Difference between revisions of "Energy Density of Pet Food and Energy Needs"

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Manufactured pet foods may provide this information on package labels, or it may be available through ‘off pack’ materials such as web sites, or on request from customer care services. In the U.S.A., calorie content statements are now required on all pet food labels, including those for treats and supplements. Information on the label must be provided in terms of kcal/kg and kcal per common unit (e.g., cups, cans, pieces). To use the formula above, the value in kcal/kg must be divided by 10 to provide the energy density in terms of kcal/100 g. If this information is not available it can be calculated indirectly from the amounts of macronutrients ([[Protein - Nutrition|protein]], [[Fats - Nutrition|fat]] and [[Carbohydrates - Nutrition|carbohydrate]]), and [[Fibre - Nutrition|fibre]] in the food. The equation to calculate energy content is quite complex and there are tools available<ref>• ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/energy-calculator-cat-and-dog/id917317961?mt=8 accessed May 2017<br>• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.fr.royalcanin.energycalculator accessed May 2017</ref> that help avoid the need to manually calculate it.
 
Manufactured pet foods may provide this information on package labels, or it may be available through ‘off pack’ materials such as web sites, or on request from customer care services. In the U.S.A., calorie content statements are now required on all pet food labels, including those for treats and supplements. Information on the label must be provided in terms of kcal/kg and kcal per common unit (e.g., cups, cans, pieces). To use the formula above, the value in kcal/kg must be divided by 10 to provide the energy density in terms of kcal/100 g. If this information is not available it can be calculated indirectly from the amounts of macronutrients ([[Protein - Nutrition|protein]], [[Fats - Nutrition|fat]] and [[Carbohydrates - Nutrition|carbohydrate]]), and [[Fibre - Nutrition|fibre]] in the food. The equation to calculate energy content is quite complex and there are tools available<ref>• ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/energy-calculator-cat-and-dog/id917317961?mt=8 accessed May 2017<br>• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.fr.royalcanin.energycalculator accessed May 2017</ref> that help avoid the need to manually calculate it.
  
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'''Estimating the energy content of home-made foods can be a challenge.''' It requires access to reliable published information on the nutritional content of food ingredients commonly used in pet foods <ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). (2006) '''In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats and CTS.''' 2006 ''Washington, DC: National Academies Press '' p.28-48</ref>, or human foods <ref name="Food Standard 2004">Food Standards Agency (2002). '''McCance and Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods.''' ''Sixth Summary Edition. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry'' - [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/composition-of-foods-integrated-dataset-cofid Online Resource]''</ref> and the ability to quantify the relative contribution of each ingredient to the total daily intake of each nutrient. This may require access to complex databases and software, or seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist that can assess the nutritional value of [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Home-Made Diets|home-made diets]]<ref name="WSAVA">WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. ''[http://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/JSAP%20WSAVA%20Global%20Nutritional%20Assessment%20Guidelines%202011_0.pdf Online Resource]''.</ref>. This is a significant disadvantage in feeding foods [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Home-Made Diets|prepared at home]].
+
'''Estimating the energy content of home-made foods can be a challenge.''' It requires access to reliable published information on the nutritional content of food ingredients commonly used in pet foods <ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). (2006) '''In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats and CTS.''' 2006 ''Washington, DC: National Academies Press '' p.28-48</ref>, or human foods <ref name="Food Standard 2004">Food Standards Agency (2002). '''McCance and Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods.''' ''Sixth Summary Edition. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry'' - [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/composition-of-foods-integrated-dataset-cofid Online Resource] accessed May 2017</ref> and the ability to quantify the relative contribution of each ingredient to the total daily intake of each nutrient. This may require access to complex databases and software, or seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist that can assess the nutritional value of [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Home-Made Diets|home-made diets]]<ref name="WSAVA">WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. ''[http://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/JSAP%20WSAVA%20Global%20Nutritional%20Assessment%20Guidelines%202011_0.pdf Online Resource]''. accessed May 2017</ref>. This is a significant disadvantage in feeding foods [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Home-Made Diets|prepared at home]].
  
 
== Estimating Energy Needs ==
 
== Estimating Energy Needs ==
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In addition to bodyweight, there are a number of other factors that influence the energy requirement of the animal. These include activity, life-stage, reproductive status, and environmental conditions. Activity level can contribute to more than 30% of the daily energy requirement in highly active working dogs, such as Border Collies <ref name="NRC" />. However, recent studies have shown that adult pet dogs are relatively ‘inactive’ receiving on average only 4 walks of 40 minutes duration per week <ref name=''Christian''>Christian, NE, et al. '''Dog ownership and physical activity: A review of the evidence.''' ''J. Phys Act Health 2013''; 10:750-759</ref>. The energy requirement of inactive dogs is lower than their active counterparts <ref name=Bermingham>Bermingham EN et al. '''Energy requirement of adult dogs.''' ''PLOSone 2014; 9:e109681.'' </ref> <ref name=Thes>Thes, M, et al. '''Metabolizable energy intake of client-owned adult dogs.''' ''[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/274171548 J. Anim. Phys. Anim. Nutr.]'' accessed May 2017 </ref> and this represents a more realistic starting point for most adult pet dogs and cats.
 
