ANFS251 Lecture 20: Dogs and Cats - Part 1

• School: University of Delaware
• Department: Animal and Food Sciences
• Course: ANFS251
• Professor: Griffiths Lesa

Document Summary

Cat is obligate carnivore - must have meat to survive. Nutritional, behavioral, and physical factors that separate the omnivore and carnivore worlds: Have teeth (molars) with relatively flat surfaces designed to grind up bones as well as fibrous plant material. Can digest almost 100% of the carbohydrates they consume. Have a small intestine that occupies about 23% of the total gastrointestinal volume, which is consistent with other omnivores; the small intestine of cats occupies only 15% Can create vitamin a from beta-carotene found in plants. But - a close look at the anatomy, behavior, and feeding preferences of dogs shows that they are actually omnivorous. Able to eat and remain healthy with both animal and plant. Able to eat and remain healthy with both animal and plant foodstuffs. Nutrient needs are based on the animal"s physiological status. Major nutritional disorder in us companion animals is obesity. Restricted calorie/weight loss diets for pets are becoming popular.