ACVN Veterinary Nutrition cheat sheet

Resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75; for animals 2–45 kg a linear approximation 30 × kg + 70 is acceptable.

Daily energy requirement (DER) = RER × life-stage/condition factor (e.g., neutered adult ~1.6, intact adult ~1.8, weight loss ~0.8–1.0 of ideal-weight RER, growth ~2.0–3.0).

Body condition score (BCS) 1–9 or 1–5 scales: 4–5/9 (or 3/5) is ideal; each BCS unit above ideal approximates ~10% body weight excess in dogs and cats.

Muscle condition score is assessed independently of BCS at spine, scapulae, skull, and hindlimbs; loss can occur with normal BCS in chronic disease.

Essential amino acids for dogs and cats include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine; cats additionally require taurine.

Cats are obligate carnivores with higher protein requirement than dogs; adult feline diets typically supply ≥26% protein on a dry-matter basis (AAFCO minimum).

Essential fatty acids: dogs require linoleic acid; cats require both linoleic and arachidonic acid; taurine and arginine are conditionally critical in feline diets.

Water intake in healthy dogs and cats approximates 1 mL/kcal of energy consumed or ~50–60 mL/kg/day; increased intake is a clinical sign warranting investigation.

Enteral feeding is preferred over parenteral whenever the GI tract is functional; 'if the gut works, use it' reflects maintenance of mucosal integrity.

Refeeding syndrome risk is highest in patients with >10% recent weight loss, prolonged anorexia (>3–5 days), or low baseline electrolytes; monitor phosphate, potassium, and magnesium.

Start enteral feeding at 25–33% of target RER and advance over 3–4 days to full requirement to limit refeeding and GI intolerance.

Nasoesophageal and nasogastric tubes suit short-term (<1–2 weeks) feeding; esophagostomy, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy tubes suit longer-term support.

Gastric residual volumes >2–4 mL/kg or >20–50% of the delivered volume suggest intolerance; reduce rate or reconsider route.

Total parenteral nutrition requires a central line for hyperosmolar solutions (>900 mOsm/L); peripheral parenteral nutrition is limited by osmolarity and volume.

Parenteral nutrition in cats should include arginine and taurine; amino acid solutions provide protein while lipid emulsions supply essential fatty acids and dense calories.

Complications of enteral feeding include diarrhea, aspiration, tube occlusion, and refeeding syndrome; complications of parenteral feeding include sepsis, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte derangement.

Highly digestible diets (>85–90% digestibility) reduce fermentable substrate and are first-line for acute and chronic enteropathies.

Novel-protein or hydrolyzed-protein diets are used for adverse food reactions; hydrolyzed diets reduce immunogenic epitopes and are preferred when multiple proteins have been tried.

Fiber selection: soluble/fermentable fiber (e.g., psyllium, beet pulp) supports colonic health and short-chain fatty acid production; insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds transit.

For acute gastroenteritis, brief (24–48 h) food withholding may be used in dogs, but early enteral nutrition is preferred in most cases to preserve enterocyte health.

Pancreatitis management emphasizes low-fat diets (<10–15% fat on a dry-matter basis) and small frequent meals during recovery.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency requires pancreatic enzyme replacement with every meal plus a highly digestible, low-fiber diet; cobalamin supplementation is often needed.

In cats with chronic enteropathy, cobalamin and folate status should be assessed; cobalamin deficiency is common with distal small intestinal disease.

Probiotics may support GI health by modulating microbiota; strain and dose matter, and products are not equivalent.

Feline diabetes: high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets (<10% metabolizable energy from carbohydrate) can improve glycemic control and increase remission rates in some cats.

Canine diabetes: consistent meal timing matched to insulin dosing is more important than macronutrient composition; high-fiber diets may improve glycemic control in some dogs.

Hyperthyroidism in cats increases energy requirement; after treatment, monitor for weight gain and adjust intake to prevent obesity.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is managed with levothyroxine; dietary iodine excess should be avoided, and weight management addresses reduced metabolic rate.

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's) increases protein catabolism; ensure adequate high-quality protein and manage concurrent obesity and muscle loss.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes and insulin resistance; weight loss improves glycemic control.

Hyperlipidemia in dogs and cats may be managed with low-fat diets; in cats, some hyperlipidemia is diet-responsive and low-carbohydrate diets can help.

