools tells you something about its digestibility,
and interferes with protein utilization. Dark- and, in a sense, something about its quality
ened canned foods may also be overcooked or and the economy of feeding it. In general, the
may have reacted with the metal can. (This may higher the percentage of the total nutrients
or may not interfere with nutrition but is not absorbed from a food by your pet, the less food
harmful in itself.) Avoid products containing is required for proper nutrition and the more
foreign materials. In canned food this 1s best economical that food is to feed. A highly
determined by spreading some of the food digestible food results in stools that are normal

50
i appearance, odor and consistency and that mated daily requirements are fed, problems
are produced in no more that about twenty-five may arise.
percent of the volume of the food consumed. Bony problems in cats related to overnutri-
Foods with this effect give you the most for tion with vitamin A have been established for
your money. Foods which are less digestible years. Recent research with the large rapidly
(50 to 75% of the volume eaten is passed as growing breeds of dogs indicates that over-
stool) still provide satisfactory nutrition for a nutrition may play a significant role in the
pet. However, foods which result in volumin- development of bone disease. Not only can
ous, odorous stools with many food elements over-supplemented dogs develop obvious bone
visible in them are a waste of your money and abnormalities, in some cases a general effect on
feeding them is a disservice to your pet. For growth is seen—dogs receiving some supple-
more specific information about a pet food’s ments are smaller than the relatively “under-
digestibility than you can acquire by watching fed” control dogs! Dogs as breeds do not, in
your pet’s body response to eating it, you will general have more stringent vitamin or mineral
have to write to the manufacturer. requirements than dogs as individuals. Unfor-
tunately many breeders and owners assume any
VITAMIN-MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS bone or coat abnormality must be due to
FOR PETS something lacking in the diet and accordingly
The most important thing for any pet owner over-supplement.
to know about vitamin-mineral supplements There are times, however, when vitamin or
for dogs and cats is that they are not necessary mineral supplementation can be beneficial to a
when a well-balanced diet is fed. Manufacturers pet. During some illnesses supplementation
of good quality complete and balanced diets for is required. Your veterinarian will tell you
pets have put forth much effort and invested when illness makes vitamin and/or mineral
millions of dollars in research to produce supplementation necessary for your pet. If
products which do not need supplementation. your pet cannot be taught to eat a balanced
The addition of any vitamin and/or mineral diet, supplementation will be necessary. In this
supplement to them can upset the delicate situation use the information in this book as
balance present and may lead to abnormalities a guide to appropriate supplementation and
of body structure and function. The worst ask your own veterinarian for specific recom-
problems arise when unbalanced supplements mendations. If you feel you must add vitamins
such as cod liver oil, vitamin D, vitamin A (see and/or minerals to an already balanced diet,
pages 16 and 18) calcium carbonate or bone use a Cat or dog vitamin purchased from your
meal are fed. But even when balanced supple- veterinarian or a good pet shop and follow
ments which provide vitamins and minerals in directions carefully to supply only the mini-
_proper proportions to meet known or esti- mum daily requirement for each nutrient.

Or —
TREATS FOR PETS

Like most people, most dogs and cats seem to

enjoy special tidbits that add variety to their
diets although often without much nutritional
benefit. And most pet owners seem to enjoy
giving treats to their pets from time to time.
Only a few things bring forth a smile as quickly
as the antics a dog or cat puts on in anticipation
ofa favorite treat or the obvious pleasure ofa
pet enjoying an unexpected snack. However,
care must be exercised in the selection and
feeding of treats for pets as it is in tHe selection
of a day to day diet. Some “goodies” can be
dangerous to your animal’s health and offer-
ing treats to the exclusion of other foods can
quickly lead to an obese and sluggish pet: Treat
foods which do not provide balanced nutrition
should make up five percent or less or your
pet’s total diet.

TABLESCRAPS

Most dogs and cats will prefer tablescraps to

commercial dry or soft-moist foods. However,
don’t let this fact lead you into feeding your
dog or cat an imbalanced diet. If you don’t feed
large quantities of meat or other goodies |
routinely, they won’t be demanded. Treats
should be treats, not a pet’s total diet and if
youre not very careful, pets offered tablescraps
daily are often soon eating little else. If you
don’t mind owning a pet which is very selective
about its food, however, and if you are careful
to balance your pet’s diet, tablescraps can be
given as a pet treat or to improve the palatabil-
ity of the daily diet.
 severe constipation or intestinal blockage
or perforation.
If you choose to give bones to your pet, be
sure they are an appropriate size. They should
be large enough and hard enough that they
can't be eaten, only chewed on. For a small dog
or cat this may mean that a ringbone from a
lamb chop is large enough. For larger dogs
marrow bones or knuckle bones are the best
choices. Parboiled or roasted bones are most
healthful in the sense that the heat treatment
helps kill any harmful bacteria or parasites that
may be present. Do not offer poultry bones,
pork chop bones or any other bones which
splinter. If you see that you pet is eating a bone,
Avoid offering leftovers or tablescraps which take it away. Nine times out of ten an eaten
you would not eat yourself. Slightly spoiled bone will pass along a pet’s intestine without
foods or undigestible scraps such as bone can harm. However, many pets have died following
harm a pet. Good quality tablescraps such as a gut obstruction or perforation caused by a
left over cooked vegetables or their juices, bone. Its foolish to play the odds when
meats, eggs, milk, soups or stocks can be used something as valuable as a pet’s life is involved.
routinely to improve the flavor of commer-
cial products as long as they are blended
thoroughly with a balanced meal and constitute

tte
less than twenty-five percent of the meal being
fed. Do not feed extremely fatty or spicy foods
that may upset your cat’s or dog’s digestion.

BONES
Offering bones to dogs and cats as treats
has both its pros and its cons. They can help
satisfy a pet’s natural urge to chew and are an Other items which can satisfy a pet’s urge to
excellent natural means of helping to keep a chew more safely than bones are hard rubber
dog’s or cat’s teeth clean. However, too much toys, rawhide toys and some vegetables such as
bone chewing quickly leads to worn down teeth carrots. Most cats don’t care for these things,
(a problem primarily for dogs). And bones but most dogs enjoy them and they are good
which are eaten can cause digestive upsets bone substitutes to offer when a pet’s teeth are
ranging from simple stomach aches to being rapidly worn down by bone chewing.

Os
or foc
 HOMEMADE TREATS This recipe makes an easily stored and trans-
ported treat that both you and your pet can eat.
Many kinds of mass produced treats are
available for pets. A few good ones are
designed with the idea of complete and bal-
anced nutrition in mind (look at the labels) and Jerky For Pets and People
provide the owner with a convenient way to
offer his or her pet a nutritious goodie or 1 pound lean beef or lamb. Remove any
reward. Most commercial treats, however, are excess fat. Slice the meat diagonally
not designed to provide balanced nutrition across the grain into strips 4% to 4
because they are not meant to compose a major inch thick.
part ofa pet’s diet. And no commercial treat is a
Marinate the strips for two hours in:
bargain in nutrition; they are not necessities
Y, cup salad oil
and they are priced accordingly. Artificial
colors and preservatives are used extensively in
Ve cup soy sauce
1 large clove garlic crushed
the production of some commercial treats.
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Many need a long shelf life and all must appeal
to your eye in one way or another—who is
going to give their dog or cat a treat that they Remove meat from marinade and _ sprinkle
themselves find unappealing? lightly with salt and pepper.
If you have the time and the inclination to do Place meat strips in the oven on a wire rack over
a little cooking, making homemade treats for a drip pan or hang strips over the oven rack
your dog or cat can result in some healthful bars with a drip pan placed below.
snacks for your pets which are less expensive
than the gourmet treats found at your local Heat oven to 175 degrees F
market or pet store. The following recipes are Leave oven door slightly ajar and dry strips for
for home prepared treats that have been approximately five hours.
pet tested.
Remove jerky when dry but still slightly flexi-
ble. Cool and store in an airtight container in a
cool place.

tis
Pastries for Cheeselovers

6 tablespoons margarine or five table-

spoons lard, bacon fat or vegetable oil

Y cup finely grated cheddar cheese

1 cup all purpose flour
1 small garlic clove minced or mashed

Blend fat and cheese until smooth. Stir in gar-

lic. Then mix in flour. Mixture will be some-
what crumbly.
For Dogs: Shape mixture into a log about 14%
inches diameter and chill until firm.
For Cats: Shape mixture into a log not larger
than % inch diameter and chill until firm.
To Serve: Cut slices about 4% to % inch thick
from rolls. Place on an ungreased cooky sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees F until slightly brown
(about ten minutes). Makes about two dozen.

