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Food For Thought™ Technical Bulletin No. 59R
Innovative Research in Dog and Cat Nutrition™ |
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What should I feed an overweight pet?
Weight control is accomplished by maintaining the required dietary nutrients while reducing caloric intake to the level necessary for metabolic energy demands. This is done by feeding recommended portions at least twice a day and weighing the pet on a regular basis to monitor weight loss. Because pets metabolize differently and have different activity levels, it may be necessary to adjust the amount fed several times. Keep in mind that it will take a lot longer for a 6.8 kg dog or cat to lose one pound than it would a 90.9 kg person. Keep things in perspective and be patient. Our reduced fat and weight control products are recommended for overweight, adult dogs and for overweight, full-grown cats. Before putting your pet on a weight loss program, however, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.
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Do you have products for older dogs and cats?
We offer foods for older dogs and cats that help address the special lifestyle changes associated with aging. As dogs and cats grow older, activity levels often decrease and muscle mass diminishes. These changes can result in the need for a product with less calories and higher protein. In addition, older dogs and cats may also prefer a food that is easy to chew. Our products are well-suited to meet the nutritional needs of older dogs and cats.
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Do you have a hypo-allergenic diet?
Allergies are unique to each individual animal, so no one food could be considered truly “hypo-allergenic”. Depending on what allergies a pet has, switching to a diet that contains highly digestible proteins can sometimes help. We have several products that address different allergic symptoms in both dogs and cats. They are available exclusively from veterinarians and have been used effectively in the nutritional management of allergy symptoms.
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Can your foods be fed to a dog with diabetes?
The diet for a diabetic dog should be low in simple sugars and be the same composition every day. Our products meet this criteria. No sugars are added and energy is supplied through fat, carbohydrate, and protein. Our foods are “fixed formulas” which means the food does not change from one batch to another.
Our veterinary nutritional weight maintenance formula has been specially formulated with unique ingredients for dietary management of dogs with impaired glucose metabolism. It is available exclusively from veterinarians. Remember that before changing a diabetic dog to a different diet, it is always important to discuss it with a veterinarian.
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What should I feed a pregnant female during early and mid-gestation?
When selecting a food for a pregnant dog or cat, you must take into consideration her condition and weight. Because gestation places additional nutrient demands on the body, a food that contains optimum amounts of protein and fat is recommended.
Veterinary-exclusive products include statements such as, "This product is intended for intermittent feeding only" and "Use only as directed by your veterinarian."
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What should I feed a pregnant female during late gestation and throughout lactation?
Late gestation and lactation are some of the most stressful times in a bitch’s or queen’s life. They need considerably more nutrition during these times because fetal growth requirements are very high and her milk must meet the nutritional needs of her litter.
DOGS: Generally, a bitch should be fed approximately 125 to 150% of her normal amount during late gestation and can be fed free choice (as much as she wants) throughout lactation. Once the puppies are weaned, and the bitch is back to her normal weight, she can be transitioned back to her maintenance diet.
CATS: The queen should also be offered approximately 125% to 150% her normal feeding amount during late gestation and allowed to feed free choice until her kittens are weaned. At that time she should be transitioned back to her maintenance diet.
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How can I learn more about pet nutrition?
The answers to these and other questions about pet nutrition are available by calling The Iams Customer Service Center toll free at 1-800-444-267
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