Monitor endocrine patients with serial body weight, BCS, and muscle condition score in addition to laboratory parameters.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) diets restrict phosphorus and protein while providing adequate non-protein calories and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce renal inflammation.

Protein restriction in CKD is moderate, not severe; excessive restriction causes muscle loss and malnutrition, so monitor muscle condition score.

Phosphate binders are used when dietary phosphorus restriction alone does not control hyperphosphatemia; administer with meals.

Cardiac disease: sodium restriction is central; severity of restriction is tailored to disease stage, and severe restriction may reduce palatability and intake.

Congestive heart failure patients are at risk for cardiac cachexia; ensure adequate calories and protein while restricting sodium, and monitor for weight loss.

Hepatic disease: provide highly digestible protein and moderate fat; avoid excessive protein restriction unless hepatic encephalopathy is present.

Hepatic encephalopathy management includes protein of high biological value, sometimes restricted in quantity, plus soluble fiber to reduce ammonia absorption.

Copper-associated hepatopathy in dogs (e.g., Bedlington Terriers) is managed with low-copper diets and copper-chelating agents.

Target weight loss rate is ~1–2% of body weight per week in dogs and ~0.5–1% per week in cats to minimize lean mass loss.

Calculate energy for weight loss as RER of the ideal/target weight × 0.8–1.0, then reassess and adjust every 2–4 weeks.

Feline weight loss must be gradual; rapid weight loss (>1.5% body weight/week) predisposes to hepatic lipidosis.

High-protein, high-fiber, or low-energy-density diets support satiety and preserve lean mass during weight loss.

Measure food with a gram scale rather than a cup; treat calories must be included in the daily energy budget (typically ≤10% of calories).

Environmental enrichment and feeding toys increase activity and slow eating; exercise should be increased gradually in obese patients.

Recheck BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight at each visit; adjust plan based on trends rather than single measurements.

Prevention: maintain BCS 4–5/9 from puppy/kittenhood; avoid free-choice feeding and limit table scraps.

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles (e.g., growth, maintenance, all life stages) used by states; the FDA regulates pet food under the FD&C Act.

Complete and balanced claims require either formulation to AAFCO profiles or feeding-trial substantiation; 'all life stages' diets must meet the more stringent growth profile.

The guaranteed analysis lists minimum crude protein and fat and maximum crude fiber and moisture; these are not measures of digestibility or quality.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight before processing; 'meat' vs 'meat meal' differ in water content and nutrient density.

By-product meals (e.g., chicken by-product meal) can be nutritionally sound; 'by-product' is not synonymous with low quality.

Toxicology: chocolate (theobromine/methylxanthines), xylitol (hypoglycemia and hepatotoxicity in dogs), grapes/raisins (renal injury), onions/garlic (hemolytic anemia), and ethylene glycol are common toxicoses.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs at low doses (~0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia); cats are less sensitive but should still avoid it.

Recalls and adverse event reporting go through FDA CVM; raw diets carry bacterial (Salmonella, Listeria) and parasitic risks to pets and owners.

RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75; DER = RER × factor (neutered adult ~1.6, weight loss ~0.8–1.0 of ideal-weight RER).

BCS 1–9: 4–5/9 ideal; each unit above ideal ≈ 10% excess body weight.

Muscle condition score is assessed separately at spine, skull, scapulae, and hindlimbs.

Cats are obligate carnivores requiring taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and higher dietary protein than dogs.

Dogs require linoleic acid; cats require linoleic and arachidonic acid.

Water intake approximates 1 mL/kcal or ~50–60 mL/kg/day in healthy dogs and cats.

Essential amino acids include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Serial BCS and muscle condition scoring, not single measurements, guide nutritional assessment.

If the gut works, use it: enteral feeding preserves mucosal integrity and is preferred over parenteral nutrition.

Refeeding syndrome risk: >10% recent weight loss, >3–5 days anorexia, low phosphate/potassium/magnesium; monitor electrolytes.

Start enteral feeding at 25–33% of target RER and advance over 3–4 days.

Nasoesophageal/nasogastric tubes for short-term (<1–2 weeks); esophagostomy, gastrostomy, jejunostomy for longer support.

Gastric residual >2–4 mL/kg or >20–50% of delivered volume suggests intolerance.