Or Cr
 Dog Biscuits

1 cup all purpose flour is smooth and pliable. Then roll out to % inch
1 cup wheat flour thickness and cut with a cookie cutter (bone or
¥Y cup wheat germ cat shapes are appropriate).
Y% cup powdered dry milk (or soymilk
powder) Bake at 325 degrees F until lightly browned
Y teaspoon salt (about 30 minutes). Makes about two dozen bis-
6 tablespoons margarine, lard, chilled cults.
bacon fat or other shortening
1 egg For flavor variety and color add:
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Liver powder (found at health food
Combine white flour, wheat flour, wheat germ, stores) - 3 tablespoons, or
powdered milk and salt in a bowl.
Dried vegetable flakes - 1 tablespoon, or
Cut in shortening until mixture resembles corn
meal.
Mashed or pureed cooked green vegeta-
bles or carrots - 1 cup
Beat the sugar with the egg. Then stir in the
sugar-egg mixture. Add water gradually as Add these flavor ingredients following the
necessary to make a stiff dough (approximately sugar-egg mixture and adjust water additions
¥g cup). Knead on a floured board until dough to the dough accordingly.

56
Cat Munchies
1 cup brown rice
2 cups well-flavored beef, chicken or
fish stock (can be made from boullion
cubes)
Choose the flavor your cat likes best.

Bring broth to a boil. Stir in rice, bring back to a

boil then simmer, stirring occasionally until all
broth is absorbed, about 40 minutes.

Spread cooked rice on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees F until rice is brown and
crackly (about 20 minutes). Or allow to dry at
room temperature twenty-four hours.
Heat two to three tablespoons oil in a frying
pan. Add rice about % cup at a time to hot oil
and shake and stir until the grains puff.
Drain on a paper towel. Then serve or store in
an airtight container.

Of course there are many other goodies for

pets that require minimal preparation. Any
meat sauteed and cut into pieces pleases most
cats or dogs. A small bowl of cottage cheese, a
hard-boiled egg, or a square of cheese are also
usually appreciated and are healthful. Avoid
offering sweets. Although most cats dislike
sweet things, most dogs love them and it
becomes easy to end up owning a fat dog with
a sweet tooth. Also remember that treats are
treats. Unless they are nutritionally complete
and balanced, keep the amount fed small.
 \ i

HERBS AND GRASSES ‘ Some people attribute a pet’s desire for fresh
a) | greens toa dietary lack. However, some cats
Most cat owners who also keep house plants and dogs who eat the best diets including
have found their pets chewing contently at a vegetables will still seek out fresh greens. The
prized plant’s leaves at one time or another. fact of the matter is that many pets find eating |
While most dogs seem to leave treasured house plants very enjoyable. This may be instinctive 1
plants alone, we have all seen dogs eating grass behavior since fresh plant material (often t

outdoors. This plant eating behavior is often consumed from the prey’s stomach) is common |
attributed to an upset stomach, and vomiting to the diet of dogs’ and cats’ closest wild
\
\
does, indeed, frequently occur when a pet eats relatives. 1
fresh greens. Although many dogs and cats will Whatever the reason cats or dogs have for
seek greens when their stomachs are upset, | eating growing plants, there is no question that
vomiting following plant eating is often due to you can eens many pets happy by providing a
the irritating characteristics of the plants them- | patch of greens for them to nibble. Order a
selves rather than the presence of any illness. : bunch of ryegrass seeds (wheat is also good)
Coarse bladed grasses and slightly poisonous : }/ from your nursery or seed catalog and sow a
houseplants can easily upset the healthiest ‘small green plot in your garden for your pet. If
stomach. A \ you are an apartment dweller or your pet stays
ae:
i og
1
indoors, grow a patch in a container placed on a
Leal
! t sunny windowsill. (You can buy preplanted
[ t
\ 1
containers at pet stores or specialty shops.) Let
! your pet munch on the greens while they are
\ young and tender or harvest the tender shoots
ee
ens
oS
eS with scissors and put them in the feeding dish.

58
 / A special green treat for cats is the herb
often elicit mock pre-killing behavior and
! Nepeta catalaria, commonly called catnip or cat:
leaping about. Frequently the catnip reaction
mint. This herb is a member of the mint family
mimics some aspects of courtship and breeding
and like most mints is easy to grow outdoors (or ! }
behaviour, especially the rolling and rubbing of
as a houseplant if given the proper conditions). |
a female in heat. Some cats even seem to have
In fact, catnip grows as a weed throughout a
hallucinations and spend time chasing phan-
most of the northern Midwest and lower ae.
tom butterflies or mice. After roughly three to
Canada. Catnip plants are sold at many nurs- '
fifteen minutes the catnip reaction 1s over.
eries and catnip seeds are available through
Exactly how catnip induces such signs of
seed companies, nurseries and in kits sold at ;
pleasure in some cats and why others don’t
pet stores and specialty shops. For catowners —/
respond to it is not known. However, the active
who don’t garden but still want to offer their =, ,
agent in catnip is structurally related to both
pets the joys of catnip, catnip stuffed toys, - \
LSD and the active agent in marijuana so
dried catnip and even an aerosol containing the . ¥
\ reactor cats may experience some kind of
active volatile oil in catnip (nepetalactone) are
} \ psychedelic high. Although dogs are known to
sold. Not all cats seem to enjoy catnip (some- io
\
\ be attracted to the smell and taste of marijuana
where between 30 to 50% of all cats ignore it), ; |
and its derivatives, catnip has no apparent lure
but those who do seem to derive real pleasure + _,
for them.
from its effects.
The catnip reaction starts when a cat sniffs
the herb. This is quickly followed by licking or
chewing the plant, (especially if it fresh) and
head shaking, salivation and rubbing the head
against the catnip source. Some cats gaze into xh
space. Cats which respond most intensely to,
 CWHAT & CHOW
CTO CFEED CYOUR CPET

Cats and dogs alike have special require- difficulty adjusting to new, less costly ones. In
ments for feeding and nutrition during each fact, pets probably have more difficulties ad-
life stage. Not only must you select the proper justing to new foods than people do since they
foods to meet any specialized nutrient needs are creatures of habit and develop narrow food
your pet may have while young, as an adult or preferences easily.
during old age, but the way you feed a pet can Use the role of early food experiences to
be as important as what foods you offer. shape your pet’s feeding behavior towards a
Healthy cats and dogs are not naturally finicky nutritious diet. A single commercial food which
eaters. Although scientific studies have shown is designed to be a complete and balanced diet
that cats tend to be more selective about their may be fed continually since dogs and cats do
foods than dogs and that some dogs are more not require dietary variety to be happy. How-
selective than others, these pets, contrary to ever, the best approach is to feed a varied diet
what some advertisements might lead us to while your cat or dog is still young. This kind of
believe, do not naturally have to be coaxed to feeding insures diverse nutrient sources and
eat. Dogs and cats base their food selections on helps guard against small vitamin and/or min-
a combination of texture, odor, taste and the eral deficiencies. It also encourages the de-
effect of early experiences with food. There is velopment of very mixed gut flora which helps
no question that some foods are naturally more prevent digestive upsets when new foods are
palatable than others to pets, but as you have eaten. Pets fed only one kind of food are
already learned, the foods most tasty to cats or notorious for developing digestive upsets when
dogs are not always the most nutritious for new foods are suddenly offered.
them. And cats and dogs given free choice of
foods will not automatically select a diet that HOW TO CHANGE THE DIET
fulfills their nutritional requirements. Any
inborn food preferences of dogs and cats are Feeding a varied diet to your pet does not
usually easily shaped by early food experiences. mean that abrupt changes in food are wise or
Like human gourmets, however, pets accus- possible. The digestive systems of cats and dogs
tomed to highly palatable gourmet diets have used to eating an unvarying diet become

