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→Estimating Energy Density of the Food
=== Estimating Energy Density of the Food===
=== 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., 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 (link to WikiVet nutrition section). The equation to calculate energy content is quite complex and there are [http://energycalculator.info/en tools available] that help avoid the need to manually calculate.
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., 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 [http://energycalculator.info/en tools available] that help avoid the need to manually calculate.
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 total daily intake of each nutrient. This may require access to complex databases and software, or seek advice from an independent expert that can assess the nutritional value of home-made diets link <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 prepared at home (link to section on home prepared foods)
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 total daily intake of each nutrient. This may require access to complex databases and software, or seek advice from an independent expert that can assess the nutritional value of home-made diets link <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 prepared at home (link to section on home prepared foods)