TPN requires a central line for hyperosmolar solutions (>900 mOsm/L); PPN limited by osmolarity and volume.

Parenteral nutrition in cats must include arginine and taurine; lipid emulsions supply essential fatty acids.

Enteral complications: diarrhea, aspiration, tube occlusion, refeeding; parenteral: sepsis, hyperglycemia, electrolyte derangement.

Highly digestible diets (>85–90%) are first-line for acute and chronic enteropathies.

Hydrolyzed or novel-protein diets are used for adverse food reactions; hydrolyzed preferred when multiple proteins tried.

Soluble/fermentable fiber supports colonic health and SCFA production; insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds transit.

Brief (24–48 h) food withholding may be used in acute canine gastroenteritis, but early enteral nutrition is generally preferred.

Pancreatitis: low-fat diets (<10–15% fat DM) and small frequent meals during recovery.

EPI: pancreatic enzymes with every meal, highly digestible low-fiber diet, cobalamin supplementation.

Cobalamin deficiency is common with distal small intestinal disease in cats; assess cobalamin and folate.

Probiotics modulate microbiota; strain and dose matter and products are not equivalent.

Feline diabetes: high-protein, low-carbohydrate (<10% ME carbohydrate) diets can improve control and remission.

Canine diabetes: consistent meal timing matched to insulin; high-fiber diets may improve control in some dogs.

Hyperthyroid cats have increased energy requirement; after treatment monitor for weight gain and obesity.

Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine therapy; avoid iodine excess and address reduced metabolic rate with weight management.

Hyperadrenocorticism increases protein catabolism; ensure adequate high-quality protein and manage obesity/muscle loss.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes and insulin resistance; weight loss improves glycemic control.

Hyperlipidemia may respond to low-fat diets in dogs; low-carbohydrate diets can help some cats.

Monitor endocrine patients with serial body weight, BCS, and muscle condition score plus laboratory parameters.

CKD diets restrict phosphorus and protein moderately while providing non-protein calories and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA).

Protein restriction in CKD must be moderate; excessive restriction causes muscle loss-monitor muscle condition score.

Phosphate binders are given with meals when dietary phosphorus restriction alone fails to control hyperphosphatemia.

Cardiac disease: sodium restriction tailored to stage; severe restriction may reduce palatability and intake.

Congestive heart failure patients risk cardiac cachexia; ensure adequate calories and protein while restricting sodium.

Hepatic disease: highly digestible protein and moderate fat; avoid excessive protein restriction unless hepatic encephalopathy present.

Hepatic encephalopathy: high-biological-value protein, sometimes restricted, plus soluble fiber to reduce ammonia absorption.

Copper-associated hepatopathy (e.g., Bedlington Terriers) managed with low-copper diets and copper chelators.

Target weight loss: ~1–2% body weight/week in dogs and ~0.5–1%/week in cats to limit lean mass loss.

Energy for weight loss = RER of target weight × 0.8–1.0; reassess and adjust every 2–4 weeks.

Rapid feline weight loss (>1.5%/week) predisposes to hepatic lipidosis; slow the rate.

High-protein, high-fiber, or low-energy-density diets support satiety and preserve lean mass.

Weigh food with a gram scale; include treats in the daily energy budget (typically ≤10% of calories).

Environmental enrichment and feeding toys increase activity and slow eating; increase exercise gradually.

Recheck BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight each visit; judge trends, not single measurements.

Prevention: maintain BCS 4–5/9 from puppy/kittenhood; avoid free-choice feeding and limit table scraps.

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles (growth, maintenance, all life stages); FDA regulates pet food under the FD&C Act.

Complete and balanced claims require AAFCO-profile formulation or feeding-trial substantiation; 'all life stages' must meet growth profile.

Guaranteed analysis lists minimum crude protein and fat, maximum crude fiber and moisture; it does not measure digestibility or quality.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight before processing; meat vs meat meal differ in water content and nutrient density.

By-product meals can be nutritionally sound; 'by-product' is not synonymous with low quality.

Common toxicoses: chocolate (methylxanthines), xylitol (hypoglycemia/hepatotoxicity in dogs), grapes/raisins (renal injury), onions/garlic (hemolysis), ethylene glycol.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs at ~0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia; cats are less sensitive but should avoid it.

