NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT OF HOSPITALIZED DOGS AND CATS

Nutritional support of hospitalised dogs and cats improves recovery fr om illness, reduces mortality, and improves responses to trauma and st ress. The primary goal of nutritional support is to prevent use of tis sue protein. This is accomplished by the provision of sufficient calor ies and dietary protein in optimal proportions. For nutritional suppor t, calorie intake is adjusted according to the patient's metabolic rat e so that the animal may be fed above or below its usual intake. Nutri tional support should always be started gradually, no matter what the final calorie goal may be. For many sick dogs fed enterally, diets pro vide about 30% of calories from fat and at least 27% of calories from protein. Carbohydrates in nutritional support diets should not include maize, wheat or, especially, soy. Sick cats fed enterally should rece ive at least 30% of calories from both fat and protein.