Equations used to develop commercial dog food feeding guidelines and Canadian owner feeding practices in 2018 |
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| Authors: | Katja A Sutherland Cara Cargo-Froom Adronie Verbrugghe Anna Kate Shoveller |
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| Institution: | Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College (Sutherland, Cargo-Froom, Shoveller); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College (Verbrugghe), University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 |
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| Abstract: | Feeding guidelines on commercial dog food packages provide a suggested starting point for food provision for dogs. The equations used to develop commercial dog food feeding guidelines and the owner feeding practices surveyed were examined in this study. The equations used to develop feeding guidelines and the energy density calculation method (Traditional Atwater or Modified Atwater equation) were investigated for 200 dry dog foods sold in Canada. Not all energy densities of products were calculated using the modified Atwater equation, a requirement if claiming compliance with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Commercial feeding guidelines provide conservative estimates of pet dog energy needs. A survey of dog owners’ feeding practices was conducted, with 739 responses analyzed. Respondents generally took appropriate action to manage the weight of their dogs through both exercise and dietary management. Further investigation should explore how owners may be successfully managing their dogs’ weight without veterinary supervision. |
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