Recalls and adverse events go through FDA CVM; raw diets carry Salmonella, Listeria, and parasite risks to pets and owners.

RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75; DER = RER × factor.

BCS 1–9: 4–5/9 ideal; each unit above ≈ 10% excess body weight.

Muscle condition score assessed separately from BCS.

Cats require taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and higher protein than dogs.

Dogs require linoleic acid; cats require linoleic and arachidonic acid.

Water intake ~1 mL/kcal or ~50–60 mL/kg/day in health.

Essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine.

Serial BCS and muscle scoring guide nutritional assessment.

If the gut works, use it; enteral feeding preserves mucosal integrity.

Refeeding syndrome risk with >10% weight loss, >3–5 days anorexia, low phosphate/potassium/magnesium.

Start enteral feeding at 25–33% of target RER, advance over 3–4 days.

Nasoesophageal/nasogastric tubes for short-term; esophagostomy, gastrostomy, jejunostomy for longer support.

Gastric residual >2–4 mL/kg suggests intolerance.

TPN requires central line for >900 mOsm/L solutions; PPN limited by osmolarity/volume.

Parenteral nutrition in cats must include arginine and taurine.

Enteral complications: diarrhea, aspiration, occlusion, refeeding; parenteral: sepsis, hyperglycemia, electrolyte derangement.

Highly digestible diets (>85–90%) are first-line for enteropathies.

Hydrolyzed or novel-protein diets for adverse food reactions.

Soluble fiber supports colonic health; insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds transit.

Brief food withholding may be used in acute canine gastroenteritis; early enteral nutrition is generally preferred.

Pancreatitis: low-fat (<10–15% fat DM) diets and small frequent meals.

EPI: enzymes with every meal, highly digestible low-fiber diet, cobalamin supplementation.

Cobalamin deficiency common with distal small intestinal disease in cats.

Probiotics modulate microbiota; strain and dose matter.

Feline diabetes: high-protein, low-carbohydrate (<10% ME carbohydrate) diets.

Canine diabetes: consistent meal timing matched to insulin; high-fiber diets may help.

Hyperthyroid cats have increased energy requirement; monitor for post-treatment weight gain.

Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine; avoid iodine excess and manage weight.

Hyperadrenocorticism increases protein catabolism; ensure adequate protein and manage obesity.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes and insulin resistance.

Hyperlipidemia may respond to low-fat diets in dogs; low-carbohydrate diets can help some cats.

Monitor endocrine patients with serial weight, BCS, and muscle condition score.

CKD diets restrict phosphorus and protein moderately and provide omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA).

Protein restriction in CKD must be moderate; monitor muscle condition score.

Phosphate binders are given with meals when dietary restriction fails.

Cardiac disease: sodium restriction tailored to stage; severe restriction may reduce intake.

CHF patients risk cardiac cachexia; ensure adequate calories and protein while restricting sodium.

Hepatic disease: highly digestible protein and moderate fat; avoid excessive protein restriction unless encephalopathy present.

Hepatic encephalopathy: high-biological-value protein plus soluble fiber to reduce ammonia absorption.

Copper-associated hepatopathy managed with low-copper diets and copper chelators.

Target weight loss: ~1–2% body weight/week in dogs and ~0.5–1%/week in cats.

Energy for weight loss = RER of target weight × 0.8–1.0; reassess every 2–4 weeks.

Rapid feline weight loss (>1.5%/week) predisposes to hepatic lipidosis.

High-protein, high-fiber, or low-energy-density diets support satiety and preserve lean mass.

Weigh food with a gram scale; include treats in the daily energy budget (≤10% of calories).

Environmental enrichment and feeding toys increase activity and slow eating.

Recheck BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight each visit; judge trends.

Prevention: maintain BCS 4–5/9; avoid free-choice feeding and limit table scraps.

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles; FDA regulates pet food under the FD&C Act.

Complete and balanced claims require AAFCO-profile formulation or feeding-trial substantiation.

Guaranteed analysis lists minimum crude protein/fat and maximum crude fiber/moisture; not a measure of digestibility.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight before processing; meat vs meat meal differ in water and nutrient density.

By-product meals can be nutritionally sound.

Common toxicoses: chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, ethylene glycol.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs at ~0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia.