In addition to bodyweight, there are a number of other factors that influence the energy requirement of the animal. These include activity, life-stage, reproductive status, and environmental conditions. Activity level can contribute to more than 30% of the daily energy requirement in highly active working dogs, such as Border Collies <ref name="NRC" />. However, recent studies have shown that adult pet dogs are relatively ‘inactive’ receiving on average only 4 walks of 40 minutes duration per week <ref name=''Christian''>Christian, NE, et al. '''Dog ownership and physical activity: A review of the evidence.''' ''J. Phys Act Health 2013''; 10:750-759</ref>. The energy requirement of inactive dogs is lower than their active counterparts <ref name=Bermingham>Bermingham EN et al. '''Energy requirement of adult dogs.''' ''PLOSone 2014; 9:e109681.'' </ref> <ref name=Thes>Thes, M, et al. '''Metabolizable energy intake of client-owned adult dogs.''' ''[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/274171548 J. Anim. Phys. Anim. Nutr.]'' accessed May 2017 </ref> and this represents a more realistic starting point for most adult pet dogs and cats.
  
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Equations to calculate energy requirements can be complex and cumbersome to use (table 1). Using these equations, energy requirements have been calculated for adult dogs, adult cats, puppies and kittens <font color="red">(link to excel file)</font>
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Equations to calculate energy requirements can be complex and cumbersome to use (table 1). Using these equations, [[Calculated Energy Requirements|energy requirements have been calculated for adult dogs, adult cats, puppies and kittens]].
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<font color = "red">references in table</font>
 
  
 
<center>
 
<center>
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!colspan="3" bgcolor="#97C7F7"|Table 1. Equations to estimate energy requirements (ER) of dogs and cats.
 
!colspan="3" bgcolor="#97C7F7"|Table 1. Equations to estimate energy requirements (ER) of dogs and cats.
 
|-
 
|-
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!align="left" width="50%" bgcolor="#D9EAFA"|<i>Adult Dogs<ref name="NRC" /></i>
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!align="left" width="50%" bgcolor="#D9EAFA"|<i>Adult Dogs<ref name="Bermingham" /></i>
−
!align="left" width="50%" bgcolor="#D9EAFA"|<i>Adult Cats<ref name="Bermingham" /></i>
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!align="left" width="50%" bgcolor="#D9EAFA"|<i>Adult Cats<ref name="NRC" /></i>
 
|-
 
|-
 
!align="left" width="50%"|Based on inactive adult dogs<br>'''ER''' = 95 x W<sup>0.75</sup> kcal/d<br>Where: <br>W = actual body weight<br>
 
!align="left" width="50%"|Based on inactive adult dogs<br>'''ER''' = 95 x W<sup>0.75</sup> kcal/d<br>Where: <br>W = actual body weight<br>
−
!align="left" width="50%"|<br>'''ER''' = 77.4 x W<sup>0.711</sup> kcal/d<br>Where: <br>W = actual body weight<br>
+
!align="left" width="50%"|<br>'''ER''' = 77.6 x W<sup>0.711</sup> kcal/d<br>Where: <br>W = actual body weight<br>
 
|-
 
|-
 
!align="left" width="50%" bgcolor="#D9EAFA"|<i>Puppies After Weaning<ref name="NRC" /></i>
 
!align="left" width="50%" bgcolor="#D9EAFA"|<i>Puppies After Weaning<ref name="NRC" /></i>
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== Calculating Food Allowances ==
 
