Nutraceuticals in the diet of dogs and cats
Proper nourishment of dogs and cats is the basis for a healthy and long-lasting life. To meet this premise, nutritionists develop diets based on data regarding nutritional requirements for amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. Associated with the energy needs of different physiological phases. While also consulting recommendations found in different databases and nutritional guidelines for dogs and cats, such as: FEDIAF, NRC or AAFCO.
Nutrient requirements and their availability in different ingredients is related to the digestibility of raw materials, which can be influenced by:
Antinutritional factors
Levels and types of fibers
Quality of diet processing
Intestinal health and other factors
Knowledge and application of this nutritional basis is essential. However, with genetic mapping it is possible to have access to new information related to the interaction which occurs between ingredient compounds and genes. This new discipline is known as nutritional genomics which evaluates the effects of nutrients and bioactive components of the diet on gene expression. Nutrigenetics, evaluates genetic variation of individuals and the effects that these changes have on the individual’s response towards the diet.
Understanding the gene/nutrient interaction is important for nutritional support in dogs and cats. Considering the fact that nutrients as well as bioactive and phytochemical compounds can modify the animal’s phenotype through gene expression modulation.
Understanding these interactions directly in the gene or through epigenetic relationships allows to select those nutritional components that are the most beneficial for the animal’s health. Transforming the development of diets, focusing on the balance of the individual as a whole,and reducing the risk of disease.
Certain diseases will benefit more from nutrigenomic studies. Some examples are: chronic degenerative diseases related to oxidative stress, chronic inflammations, imbalances in the endocannabinoid and metabolic systems.
The living standards for dogs and cats in today’s society are completely different from what they were a few decades back. Many have little or no physical activity during long periods of time and are sometimes confined to very small spaces. Some individuals suffer from separation anxiety while many of their tutors have a hard time understanding that the behavioral and nutritional needs of dogs and ...
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