Recalls and adverse events go through FDA CVM; raw diets carry bacterial and parasitic risks.

RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75; DER = RER × factor.

BCS 1–9: 4–5/9 ideal; each unit above ≈ 10% excess body weight.

Muscle condition score assessed separately from BCS.

Cats require taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and higher protein than dogs.

Dogs require linoleic acid; cats require linoleic and arachidonic acid.

Water intake ~1 mL/kcal or ~50–60 mL/kg/day in health.

Essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine.

Serial BCS and muscle scoring guide nutritional assessment.

If the gut works, use it; enteral feeding preserves mucosal integrity.

Refeeding syndrome risk with >10% weight loss, >3–5 days anorexia, low phosphate/potassium/magnesium.

Start enteral feeding at 25–33% of target RER, advance over 3–4 days.

Nasoesophageal/nasogastric tubes for short-term; esophagostomy, gastrostomy, jejunostomy for longer support.

Gastric residual >2–4 mL/kg suggests intolerance.

TPN requires central line for >900 mOsm/L solutions; PPN limited by osmolarity/volume.

Parenteral nutrition in cats must include arginine and taurine.

Enteral complications: diarrhea, aspiration, occlusion, refeeding; parenteral: sepsis, hyperglycemia, electrolyte derangement.

Highly digestible diets (>85–90%) are first-line for enteropathies.

Hydrolyzed or novel-protein diets for adverse food reactions.

Soluble fiber supports colonic health; insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds transit.

Brief food withholding may be used in acute canine gastroenteritis; early enteral nutrition is generally preferred.

Pancreatitis: low-fat (<10–15% fat DM) diets and small frequent meals.

EPI: enzymes with every meal, highly digestible low-fiber diet, cobalamin supplementation.

Cobalamin deficiency common with distal small intestinal disease in cats.

Probiotics modulate microbiota; strain and dose matter.

Feline diabetes: high-protein, low-carbohydrate (<10% ME carbohydrate) diets.

Canine diabetes: consistent meal timing matched to insulin; high-fiber diets may help.

Hyperthyroid cats have increased energy requirement; monitor for post-treatment weight gain.

Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine; avoid iodine excess and manage weight.

Hyperadrenocorticism increases protein catabolism; ensure adequate protein and manage obesity.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes and insulin resistance.

Hyperlipidemia may respond to low-fat diets in dogs; low-carbohydrate diets can help some cats.

Monitor endocrine patients with serial weight, BCS, and muscle condition score.

CKD diets restrict phosphorus and protein moderately and provide omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA).

Protein restriction in CKD must be moderate; monitor muscle condition score.

Phosphate binders are given with meals when dietary restriction fails.

Cardiac disease: sodium restriction tailored to stage; severe restriction may reduce intake.

CHF patients risk cardiac cachexia; ensure adequate calories and protein while restricting sodium.

Hepatic disease: highly digestible protein and moderate fat; avoid excessive protein restriction unless encephalopathy present.

Hepatic encephalopathy: high-biological-value protein plus soluble fiber to reduce ammonia absorption.

Copper-associated hepatopathy managed with low-copper diets and copper chelators.

Target weight loss: ~1–2% body weight/week in dogs and ~0.5–1%/week in cats.

Energy for weight loss = RER of target weight × 0.8–1.0; reassess every 2–4 weeks.

Rapid feline weight loss (>1.5%/week) predisposes to hepatic lipidosis.

High-protein, high-fiber, or low-energy-density diets support satiety and preserve lean mass.

Weigh food with a gram scale; include treats in the daily energy budget (≤10% of calories).

Environmental enrichment and feeding toys increase activity and slow eating.

Recheck BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight each visit; judge trends.

Prevention: maintain BCS 4–5/9; avoid free-choice feeding and limit table scraps.

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles; FDA regulates pet food under the FD&C Act.

Complete and balanced claims require AAFCO-profile formulation or feeding-trial substantiation.

Guaranteed analysis lists minimum crude protein/fat and maximum crude fiber/moisture; not a measure of digestibility.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight before processing; meat vs meat meal differ in water and nutrient density.

By-product meals can be nutritionally sound.

Common toxicoses: chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, ethylene glycol.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs at ~0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia.