61
adapted to that diet and quick changes can Use this method to change an adult dog or
often lead to diarrhea and/or vomiting. In the cat’s diet quickly:
case of pets who have been eating the same diet
for weeks or months, changing the diet quickly 1. Feed approximately fifty percent of the
is often not possible for behavioral reasons. usual diet for one day before the change. This
Approach changing a dog’s or cat’s diet in a should insure a good appetite the day the new
logical manner. First analyze what the diet has food is introduced.
been in the past. If the diet has been mainly one
class of food—dry, semi-moist or canned—a 2. On the day of the change and for one day
quick change to a new food in the same after it, feed the new food in fifty percent of the
catagory can usually be made. Cats or dogs quantity recommended.
eating dry foods can ordinarily be switched
over to semi-moist foods and vice versa. Both 3. If your pet won’t eat any or eats only a small
kinds of food are relatively high in carbohy- amount of the new food and is in good health,
drate so that gut flora has no major adaptations continue to offer the new food for four days
to make. Problems often arise, however, when before offering food your pet finds more
dogs or cats eating dry foods are abruptly palatable.
changed to canned foods (usually canned meats
with little added cereal). Since canned foods are Always use a gradual method for changing
highly palatable to most pets they are usually the diet of puppies or kittens. Their immature
eaten readily, often in large quantities. The digestive systems must be treated with kindness
intestinal flora is not prepared for such an and because they grow rapidly they cannot be
abrupt and major change in foodstuffs and allowed to refuse food for days at a time. A
indigestion usually follows. In theory changing gradual method for changing the diet is also
from canned to dry foods can cause similar necessary when switching from dry foods to
digestive upsets. However, since dry foods are canned foods to avoid causing digestive upsets.
rarely more attractive to pets accustomed to Use this method for dogs and cats who are
eating canned foods, overeating them does not really finicky eaters too. A gradual change
usually occur when they are offered as a new masks the texture, flavor and odor of a new
diet and the digestive system has time to make a food with that of the old one until the dog or
gradual adjustment. cat becomes adjusted to it.
 The standard way to change a pet’s diet
slowly is to replace 25% of the existing diet at a
time with the new food. Mix the old and new
foods thoroughly making every effort to mask
the presence of the new food. When your pet
has been eating the initial mixture well for
some time, change the mixture to 50:50 old diet
and new. The next mixture to offer is 75% new
food and 25% old food. Then finally offer only
the new diet. The keys to success with this kind
of diet change are patience and persistence.
You cannot move from one step to the next
until your cat or dog is eating the mixture well.
This usually means at least two to three days of
feeding one mixture before moving on to the
next. Ifa 25% addition of new food seems to be
too much, make the changes more gradually.
The most difficult diet change for most pet
owners to make is from feeding canned meat
type foods to dry foods. The change is facili-
tated by moistening the dry food while mixing
it with the canned one until the change over to
eating moistened dry food is complete. Then
gradually decrease the amount ofliquid mixed
in until only the dry product is being fed.
Water, stock or boullion, milk, or a gruel made
by mixing water with a canned meat product
can all be used to moisten a dry food. Warm
liquids are better to use than cold ones; they
improve the texture and aroma of many foods
for pets.

63
 {

HOW TO FEED A KITTEN OR PUPPY ments for growing animals. However, be sure
to avoid any milk product which causes
In order to meet the nutritional require- diarrhea when fed (see page 10). Small
ments of a kitten or puppy for proper growth amounts of cooked muscle meats, fish and liver
and development, you must not only provide a are also good protein supplements which may
diet that supplies 50 to 150% more calories per be introduced gradually at a young age so your
pound body weight each day (amount depen- pet will become accustomed to eating a variety
dent on age and breed) than that necessary for of foods. However, unless you are using any
an adult, but also approximately twice the food as a supplement to complete a diet not
protein. This must be done while meeting all adequate to meet the needs of a growing dog or
the other nutrient requirements a young ani- cat, it should not comprise more than twenty-
mal has, requirements certainly at least as strict five percent of the diet or you may cause
as those of an adult dog or cat. Frequent dietary imbalances that can interfere with the
feedings will allow a puppy or kitten to meet proper growth of your pet.
the calorie requirement if the diet provided is Be sure to find out what your new pet has
well-balanced and of the proper caloric density. been eating before you bring it home and try to
Protein requirements are most easily fulfilled offer the same or a ver y similar diet the first day
by selecting good quality complete commercial or two. Although it is very important to get a
puppy or kitten chows as the basic diet. Other young animal to eat a well-balanced diet as soon
non-special purpose complete foods may also as possible, too many changes at once can cause
be used if they contain at least 34% or more digestive upsets. Give your kitten or puppy a
protein for kittens, 28% or more protein for quiet place of its own where a bed and food and
puppies calculated on a dry matter basis. Eggs, water dishes are all nearby then let it adjust to
milk and milk products such as cottage cheese, the new home before making any major diet
yogurt, and sour cream are high quality changes. When you do Beene to change the diet,
proteins which are valuable as dietary supple- er adually introduce the new foods. Start with a

64
single complete commercial food and add it to consuming enough to meet his or her daily
the original diet increasing the quantities of caloric needs is to allow self-feeding of a bal-
unfamiliar food gradually and decreasing the anced complete commercial diet. To use this
initial food until the newcomer is eating the method leave the food out where the youngster
proper diet well. Then introduce other new has free access to it and change it as necessary
foods in small portions at first to avoid digestive to keep it fresh. Unless the food is too highly
upsets. palatable, most kittens or puppies will not
Kitten and puppy milk replacers such as overeat with this feeding method. In most cases
KMR%®, Esbilac® and Orphalac® can be very the amount dogs and cats choose to eat is only
helpful when feeding a very young pet. Mixed that necessary to fulfil their daily calorie needs.
with commercial foods, they make them easier Not only is self-feeding convenient for the pet
to chew. They mimic mother’s milk and are owner but it also seems to help prevent
therefore usually readily accepted. They do not boredom in pets who must be left alone during
have the tendency to produce diarrhea as cow’s the day. Self-feeding must be abandoned or the
milk does, and they provide complete nour- portions left out reduced if your pet tends to
ishment in themselves so they can be mixed become too fat.
safely in any proportion with other complete Scheduled or portion controlled feeding is
foods. Be sure, however, to provide your kitten the system where you provide your kitten or
or puppy with fresh water at all times whether puppy with several meals daily and do not offer
or not liquids such as milk replacers or cow’s food between meals. It usually results ina pet
milk are provided. that is anxious and ready to eat at mealtimes
It is physically impossible for a puppy or making it easy for you to determine when the
kitten to consume enough food (even of the appetite is not normal. It can, however, pro-
highest quality) at one sitting to meet the daily duce a dog or cat that is “too attuned” to food
calorie requirement. The simplest and most with a tendency to gorge at mealtimes and to
convenient way to be sure that your pet is become fat. If you choose a scheduled feeding

m Or
method provicic four meals a day until your pet HOW MUCH TO FEED A KITTEN
is three mon! '}s old, three meals a day until six OR PUPPY
months of age, then two meals a day until
adulthood. You can use the calorie tables on page 79
A combination of self and scheduled feeding as rough guides to estimate your kitten’s or
may be used instead of relying on one system or puppy’s daily energy needs. If you don’t know
another. Many people successfully leave out a the calorie content of the food you feed, write
variety of commercial complete dry foods for to the manufacturer for the information or use
their pet’s free choice consumption and use the the feeding guides on the food package to help
more palatable complete canned products you determine your pet’s daily needs. Remem-
alone or mixed with other complete foods as ber, however, that each animal is an individual
“treats” or scheduled meals. Unbalanced and, as such, has individualized calorie re-
supplementary foods such as eggs and meat quirements. Body size (breed), activity, en-
should always be mixed with or supplemented vironmental temperature and other factors all
to make a complete food when fed as meals for affect a kitten’s or puppy’s daily food needs.
young animals. Dogs and cats who become used Your pet’s appearance (while young or as an
to having extra palatable foods at scheduled adult) is one measure you must always consider
meals may fail to consume the balanced diet left no matter what other guides you use to judge
out for their free choice feeding. the adequacy of the diet.