== Calculating Food Allowances ==
  
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Food allowances can be calculated, based on these energy requirements by entering the energy density of the food in this tool <font color="red">(link to excel food allowances)</font>. To convert the amount in grams per day from the tool to cans or trays per day, divide the g/d as calculated for that animal by the net weight of the can or tray in grams. To determine cups per day of a dry food, the density of the food in terms of grams per cup must be known. If that information is not provided as part of the calorie content statement as required under AAFCO model regulations, it can be calculated by dividing the kcal/cup value by the kcal/kg value, then multiplying the result by 1000 to give you g/cup. The pet's food allowance in g/d is then divided by g/cup to give you cups/d. There is no standard international cup size, in the United States of America, a standard measuring cup is 8 fluid ounces (approximately 237 mL) by volume, however in other countries, different volumes or weights of typical dry ingredients are used to determine a cup unit.
+
Food allowances can be calculated, based on these energy requirements, by [[Food Allowance Calculator|entering the energy density of the food in this tool]]. To convert the amount in grams per day from the tool to cans or trays per day, divide the g/d as calculated for that animal by the net weight of the can or tray in grams. To determine cups per day of a dry food, the density of the food in terms of grams per cup must be known. If that information is not provided as part of the calorie content statement as required under AAFCO model regulations, it can be calculated by dividing the kcal/cup value by the kcal/kg value, then multiplying the result by 1000 to give you g/cup. The pet's food allowance in g/d is then divided by g/cup to give you cups/d. There is no standard international cup size, in the United States of America, a standard measuring cup is 8 fluid ounces (approximately 237 mL) by volume, however in other countries, different volumes or weights of typical dry ingredients are used to determine a cup unit.
  
 
== Responsible Feeding ==
 
== Responsible Feeding ==
  
 
Portion control is a cornerstone of responsible feeding, and feeding guides help owners ensure that they are feeding the correct amount of food to their pet. The feeding guide should be used as the foundation for estimating how much food to offer, but the exact amount should be tailored to meet the individual needs of the animal. '''To maintain a ‘healthy’ bodyweight, animals should be fed according to their ‘ideal’ body weight if known, which may not be their ‘current’ bodyweight.''' In addition regular monitoring of bodyweight, along with additional nutritional assessments such as body condition scoring (WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit<ref name=WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit>[http://www.wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit) WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit] accessed May 2017</ref>, FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines<ref name=FEDIAF>[http://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition.html FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines] accessed May 2017</ref>) will help detect early changes, and inform adjustments in the food allowance, to ensure the pet stays at their ‘ideal’ bodyweight.
 
Portion control is a cornerstone of responsible feeding, and feeding guides help owners ensure that they are feeding the correct amount of food to their pet. The feeding guide should be used as the foundation for estimating how much food to offer, but the exact amount should be tailored to meet the individual needs of the animal. '''To maintain a ‘healthy’ bodyweight, animals should be fed according to their ‘ideal’ body weight if known, which may not be their ‘current’ bodyweight.''' In addition regular monitoring of bodyweight, along with additional nutritional assessments such as body condition scoring (WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit<ref name=WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit>[http://www.wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit) WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit] accessed May 2017</ref>, FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines<ref name=FEDIAF>[http://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition.html FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines] accessed May 2017</ref>) will help detect early changes, and inform adjustments in the food allowance, to ensure the pet stays at their ‘ideal’ bodyweight.
 +
 +
{{Learning
 +
|pages = [[Food Allowance Calculator]]
 +
}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
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<br><br>
−
 
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{{Reviewed Nutrition 2
 +
|author = [[Richard Butterwick|Dr Richard Butterwick]]
 +
|editor2 = [[George Fahey|Professor George C Fahey]]
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|editor1 = [http://regulatorydiscretion.com/Page_3.html Dr David A. Dzanis]
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|date = May 2017
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}}
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{{Mars Petcare}}
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{{OpenPages}}
 
[[Category:Feeding Guides]]
 
[[Category:Feeding Guides]]
 
[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]
 
[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]

Latest revision as of 10:22, 10 July 2017

Estimating Energy Density of the Food

Manufactured pet foods may provide this information on package labels, or it may be available through ‘off pack’ materials such as web sites, or on request from customer care services. In the U.S.A., calorie content statements are now required on all pet food labels, including those for treats and supplements. Information on the label must be provided in terms of kcal/kg and kcal per common unit (e.g., cups, cans, pieces). To use the formula above, the value in kcal/kg must be divided by 10 to provide the energy density in terms of kcal/100 g. If this information is not available it can be calculated indirectly from the amounts of macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate), and fibre in the food. The equation to calculate energy content is quite complex and there are tools available[1] that help avoid the need to manually calculate it.

Estimating the energy content of home-made foods can be a challenge. It requires access to reliable published information on the nutritional content of food ingredients commonly used in pet foods [2], or human foods [3] and the ability to quantify the relative contribution of each ingredient to the total daily intake of each nutrient. This may require access to complex databases and software, or seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist that can assess the nutritional value of home-made diets[4]. This is a significant disadvantage in feeding foods prepared at home.

Estimating Energy Needs

The specific energy need of an individual pet can be estimated using a mathematical equation that relates energy requirements to bodyweight [2], and in most species (including dogs and cats) this is best estimated from an exponential equation based on bodyweight [5]. It is important to note that different equations exist for healthy adult dogs and cats, puppies, kittens, gestating or lactating mothers, and overweight pets [2].