Recalls and adverse events go through FDA CVM; raw diets carry bacterial and parasitic risks.

RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75; DER = RER × factor.

BCS 1–9: 4–5/9 ideal; each unit above ≈ 10% excess body weight.

Muscle condition score assessed separately from BCS.

Cats require taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and higher protein than dogs.

Dogs require linoleic acid; cats require linoleic and arachidonic acid.

Water intake ~1 mL/kcal or ~50–60 mL/kg/day in health.

Essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine.

Serial BCS and muscle scoring guide nutritional assessment.

If the gut works, use it; enteral feeding preserves mucosal integrity.

Refeeding syndrome risk with >10% weight loss, >3–5 days anorexia, low phosphate/potassium/magnesium.

Start enteral feeding at 25–33% of target RER, advance over 3–4 days.

Nasoesophageal/nasogastric tubes for short-term; esophagostomy, gastrostomy, jejunostomy for longer support.

Gastric residual >2–4 mL/kg suggests intolerance.

TPN requires central line for >900 mOsm/L solutions; PPN limited by osmolarity/volume.

Parenteral nutrition in cats must include arginine and taurine.

Enteral complications: diarrhea, aspiration, occlusion, refeeding; parenteral: sepsis, hyperglycemia, electrolyte derangement.

Highly digestible diets (>85–90%) are first-line for enteropathies.

Hydrolyzed or novel-protein diets for adverse food reactions.

Soluble fiber supports colonic health; insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds transit.

Brief food withholding may be used in acute canine gastroenteritis; early enteral nutrition is generally preferred.

Pancreatitis: low-fat (<10–15% fat DM) diets and small frequent meals.

EPI: enzymes with every meal, highly digestible low-fiber diet, cobalamin supplementation.

Cobalamin deficiency common with distal small intestinal disease in cats.

Probiotics modulate microbiota; strain and dose matter.

Feline diabetes: high-protein, low-carbohydrate (<10% ME carbohydrate) diets.

Canine diabetes: consistent meal timing matched to insulin; high-fiber diets may help.

Hyperthyroid cats have increased energy requirement; monitor for post-treatment weight gain.

Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine; avoid iodine excess and manage weight.

Hyperadrenocorticism increases protein catabolism; ensure adequate protein and manage obesity.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes and insulin resistance.

Hyperlipidemia may respond to low-fat diets in dogs; low-carbohydrate diets can help some cats.

Monitor endocrine patients with serial weight, BCS, and muscle condition score.

CKD diets restrict phosphorus and protein moderately and provide omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA).

Protein restriction in CKD must be moderate; monitor muscle condition score.

Phosphate binders are given with meals when dietary restriction fails.

Cardiac disease: sodium restriction tailored to stage; severe restriction may reduce intake.

CHF patients risk cardiac cachexia; ensure adequate calories and protein while restricting sodium.

Hepatic disease: highly digestible protein and moderate fat; avoid excessive protein restriction unless encephalopathy present.

Hepatic encephalopathy: high-biological-value protein plus soluble fiber to reduce ammonia absorption.

Copper-associated hepatopathy managed with low-copper diets and copper chelators.

Target weight loss: ~1–2% body weight/week in dogs and ~0.5–1%/week in cats.

Energy for weight loss = RER of target weight × 0.8–1.0; reassess every 2–4 weeks.

Rapid feline weight loss (>1.5%/week) predisposes to hepatic lipidosis.

High-protein, high-fiber, or low-energy-density diets support satiety and preserve lean mass.

Weigh food with a gram scale; include treats in the daily energy budget (≤10% of calories).

Environmental enrichment and feeding toys increase activity and slow eating.

Recheck BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight each visit; judge trends.

Prevention: maintain BCS 4–5/9; avoid free-choice feeding and limit table scraps.

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles; FDA regulates pet food under the FD&C Act.

Complete and balanced claims require AAFCO-profile formulation or feeding-trial substantiation.

Guaranteed analysis lists minimum crude protein/fat and maximum crude fiber/moisture; not a measure of digestibility.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight before processing; meat vs meat meal differ in water and nutrient density.

By-product meals can be nutritionally sound.

Common toxicoses: chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, ethylene glycol.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs at ~0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia.

Recalls and adverse events go through FDA CVM; raw diets carry bacterial and parasitic risks.