STIFF
 Look at and feel your pet. If the spine and examination and could mean that your pet’s
ribs are prominent, you may not be feeding diet is inadequate. ,
enough. A glossy coat, free from dandruff, If you are using scheduled feeding, each
good health and activity are all signs that tend meal should comfortably fill a puppy or kitten.
to indicate that enough of a nutritious diet is If the stomach is very distended and taut
being fed. Weigh your kitten or puppy and plot following a meal, or if vomiting occurs shortly
its growth curve. A steady weight gain is to be after eating, you may be feeding too much at
expected if your pet is healthy and well fed. Be one time. More frequent smaller meals may be
sure to make a distinction, however, between necessary. If your pet is still willing to eat after a
proper growth and excessive growth. Recent meal and tends toward thinness, you may need
nutrition studies imply that obesity is undesir- to offer a larger portion at each feeding. Unless
able in young animals as it is in adults and that your cat or dog has a tendency to overeat,
bone abnormalities in some dogs may be scheduled meals should always be offered in
related to overfeeding and too rapid growth. If large enough portions that some food is left in
your dog’s growth curve is too steep as com- the bowl.
pared to the standard for its breed or if your Any dietary problems with feeding young
cat or dog is chubby, discuss a diet change with animals not quickly resolved at home (within
your veterinarian. Poor growth, poor coat or twenty-four to thirty-six hours) should be
frequent illness also call for a veterinarian’s discussed with a veterinarian. Because of their
rapid growth, small size and relatively high
metabolic rate, what sometimes appear to be
minor dietary problems in puppies or kittens
can cause severe illness to develop quickly.

On the following pages you will find charts which

depict the average growth by weight of cats and
various dog breeds.

67
GROWTH
CHART
Great Danes

FOR DOGS: aaa

The curves on this chart represent the
growth of normal, healthy individuals
offifteen dog breeds. Note that all dogs
fall roughly into four groups based on
their eventual adult size (toy, small to
medium, large and giant) and the age
at which they reach their mature body German
; : Shepherds
weight (point where the curve levels
out). Since only a rare individual’s
growth will exactly match that of a ae
standard curve and since many pets
are mixed breeds, use these curves only Collies
to give yourself a rough estimate of hoe.
your dog’s expected growth rate. iene

HY sf
j Bulldogs
HA |

Hinal!f/4;deesuuUuUUUUEEUEae
ze EEE EEE EEE Ee
20;2a +WHT
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EEE = EEE==00Cockers
EET
20 eas fe
16+ AL SSSe im
2 than
1 MM Ze
BERRA EEREE
ostons

J at oh
Modified and reproduced with permission given by the
editor and publisher from Current Veterinary Ther-
SS
wal NWS CNoN im
tfbeuae isn TEL
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oo Fe '\
ta SGeLenspouenoeasa
Soan008
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rt Pee
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pany 1974. 0) 2 84 SGP SSier IN) S12 14 NGS E20 eeo Oder GoRee sO
MONTHS
GROWTH
CHART BIRTH TO ONE YEAR

FOR CATS: BODY WEIGHT

Kg. Oz.
This chart wlustrates the average
growth of kittens during their first 3.40 120

year. The curve is based on equal

numbers of male and female cats; ex-
pect a male kitten to grow somewhat
more rapidly than a female. Since no
individual’s growth can be expected to
exactly match an average curve, use
this chart only as a guide to your pet’s
expected growth.

4 8 12 60. 200824528) 632) 368 40 Aa AS olen 0 8 OU

AGE IN WEEKS

Compiled from growth charts used with permission of

the Ralston Purina Company, copyright 1975.
 PLOT YOUR PET'S GROWTH:
Between the ages of two to six months the
growth of all kittens and puppies is relatively
rapid. Since small dogs and cats tend to grow to
be small adults and large young ones tend to
become large adults, direct comparison of your
pet’s growth to the standard growth charts can
CPUPPY
GROWTH CURVE*
BODY
WEIGHT

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t
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dies T
{+ iim
[ [ oa
+ es

A510 i + | fen aS
7: a | PaSraasle t | ig =
Sa ib + | iE Ext x
56, Fe 8 O10 1112, 13214 1S boa sere 20eo be? 23 ws Ke 5
T
26 27/28
! 29.350

AGE IN WEEKS
.

*If your puppy will weigh ten pounds or less as an adult, plot his or her growth on the kitten growth chart.

70
be misleading if your dog or cat tends naturally dogs weighing more than sixty pounds as
to be smaller or larger than average. It could adults) is normal. For dogs, the slope of the
also lead to harmful overfeeding if you attempt curve (steepness should be similar to that
to force a small pet’s weight up to meet a standard for your pet’s breed or a breed which
standard curve. Plot your kitten’s or puppy’s reaches a similar adult size. A curve that is more
growth weekly on the charts provided below. A or less steep than average may indicate over or
relatively straight growth line between the ages under feeding. (See page 58 for standard
of two and six months (three to five months for growth curves for fifteen dog breeds.)

CKITTEN GROWTH CURVE*

BODY
WEIGHT

6B
Ke

ee
EEE
iF.

ee eae
ae 4E
ee
me

3.6
3.9aoe es Oe ea gee
7 ee
a Sie
eee
nae ee
tf
Ree
Dean ee ms
as
oles etoile |
1.8 4 ab | ne
1.35 3 ee ia | mie | a

G) Hiky [ 7
re BRS
Lemeae | |
5
; 7 8 OPOn AZO MA Selo.
7 Weel 9220s 21722 NoOs hoax hoOr ho ep) No|~I No CO ho ide) osSS

AGE IN WEEKS
*Use this chart to plot your puppy’s growth if he or she will weigh ten pounds or less as an adult.

71
 calorie requirements and any feeding informa-
tion (given here or on a food package) can only
be used as a guide. Active cats may require 50
to 100 percent more calories each day than
sedentary ones. Uncastrated males require
more calories than neutered one. During hot or
cold weather dogs kenneled outside may need
from 20% to 100% more calories each day to
maintain a proper body weight. Pregnancy and
lactation (nursing) impose their own special
requirements on female cats and dogs
(see page 82).
In most cases any good complete and bal-
anced commercial food will meet the daily
calorie and nutrient requirements of a house
pet. Complete and balanced rations can be
mixed together in any proportions to meet
HOW TO FEED AN ADULT CAT OR DOG your pet’s needs. Remember, however, that
high quality unbalanced protein foods used to
When your pet’s growth curve has leveled supplement commercial products should com-
out and he or she is mature you can switch from prise less than twenty-five percent of the diet.
a puppy or kitten ration to an adult food. Snacks and tidbits that do not have good
Self-feeding or combination feeding can be nutritional value should compose less than five
continued, but if you notice your pet becoming percent of the diet. Specialty foods or a switch
overweight, you will have to switch to one or from one type of commercial food (e.g., dry
two individual meals per day. Cats seem to food) to another type of balanced commercial
prefer two meals, however one meal is ade- food (e.g. canned meat ration) or from feeding
quate for most cats and also for most dogs. a single type to a mixture of foods may be
Some pets, dogs in particular, vomit clear or necessary when a house pet’s life changes to
yellow-tinged stomach juices if fed only once require more energy. An example of this
every twenty-four hours. These animals will situation is found in the case of a dog which is
benefit by being fed two smaller meals (break- used for hunting part of the year and is
fast and dinner) each day. relatively sedentary the rest of the year. During
Most adult dogs require about forty calories hunting season a dog like this may be able to
per pound body weight each day. Most cats meet the increased calorie needs merely by
require about fifty calories per pound body eating more of the regular dog food. However,
weight each day. However, as with young when this usual food does not have enough
animals, each individual has individualized calories per volume consumed (too dow an
energy density), the hunting dog cannot eat
enough to meet the energy requirement and/or
gets a digestive upset (usually diarrhea) while
trying. A switch to a food which contains more
calories per pound fed (food with a higher
energy or calorie density) usually-solves the
problem. An analogous situation is that of the
tomcat who eats a highly palatable, energy
dense canned food all winter and is roly-poly
when spring comes around. If his diet is not
changed to include more food, a remarkable
weight loss ensues as the tom uses more energy
to fight and mate during the spring breeding
season. Many cat owners have thought their
tom was sick or “wormy” when this unexpected
weight loss was seen.