In addition to bodyweight, there are a number of other factors that influence the energy requirement of the animal. These include activity, life-stage, reproductive status, and environmental conditions. Activity level can contribute to more than 30% of the daily energy requirement in highly active working dogs, such as Border Collies [2]. However, recent studies have shown that adult pet dogs are relatively ‘inactive’ receiving on average only 4 walks of 40 minutes duration per week [6]. The energy requirement of inactive dogs is lower than their active counterparts [7] [8] and this represents a more realistic starting point for most adult pet dogs and cats.

Equations to calculate energy requirements can be complex and cumbersome to use (table 1). Using these equations, energy requirements have been calculated for adult dogs, adult cats, puppies and kittens.

Table 1. Equations to estimate energy requirements (ER) of dogs and cats.
Adult Dogs[7] Adult Cats[2]
Based on inactive adult dogs
ER = 95 x W0.75 kcal/d
Where:
W = actual body weight
ER = 77.6 x W0.711 kcal/d
Where:
W = actual body weight
Puppies After Weaning[2] Kittens After Weaning[2]
ER = 130 x W0.75 x 3.2 x [e (-0.87p) – 0.1] kcal/d
Where:
W = actual body weight,
Wm = predicted mature adult weight
p = W/Wm
e = base of natural log ~2.718 		Step 1:
ME = 100W0.67 X 6.7[e-0.189p – 0.66] kcal/d
Step 2:
ER = ME X 6.7[e-0.189p – 0.66] kcal/d
Where:
W = actual body weight
p = W/Wm
Wm = expected mature body weight

Calculating Food Allowances

Food allowances can be calculated, based on these energy requirements, by entering the energy density of the food in this tool. To convert the amount in grams per day from the tool to cans or trays per day, divide the g/d as calculated for that animal by the net weight of the can or tray in grams. To determine cups per day of a dry food, the density of the food in terms of grams per cup must be known. If that information is not provided as part of the calorie content statement as required under AAFCO model regulations, it can be calculated by dividing the kcal/cup value by the kcal/kg value, then multiplying the result by 1000 to give you g/cup. The pet's food allowance in g/d is then divided by g/cup to give you cups/d. There is no standard international cup size, in the United States of America, a standard measuring cup is 8 fluid ounces (approximately 237 mL) by volume, however in other countries, different volumes or weights of typical dry ingredients are used to determine a cup unit.

Responsible Feeding

Portion control is a cornerstone of responsible feeding, and feeding guides help owners ensure that they are feeding the correct amount of food to their pet. The feeding guide should be used as the foundation for estimating how much food to offer, but the exact amount should be tailored to meet the individual needs of the animal. To maintain a ‘healthy’ bodyweight, animals should be fed according to their ‘ideal’ body weight if known, which may not be their ‘current’ bodyweight. In addition regular monitoring of bodyweight, along with additional nutritional assessments such as body condition scoring (WSAVA Nutrition ToolkitCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many, FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines[9]) will help detect early changes, and inform adjustments in the food allowance, to ensure the pet stays at their ‘ideal’ bodyweight.


Energy Density of Pet Food and Energy Needs Learning Resources
Veterinary Education OnlineWikiWords logo.png
Pages
Recommended pages 		Food Allowance Calculator


References

  1. ↑ • ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/energy-calculator-cat-and-dog/id917317961?mt=8 accessed May 2017
    • Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.fr.royalcanin.energycalculator accessed May 2017
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 National Research Council (NRC). (2006) In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats and CTS. 2006 Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.28-48
  3. ↑ Food Standards Agency (2002). McCance and Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods. Sixth Summary Edition. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry - Online Resource accessed May 2017
  4. ↑ WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. Online Resource. accessed May 2017
  5. ↑ Kleiber, M. The Fire of Life. 1961. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
  6. ↑ Christian, NE, et al. Dog ownership and physical activity: A review of the evidence. J. Phys Act Health 2013; 10:750-759
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bermingham EN et al. Energy requirement of adult dogs. PLOSone 2014; 9:e109681.
  8. ↑ Thes, M, et al. Metabolizable energy intake of client-owned adult dogs. J. Anim. Phys. Anim. Nutr. accessed May 2017
  9. ↑ FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines accessed May 2017



This article was:
Written by Dr Richard Butterwick
Edited by Dr David A. Dzanis, Professor George C Fahey and Professor Dan Chan

Date reviewed: May 2017


Endorsed by Mars Petcare, the world’s leading pet nutrition and health care business that strives to make A Better World for Pets every day. Mars logo.png


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