RER = 70 × BW(kg)^0.75; DER = RER × factor.

BCS 1–9: 4–5/9 ideal; each unit above ≈ 10% excess body weight.

Muscle condition score assessed separately from BCS.

Cats require taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and higher protein than dogs.

Dogs require linoleic acid; cats require linoleic and arachidonic acid.

Water intake ~1 mL/kcal or ~50–60 mL/kg/day in health.

Essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine.

Serial BCS and muscle scoring guide nutritional assessment.

If the gut works, use it; enteral feeding preserves mucosal integrity.

Refeeding syndrome risk with >10% weight loss, >3–5 days anorexia, low phosphate/potassium/magnesium.

Start enteral feeding at 25–33% of target RER, advance over 3–4 days.

Nasoesophageal/nasogastric tubes for short-term; esophagostomy, gastrostomy, jejunostomy for longer support.

Gastric residual >2–4 mL/kg suggests intolerance.

TPN requires central line for >900 mOsm/L solutions; PPN limited by osmolarity/volume.

Parenteral nutrition in cats must include arginine and taurine.

Enteral complications: diarrhea, aspiration, occlusion, refeeding; parenteral: sepsis, hyperglycemia, electrolyte derangement.

Highly digestible diets (>85–90%) are first-line for enteropathies.

Hydrolyzed or novel-protein diets for adverse food reactions.

Soluble fiber supports colonic health; insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds transit.

Brief food withholding may be used in acute canine gastroenteritis; early enteral nutrition is generally preferred.

Pancreatitis: low-fat (<10–15% fat DM) diets and small frequent meals.

EPI: enzymes with every meal, highly digestible low-fiber diet, cobalamin supplementation.

Cobalamin deficiency common with distal small intestinal disease in cats.

Probiotics modulate microbiota; strain and dose matter.

Feline diabetes: high-protein, low-carbohydrate (<10% ME carbohydrate) diets.

Canine diabetes: consistent meal timing matched to insulin; high-fiber diets may help.

Hyperthyroid cats have increased energy requirement; monitor for post-treatment weight gain.

Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine; avoid iodine excess and manage weight.

Hyperadrenocorticism increases protein catabolism; ensure adequate protein and manage obesity.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes and insulin resistance.

Hyperlipidemia may respond to low-fat diets in dogs; low-carbohydrate diets can help some cats.

Monitor endocrine patients with serial weight, BCS, and muscle condition score.

CKD diets restrict phosphorus and protein moderately and provide omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA).

Protein restriction in CKD must be moderate; monitor muscle condition score.

Phosphate binders are given with meals when dietary restriction fails.

Cardiac disease: sodium restriction tailored to stage; severe restriction may reduce intake.

CHF patients risk cardiac cachexia; ensure adequate calories and protein while restricting sodium.

Hepatic disease: highly digestible protein and moderate fat; avoid excessive protein restriction unless encephalopathy present.

Hepatic encephalopathy: high-biological-value protein plus soluble fiber to reduce ammonia absorption.

Copper-associated hepatopathy managed with low-copper diets and copper chelators.

Target weight loss: ~1–2% body weight/week in dogs and ~0.5–1%/week in cats.

Energy for weight loss = RER of target weight × 0.8–1.0; reassess every 2–4 weeks.

Rapid feline weight loss (>1.5%/week) predisposes to hepatic lipidosis.

High-protein, high-fiber, or low-energy-density diets support satiety and preserve lean mass.

Weigh food with a gram scale; include treats in the daily energy budget (≤10% of calories).

Environmental enrichment and feeding toys increase activity and slow eating.

Recheck BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight each visit; judge trends.

Prevention: maintain BCS 4–5/9; avoid free-choice feeding and limit table scraps.

AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles; FDA regulates pet food under the FD&C Act.

Complete and balanced claims require AAFCO-profile formulation or feeding-trial substantiation.

Guaranteed analysis lists minimum crude protein/fat and maximum crude fiber/moisture; not a measure of digestibility.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight before processing; meat vs meat meal differ in water and nutrient density.

By-product meals can be nutritionally sound.

Common toxicoses: chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, ethylene glycol.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs at ~0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia.

Recalls and adverse events go through FDA CVM; raw diets carry bacterial and parasitic risks.