FEEDING THE OLDER CAT OR DOG old age eating their usual adult diet fed in
somewhat decreased amounts.
Dogs and cats undergo aging changes just as
Certain diseases such as heart, kidney or liver
humans do and may require special diets for
failure, which tend to occur more often in older
maximum health and activity in old age. In
animals, require special diets. Only your vet-
general, older animals require fewer calories
erinarian can diagnose the presence of such
per pound body weight each day as compared
conditions. If such a health problem is diag-
to their needs while young; the amount of food
nosed in your older cat or dog, your veterinar-
given must usually be decreased in order to
ian will make suggestions for appropriate
avoid causing obesity. Some body changes can
dietary changes.
result in decreased utilization of nutrients;
additionally, intestinal absorption of nutrients
may be impaired. There is then a rationale for
the occasional recommendation to use a bal-
anced vitamin-mineral preparation to supple-
ment an older cat’s or dog’s diet. For older dogs
who seem to have trouble digesting fats or who
tend to become obese easily, dietary fat should On the following pages you will find sample diets
be kept to the minimum. (Choose foods with no which will provide good nutrition for cats or dogs.
more than six to eight percent fat, dry basis.)
However, most cats and dogs live healthfully to
 A NUTRITIOUS CDIET CFOR “DOGS

FEED DAILY: Complete and balanced commercial dry dog food. Products containing
less than 8% fat need fats added (corn or safflower oil are good). Feed
once or twice a day or allow free access.

and/or

Complete and balanced canned food. Canned foods are best fed mixed
with dry foods or fed only once or twice a week. Complete canned foods
are nutritious; however, their palatability may encourage overeating and
their composition seems to encourage tartar formation on the teeth.

Water should be available at all times.

FEED Eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt or other dairy products, nutritionally incom-
OCCASIONALLY: plete canned meats, cooked vegetables, cereals, cooked fish. These extras
should not constitute more than 25% ofthe diet. Beef liver can be offered
once a week.

Dogs may also be offered brewer's yeast and other “people foods’ such as
fruits, uncooked vegetables, sweets and condiments. Remember, how-
ever, that the last listed items may cause digestive upsets and they do not
contribute significantly to nutrition. If offered, they should constitute less
than 5% of the diet.

74
 A CNUTRITIOUS CDIET “FOR CATS
FEED DAILY: Complete and balanced commercial dry cat food. Products containing
less than 10% fat need fats added (corn or safflower oil are good). Feed
once daily or allow free access.
and/or

Complete and balanced canned food—offer about one can per seven
pounds body weight if other food is not given.

Water should be available at all times.

FEED TWICE Beef liver—once ounce per adult cat. Organ meats (spleen, kidney) may
A WEEK: be substituted for liver but fail to provide the high level of vitamins and
minerals that liver does. Lightly cooking meat products helps prevent
parasite transmission without destroying important vitamins.

FEED Cheese, yogurt, sour cream, milk, cooked vegetables, eggs, soups, cooked
cereals, baby foods, brewer’s yeast, cooked clams or fish.
OCCASIONALLY:
Cats may also eat other “people foods” such as fruits, uncooked
vegetables, sweets and condiments as treats if they do not cause digestive
upsets; just remember that such foods do not contribute significantly to a
cat’s nutrition.
 Grice
y
Ty)Yj

76
SPECIAL CNEEDS ~
SPECIAL CFEEDS
THE FAT CAT OR DOG the abdominal organs. Obese pets are poorer
surgical risks and it has been scientifically
The overweight cat or dog almost always shown that fat pets (dogs) are more susceptible
becomes so as a result of the owner’s good to viral and bacterial infections. Most over-
intentions. It’s difficult for most pet owners to weight dogs and cats become inactive, changing
resist sharing the special treats they enjoy with from the young, sprightly companion you once
their cat or dog, especially when he or she sits knew to the sluggish pet that sleeps away the
nearby looking longingly at the goodies. It is day on a pillow.
also difficult to resist feeding a pet too much of The best way to approach the problem of
his or her regular diet when it is highly obesity in a pet is to prevent it by monitoring
palatable and the appropriate portion disap- your dog’s or cat’s diet carefully from the time
pears quickly at mealtimes. Unfortunately, you first begin feeding. However, if your pet is
unless some real health problem exists, obesity already too fat, don’t despair. A few calcula-
occurs only when more calories are consumed tions followed by changes in the diet can
than are used in the day’s activities. And the remedy the situation. A veterinarian’s exami-
only way to reduce the weight of a fat cat or dog nation can determine whether your dog or cat
is to reverse this situation. is in good general health and whether or not
Some roly-poly cats and dogs are quite the excess weight is caused by an hormonal
engaging. However, any pet (young or adult) imbalance (this requires blood tests). If your pet
which is so heavy that you cannot feel the ribs is healthy except for the excess weight, put him
under a relatively thin layer of skin and fat is or her on a diet.
overweight. Their cute external appearance Don’t try to rely on increasing your pet’s
can conceal serious internal problems caused by - exercise to achieve any weight reduction. It
the extra pounds they carry. takes lots of exercise to result in a single pound
Excessive body fat puts excessive strains on of weight loss and lack of exercise is rarely the
the joints, heart and lungs. A veterinarian has cause of fatness in pets. Do plan to change your
more difficulty examining and treating an pet’s diet permanently; only a new feeding plan
obese animal than a normally-fleshed one since can prevent pounds lost from returning. This is
excess fat interferes with listening to or feeling why reducing diets for pets can be disappoint-
the heart beat and with feeling the pulse and ing. If you feed your pet a reducing diet only

~I~I
 APPROXIMATE DA ILY CALORIE
until the desired weight is reached, then go REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS:
back to the old feeding pattern the lost weight
will return. So use special reducing diets only if Desired Weight Calories Needed
you fail to achieve weight reduction by feeding For Maintenance
appropriate quantities of a normal, nutritious
diet and only if you can live with the possibility 2.3
of having to feed a special food indefinitely to 4.5
maintain your pet in good health. 6.8
The best reducing diet for a cat or dog is a 6
complete and balanced one which is high in
protein, contains all the necessary vitamins and
minerals and contains just enough fat to meet
the daily minimum requirement for health.
This type of diet then can be continued
as the usual food. No fattening tidbits
should be offered, but if your dog or cat
is accustomed to begging and you can’t resist,
offer low calorie treats such as pieces of raw
vegetables (carrots are good for dogs) or a clean
bone to chew on. Dividing the allowed quantity APPROXIMATE DA ILY CALORIE
of food into many small portions is also helpful. REQUIREMENTS FOR CATS
Choose the weight you want your pet to
reduce to then consult the appropriate calorie Desired Weight Calories Needed
chart to determine the approximate number of For Maintenance
calories your dog or cat needs each day. ‘Then
feed fifty to sixty percent of the daily calorie
requirement until the desired weight is
reached. This could take several weeks.

78
 CDAILY CALORIE CREQUIREMENT

Approximate Approximate Approximate Approximate

Calories Needed Calories Needed Calories Needed Calories Needed
Per Pound Per Kilogram Per Pound Per Kilogram

0-1 week

1-2 weeks 70
2-3 weeks 80-90
3-6 weeks 90-120 110

2-3 months 100-90 95-70 210-155

3-5 months 90-65 70-50 155-110

5-7 months 65-50 145-110 50-45 110-100

7 months- 50-40 110-90 40 or less 90 or less

Adult (dog or
neutered cat)*

Active adult Two times Two times about50 about 110

dog or tom- maintenance maintenance
cat needs needs

Pregnant 1-1.3 times 1-1.3 times about 50 about 110

female maintenance maintenance
needs needs

Lactating 1.5-3 times 1.5-3 times

female maintenance maintenance

*Dogs’ calorie needs tend to vary inversely with their body weight. Small dogs need more calories per pound each day than large
ones do so the values here can only be used as a rough guide. Calculate dogs’ needs using the higher values until you can
judge by other criteria what your pet’s daily needs are.
**For more specific guidelines to adult calorie needs see the calorie charts on the preceding page.
 Use the following chart as a guide to calcu- Type of Approx. Cal- Approx. Calories
late how much standard commercial food will Complete ores Per Lb. Per V4 lb (4 0z)
provide the proper number of calories for your Food Dog Food Cat Food
pet’s reducing diet or write the manufacturer
for more exact calorie information if it is not Dry Food
printed on your pet food’s label.*
Semi-moist

Canned
e
BF
meat

Canned
* mixed
(meat and
cereal or
rm soy products)

f
2
Remember, once you have done the calcula-
8 tions and the new diet is begun more food is not
allowed. If you find yourself giving in to the
r urge to treat your pet be sure to include calorie
values for any tidbits you've given.
8. Weigh your pet weekly. If you are following
the rules herein and your dog or cat is not
losing weight, consult your veterinarian for
further help. Some individuals may need fewer
i “
in @3
calories than the approximate values suggested.
Once your pet has reached the desired weight
you can relax the rules a little to increase the
*If you make your pet’s food you will have to calorie level to the maintenance amount for
determine the calorie content yourself. that weight.

80
 AN EXAMPLE: Your cat weighs twelve this size pet will cause the food intake to exceed
pounds (5.4 kg), but should weigh nine (4.1 kg). the daily calorie need by 25% to 50%: 1
The daily maintenance calorie requirement for tablespoon butter, 1 cookie, % donut, 10 potato
a nine pound cat is 270 calories X 60% =162 chips, 2 slices bacon, % hot dog, % cup ice
calories to be fed while reducing. This is about cream. Clearly, you must be careful about
1.6 ounces dry or semi-moist food, 5 ounces giving treats to a dieting pet.
canned meat, or 7.2 ounces of a canned mixed
diet. After the desired weight is reached,
feeding for maintenance would be about 2.7
ounces dry or semi-moist food, 8 ounces
canned meat or 12 ounces canned mixed diet.

AN EXAMPLE: Your dog weighs thirty

pounds (13.6 kg), but should weigh twenty (9.1
kg). The daily maintenance calorie require-
ment for a twenty pound dog is about 700
calories X 60% =420 calories to be fed while
reducing. This is about 13 ounces of canned
mixed complete diet, I 1] ounces meat, 5 ounces
semi-moist food or 4.5 ounces of dry food.
When the desired weight of twenty pounds is
reached, the food intake could be raised to
about 20 ounces canned mixed diet, 18.5
ounces canned meat diet, 8.4 ounces semi-moist
food or 7.5 ounces dry food.

¢;
A ten pound cat or dog needs less than 450
calories energy each day. The addition of any
of the following treats to a diet appropriate for

81
 FEEDING FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

Good nutrition during pregnancy and nurs-

ing is important to both the mother and the
offspring. Overfed, fat animals which may also
be inadequately exercised have poor muscle
tone and many more difficulties with delivery
than properly nourished ones. Underfed
females are forced to draw upon their own
body resources to nourish the growing fetuses.
At best this results in a weakened bitch or
queen at delivery, one who progressively can
become more out of condition as nursing
proceeds. At worst an unsatisfactory diet dur-
ing pregnancy results in offspring which die
before birth. Those puppies or kittens born
alive to a malnourished mother may be at a

eel disadvantage the rest of their lives because of

inadequate nutrition during their growth in the
womb. Since poor feeding during pregnancy is
not often corrected during the nursing period,
these puppies or kittens may miss a most
important part of the feeding necessary to grow
iS into the smart and healthy pets everyone
desires.
 A normal pregnancy in the dog or cat lasts as pregnancy continues and the mother’s
approximately sixty-three days. Assuming your weight increases due to the growth of the
dog or cat is well-fed and exercised properly fetuses. A very high quality diet should be
before breeding no special care is necessary offered at this time and continued throughout
before and during the first month of pregnan- lactation (nursing). Special commercial diets for
cy. Anormal amount of exercise is important to pregnant and nursing pets are available or you
maintain the good muscle tone necessary for an can feed a good quality commercial high
easy delivery. Although protein supplementa- protein diet or kitten or puppy foods. Com-
tion is recommended during pregnancy, good mercial diets designed for maintenance of adult
quality complete and balanced commercial dog pets must be supplemented during the last part
or cat foods are adequate as a basic diet during of the pregnancy and during lactation. Use
the initial stages and vitamin-mineral supple- unbalanced protein supplements at no more
ments are not necessary. If high quality pro- than 20% of the diet. Balanced high quality
teins such as eggs, milk and meat products have canned meat products or orphan formulas
not been a normal part of your pet’s diet before used as dietary supplements for pregnant and
pregnancy, offer them now but do not feed nursing cats and dogs can be mixed with other
them at a level higher than 25% of the total foods in any proportion. Since high quality
ration. diets provide dogs and cats with all the vitamins
During the second month of pregnancy a and minerals they need, commercial vitamin-
dog’s or cat’s calorie needs increase. Although mineral supplements are not necessary. If you
the calorie requirement on a per pound basis are very concerned about possible deficiencies,
increases only slightly—for dogs from about 50 change the diet completely to a more adequate
to 65 calories per pound per day, for cats from one and/or talk to a veterinarian who can advise
about 40 to 50 calories per pound per day—the you about supplementation that will not harm
total calorie intake eventually becomes higher your pet or endanger the pregnancy.

Lg le aa

83
 It is usually impossible for a queen or bitch in runs. Some cats or dogs will lose their appetites
the second half of pregnancy to consume all the for about twenty-four hours before delivery. If
necessary food at just one meal daily. Not only you are sure there are no other problems, this is
is more food needed to meet the increased no cause for concern.
calorie requirements of pregnancy, but the Within twenty-four hours following delivery
uterus enlarges as the fetuses grow and begins your pet should be normally interested in
to compress the other abdominal organs. In- eating or drinking. If she is not, this calls for an
crease the number of feedings per day in the examination by a veterinarian. The diet the first
second half of pregnancy and continue multi- few days after delivery should be the same
ple feedings as lactation progresses. You can quality and approximate quantity as that fed at
allow your dog or cat to self-feed as long as she the end of pregnancy (about one and a third to
is not becoming too fat. one and one-half times the usual maintenance
Most dogs and cats restrict their exercise amount). As lactation proceeds expect your
sufficiently as the time of delivery approaches. pet’s food intake to increase markedly. It is
The last few days, however, be sure you don't impossible to say exactly how much your pet
encourage strenous exercise by taking your dog will need to eat but a rule of thumb for calorie
on long hikes or by allowing your cat to have intake to use is to feed the normal maintenance
free run of house areas where she jumps and requirement plus 100 to 125 calories per pound

a.
) & AL.
ats seesrune
TRIAGE Sy
Sco
(ISR BOR
3s (ye +=,ct
ay
ASN? aN) x) TX z3

< Bip ORLY

CNVRenn
aS ~

84
ot kittens or puppies nursing. By the end of feed a high quality diet (one too low in
lactation a female may be consuming three or digestible calories). Diarrhea is often seen when
even four times as much food as she was before nursing mothers try to consume large quan-
breeding. In fact, it is almost impossible to tities of dry food or very low quality canned
overfeed a nursing queen or bitch. foods to meet their high calorie needs. Dietary
As in all feeding situations, use your pets changes which alleviate these problems usually
appearance, behavior and body functions as include decreasing or eliminating high fiber
guides to proper feeding during pregnancy diets (some dry foods), making sure all canned
and lactation. An abnormally thin and “worn products are high quality, and offering sources
out” looking mother may need a diet adjust- of easily digested calories (eggs., meat) as diet
ment. Dogs and cats which develop diarrhea supplements to other foods. However, since
during pregnancy or lactation usually need a health problems other than inappropriate feed-
change in diet. ing can result in digestive upsets during
Unless you are an accomplished pet breeder, pregnancy or nursing, an early consultation
it is best to consult a good veterinarian person- with your pet’s veterinarian can insure that her
ally about diarrhea or other digestive upsets basic health is fine and that effective diet
during pregnancy or lactation. The most com- changes can be made easily.
mon cause for such problems is the failure to

ASI. XY Me ¥
RARE
S
(/ S On an
\\
LAV Vers PEN
y
+8Zo, WANS
8D a a hes
 HOW TO FEED ORPHAN
KITTENS OR PUPPIES
The best care given to a mother during
pregnancy does not guarantee she will raise her
litter successfully. In some cases the litter is too
large for the mother to care for by herself and
you must serve as a foster parent. Sometimes a
mother actively rejects her babies; other times
delivery results in the death of the mother.
If at all possible, newborn kittens or puppies
should suckle the first milk, colostrum, which is
rich in antibodies to protect the young against
disease during the first weeks of life. (If this is
not possible, consult your veterinarian for
further advice.) Then assume care of the
orphans or foster them to another nursing
mother. If fostering is attempted, try to cross
foster the litter onto mothers with young ones
the same size or supervise the nursing so small
puppies or kittens will be sure to get sufficient
milk.
Kittens and puppies which must be separated
from their mothers completely must be kept in
a warm environment free from drafts because
they have difficulty controlling their body
temperatures. From birth to about five days of
age the room or box temperature should be 85°
to 90°F; from about five to twenty days about
80°F. After twenty days the environmental
temperature should be lowered gradually to
somewhere between 70° and 75°F by the fourth:
week. If you don’t have a human or poultry
incubator, the best way to provide the proper

86
 HOME FORMULAS FOR ORPHAN
temperature for orphan kittens or puppies is to
PUPS OR KITTENS:
use an electric heating pad. Hang the heating
pad down one side of the box and onto about
one-fourth of the bottom. Then adjust the Evaporated, milk, ;..<igci2 eR ee eee ee A OZ;
temperature control to maintain the proper air Waters: is vous boxed see 4 oz.
temperature. By covering only part of the floor Cornisyrup) 002s: {aie ose Yo OZ.
you allow the babies to get away from the heat if Eggyolk >.) 0500. 2 1
necessary. The heating pad and box bottom Halibut liver-oil’s. 22> Sie 2. eae 2 drops
should be covered with cloth or newspaper Thiaminethydrochloride?... 0! one 1 mg
which is changed each time it becomes soiled. About 30 calories per ounce
Most authorities recommend that each kitten or
puppy be kept in a separate compartment until Whole cow sails .0 ee 2625/07.
two or three weeks old to prevent them from Créam (12 oitat eee ten. oi 2 eee 625.072.
sucking each other’s ears, tails, feet and geni- Ego Volk oo coscaeneett. tesa 2, a ]
tals, but if they are allowed to suckle sufficiently Bone meal.) 5.44 csr otha ea 6 gm.
at each nursing period, you will probably find Citri¢acid, nee 2 ee 4 gm.
that this is not necessary.
Vitamin AY cit asec eee 2,0001.U.
Orphan puppies and kittens should be fed
Vitamin. D.... 23 aa eee ee eee 500 I.U.
the formula that most approaches the composi-
tion of normal mother’s milk. Although you
can get by with formulas made from cows’ milk,
cats’ and dogs’ milk is much higher in protein Whole cow's milky) o.. .5).- eee LOZ:
and fat and the commercial formulas are much GOrn Syrup iie As Peeee I tsp.
closer to the real thing. KMR® is a well-known EgeivolkY irc. 1. acc eee re one ]
milk substitute for kittens. Esbilac®, Orphalac®, lodiedtablesaltu as. ne. eee pinch
and Havolac® are all readily available formulas Vitamin-mineral supple-
for orphan puppies and can also be used to ment as per pkg. or veterinarian’s
raise orphan kittens if you cannot find a kitten instructions.
milk replacer. Usually a local pet store or About 24 calories per ounce
veterinarian will have what you need. (Com-
mercial orphan formulas are good to supple-
ment feed large litters and to supply extra
nutrition to nursing mothers as well.)
 The best way to determine how much ©

formula each kitten or pup needs is to weigh it

eT a ie, Oe Be
- tne
ott .eme
and use a table of calorie requirements (see
page 79). The required amount of formula is
then divided into three or four portions fed at
six to eight hour intervals. Small puppies and
kittens seem to do better with the more If you supply the proper caloric require-
frequent feedings. Example: A one half pound ments, you do not need to feed most puppies or
(225 grams) puppy needs 60 calories/pound kittens more than three times each day. How-
¥% pound=30 calories per day during the first ever, if the little one cannot take in the required
week oflife. This is about one ounce formula volume at each feeding, the number of feed-
containing thirty calories per ounce. Example: ings must be increased. At each feeding a kitten
A % pound kitten (112 grams) needs 4 or puppy should eat only until comfortably
poundXx 190 calories/pound =47.5 calories per full—not until the abdomen is distended and
day during the first week of life. This is about tight. A steady weight gain (for kittens about
1.6 ounces of formula, a little over three 100 to 150 grams per week) and a normal stool
tablespoonsful, containing 30 calories per are indications that the cat or dog is being fed
ounce. properly.
All formulas are best fed after warming to
body temperature (about 100°F). Formula can
GES
ge be administered with an eye dropper, syringe,
it
rs.
nursing bottle or a stomach tube. A nursing
bottle is usually easiest and safest in inexperi-
enced hands. The holes in the nipple should be
enlarged if the formula does not drip slowly
from the nipple when the full bottle is inverted.
For kittens and small puppies small nipples and
bottles can be found at pet stores. For larger
puppies, “premie” nipples or regular baby
nursers and nipples can be used. Be sure the
nipple size is suitable for the size puppy you are
trying to feed.

88
 Hold the kitten or puppy on its stomach.
Gently separate the lips with your fingers and
slip the nipple in. A healthy, hungry youngster
will usually suck vigorously after tasting the
milk. Use of a towel placed near the feet will
give the kitten or puppy something to push and
knead against as if nursing naturally. Weak
babies may have to be held vertically and
formula placed slowly in their mouths with an
eyedropper or syringe. DO NOT place a kitten
or puppy on its back to feed it or squirt liquid
rapidly into its mouth. These feeding methods
can cause aspiration of fluid into the lungs
which can be followed by pneumonia. If you
wish to use a stomach tube for feeding (the After each feeding, the puppies or kittens
fastest method), ask your veterinarian for a should be stimulated to urinate and defecate.
demonstration. Moisten a cotton swab, tissue or soft cloth with
warm water and gently, but vigorously, mas-
sage the ano-genital area. Nursing kittens’ or
puppies’ stools are normally firm (not hard)
and yellow. If diarrhea develops, the first thing
to do is to dilute the formula by about one-half
by the addition of boiled water. If this does not
help within twenty-four hours, consult a vet-
erinarian. Feeding cows’ milk often causes
diarrhea because ofits high lactose content.
While feeding kittens or puppies artificially,
keep all your equipment scrupulously clean
and refrigerate or discard unused formula
between feedings. Unsanitary feeding practices
can produce intestinal infections which may
quickly kill a young puppy or kitten.
 HOW TO WEAN KITTENS OR PUPPIES Kittens and puppies with a natural mother
should be allowed to continue nursing during
Around the age of three weeks you can begin the weaning process until they are eating
to accustom most kittens and puppies to solid well-balanced meals of solid food on their own.
food (wean them). It is wise to begin the During this time mother dogs may sometimes
weaning process early and accomplish it gradu- regurgitate food in front of their puppies for
ally because rapid weaning often results in them to consume. This is a normal part of the
digestive upsets and a period of poor nourish- natural weaning process and is no cause for
ment and impaired growth. worry.
Place a shallow pan of formula on the floor of By five weeks of age kittens and puppies have
your pets’ box or pen. (Restrain or remove the most of their baby teeth so that the mother will
mother if she’s interested in the babies’ solid usually become more and more reluctant to
food.)-At first the little ones will step and fall nurse them. As the young ones increase their
into it and make a general mess, but soon they intake of solid food, the mother will gradually
will be lapping at the formula. When this stage reduce her intake of food (or you should) and
is reached, meat or egg yolk blended to the she will gradually restrict the nursing time.
texture of baby food, high protein pablem or Weaning may be acheived completely this way
commercial puppy or kitten foods can be added and this is a weaning process that comes closest
to the formula to make a gruel. After the to what mother nature intended. If, however,
kittens or puppies are eating the gruel, the there is an actual weaning day, offer the bitch
amount of formula can be decreased gradually or queen water but no food or feed only a small
until they are eating solid food and drinking portion of the normal maintenance diet on that
water from a pan left accessible at all times. day. Over the following five days gradually
Eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt and meats may all increase the food offered back to the normal
be added to a young puppy’s or kitten’s diet as maintenance level. This procedure helps de-
he or she becomes adjusted to eating solid food. crease the mother’s milk production.

90
All meat diets, 23 puppy requirements, 66, Diet, complete and balanced,
33-34, 35-36, 38, 43-44,
Amino acids, 7 ae TOs 19,80 54,°72
how to change, 61-63, 64
Antibodies, 7, 86 Carbohydrate, 12-13 nutritious for cat, 75
nutritious for dog, 74
Association of American Catnip, 59
Feed Control Officials Digestibility, of food, 46,
(AAFCO), 42 Cellulose, 12-13 50-51
of protein, 8, 49
Automatic waterers, 3 Cleanliness, importance of 4,
5, 89 Digestive upsets, causes of,
Biological value, protein, 7-8 9-10, 39, 40, 50, 61
Cod liver oil, 17, 18, 51 during pregnancy, 85
Bones, as treats, 53, 78
feeding of, 53 Egg, in diet, 7, 9
in food, 50 Commercial foods, fat nog, 11
meal, 23, 51 supplementation of,
14-15, 41 Energy, density, 8, 72-73
Bowls, how to choose, 2 guaranteed analysis, 46 requirements, 72, 73, 78,
how to wash, 4 how to choose, 42-50 79, 80, 83, 84
kinds, 38-41
Calcium, 18, 22-23, 24
list of ingredients, 44-46 Fat, addition to commercial
manufacturer’s address, food, 14-15, 41
46 cat or dog, 65, 67, 72, 73,
Calorie, adult cat require- nutritional statement, 77-81
ments, 72, 78, 79 43-44 role in nutrition, 13-15
adult dog requirements, regulation of, 42
72548, 79 Feeding, adult cat, 72-73
content in foods, 80 adult dog, 72-73
density of diet 8, 72-73 Complete and balanced area, |
kitten requirements, 66, 79 diets, 33-34, 35-36, 38, bones, 53
nursing requirements, 79, 40-44 otic bowls, 2
83, 84 during pregnancy, 82-85
old cat or dog require- Constipation, 13, 50, 53 fish, 5, 19
ments, 73 fish oils, 17, 18, 51
pregnancy requirements, Diarrhea, 9-10, 23, 39, 50, kitten, 61, 62, 64-67
? 73, 85, 89 liver, 16, 17, 18, 23. 75
 ~
meat, 23, 33, 34
milk or milk products,
9-10
Grass, eating, 58

Growth, charts, 68, 69, 70, 71

INDEX
old cat, 73 normal, 67 Liver,-16, L7; 1832375
old dog, 73
Manufacturer’s address, how
orphans, 86-89 Guaranteed analysis, 46
to use, 45, 46
pork, 5
puppy, 61, 62, 64-67 Herbs, catnip, 59
Meat, 23, 33, 34
routine, 1 grasses, 58
scheduled, 65
Milk, feeding, 9-10
self, 65, 72 Homemade foods, for cats,
replacers, 65, 83, 87
treats, 52-59 33-34, 54, 55,57
finaol 720s for dogs, 35-37, 54, 55, 56
Minerals, chart, 24-25
vegetables, 13, 33, 53, 78
role in nutrition, 22-23
Indigestion, 9-10, 39, 40, 50,
supplements, 22, 23, 33,
Fiber, 13, 48 61, 74, 75, 85
45, 51, 73, 83
Ingredients, list 44-46
Finicky eaters, 61, 62 Moisture, in food, 26, 46, 48

Flatulence, 23, 39, 50

Internal parasites, 5 Nursing, feeding while, 83,
84
Food, bowls, 2, 4 Kitten, growth chart, 69, 71
calories in, 80 how much to feed, 66-67 Nutritional requirements,
canned, 4, 39 how to change the diet of, 7-32
changing, 61-63, 64 62-63 of cats chart, 30-31
commercial, 38-50 how to feed, 64-66 of dogs chart, 28-29
dry, 4, 40-41 how to wean, 90
early experiences with, 61, orphan, 86-89 Nutritional statement, 43-44
65, 66
home prepared, 33-37 Obesity, 65, 67, 72,73, 77-81
Labels, food, 42-46
how much to offer, 65,
66-67, 72 Orphans, care of, 86-89
Lactation, feeding during, feeding, 86-89
labels, 42-46
83, 84 formulas for, 87
poisoning, 4-5
selection of, 33-50, 61,
Lactose, in milk, 10 Overeating, 39, 67, 72, 73,
64-66, 72-75
77-81
GRAS list, 45 Linoleic acid, 13, 14, 28, 30 (continued)

93
Parasites, internal, 5 Healthy Meat, Poultry or Traveling, feeding while, 2
Fish Loaf, 35
Pansteatitis, 17 Jerky For Pets and People, Treats, commercial, 54
54 homemade, 52-57
Pet food, evaluation chart, My Hero Stew, 37
47, 48-49 Pastries For Cheeselovers, Trichinosis, 5
labels, 42-46 55
Vitamin, A, 13, 16, 20, 23, 51
Phosphorous, 18, 22-23, 24 Routine, importance to B complex, 19
feeding, | Dats, 20:23, 51
Pork, 5 E,, 15, 16; 20; 23
Sanitation, importance of, chart; 2021
Pregnancy, feeding during, role in nutrition, 16-21
85 ee orphans, 89 supplements, 16, 17, 33,
general care during, 83, 84 45,51, 73, 83
Scheduled feeding, 65
Protein, biological value, 8 Vomiting, 58, 67, 72
digestibility, 8, 49 Self feeding, 65, 72
role in nutrition, 7-11, 41, Water, bowls, 2, 3
44 Soft-moist foods, 4, 39-40 devices, 3
supplements, 7-11, 41, 64, how much to offer, 26, 65
72, 83 Soy, bean protein, 8 in food, 26
utilizable, 49 milk, 10 requirement, 26
Puppy, growth chart, 68, 70
how much to feed, 66-67 Sugar, in milk, 10 Wean, how to, 90
how to change the diet of, in commercial food, 39-40
62 Weight, excessive, 77
how to feed, 64-66 Tablescraps, 52-53 normal, 67, 77
how to wean, 90 reduction, 77-81
orphan, 86-89 ‘Tapeworms, 5

Recipes Teeth, healthy, 18, 22

Cat Munchies, 57 worn, 53
Dog Biscuits, 56
Doggy Delight, 36 Thiamine, 19
Eggnog For Pets, 11
Exchange Diet For Dogs, Toxoplasmosis, 5
36
Table of Abbreviations, Weight Equivalents And Conversion Factors

WEIGHT MEASURES
1 wg = | microgram = 0.001 mg = 0.000001 g
1 mg = 1 milligram = 1000 wg = 0.001 g
1g = 1 gram = 1000 mg = 0.001 kilogram
1 lb = 1 pound = 454 g = 0.454 kg
loz = | ounce = 28.4 g

LIQUID MEASURES
1 oz = 2 tablespoons = 30 milliters
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 milliliters

UNITS GIVEN UNITS WANTED FOR CONVERSION

X 454
X 0.454
X 28.4
x 22
x 1,000,000
x 1000
x 1000
x 1,000,000
Xx 1000
x 30
Xx 0.033
x

x
x

IU = international unit, a measure of vitamin activity. The amount in milligrams varies

depending on the vitamin under consideration.
 OTHER BOOKS BY TAYLOR & NG:
WOKCRAFT by Charles & Violet Schafer. An HERBCRAFT by Violet Schafer. The mystery
authoritative and entertaining book on the art of herbs unveiled: 87 pages describe 26
of Chinese wok cookery. Authentic, easy-to- herbs—their origin, history, use, growing and
follow recipes for beginners and professionals storing conditions. Illustrated by Win Ng.
alike. Illustrated by Win Ng. COFFEE. The story behind your morning cup:
RICECRAFT. Authoress Margaret Gin delves Charles & Violet Schafer elaborate on
into the fact, fiction and fancy of rice. A collec- coffee—its origin, many varieties, how to brew
tion of inventive recipes takes full advantage of it and what to brew it in. With recipes for com-
the international versatility of rice. Fanciful il- panion foods. Illustrations and photography
lustrations by Win Ng. by Alan Wood.
TEACRAFT
—a treasury of romance, rituals, CHINESE VILLAGE COOKBOOK. Authoress
and recipes. A book on tea—its multiplicity Rhoda Yee tells her story—all about the wok
of uses and varieties, how to test and taste, and wok cookery, coupled with colorful narra-
plus recipes to complement teatime. Written tives on everyday life in a Chinese village. A
by Charles & Violet Schafer, illustrated by stir-fry chart, photographic food glossary and
Win Ng. authentic recipes guide the novice to wok mas-
tery in no time!
BREADCRAFT by Charles & Violet Schafer. A
connoisseur’s collection of bread recipes: what
bread is, how you make it, and how you can
create your own bread style. Plus a chapter de-
voted to breadspreads! Illustrated by Barney
Wan.
PLANTCRAFT by Janet Cox. A practical and
fun guide to indoor plant care. Illustrated
charts depict the growing characteristics and
conditions for over 60 plant varieties. Photo
gallery by L. C. Spaulding Taylor.
 ABOUT THE CDOG & CACT GOOD
FOOD BOOK: Dr. Terri McGinnis, cel-
ebrated author, veterinarian, and pet expert,
unravels fact from fiction in this up to date,
clear, concise, and convenient guide to pet
nutrition: what to look for in commercial
foods, how to cook up your own at home, how
to recognize and feed special needs. The Dog
& Cat Good Food Book teaches you that the
most important thing you can do for your pet
is feed it right, and with charts, logic, and
simple language, gives you the knowledge
and ability to couple your affection with con-
scientious common sense.
TAYLOR &NG SAN FRANCISCO

394-73419-X