Nutrition and Feeding of Dog and Cat
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
Provide the basics of dog and cat nutrition, as well as practical information for the correct dietary regime in the different physiological phases and in the management of the main metabolic disorders. Provide knowledge of the qualitative characteristics of feeds according to the preparation of industrial feeds suitable and safe for the nutritional needs of pets
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student must be able to develop appropriate diets for the dog and cat in the different stages of life, choosing with a critical spirit the most appropriate feeding for the conditions and lifestyle of the animal to which it is destined. It will also need to be able to develop feeds according to the different types available on the market, in accordance with the different needs of the owners and the economic sustainability.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Lectures
Nutrient utilization in dogs and cats (1 hour)
Basic nutrient requirements of healthy dogs and cats (2 hours)
Nutrition and Feeding in lifestage (5 hours)
Petfood types (1 hour)
Dry petfood: ingredients, formulation, processing, characteristics (2 hours)
Wet petfood: ingredients, formulation, processing, characteristics (2 hours)
Ensuring nutritional adequacy (2 hours)
Quality and safety assessment (2 hours)
Additives and functional foods for petfood (3 hours)
Dietary foods (2 hours)
Palatability: factors affecting, testing, packaging (1 hour)
Labelling and communication (1 hour)
Practical activity
Evaluation of the nutritional status of dogs and cats (2 hours)
Formulation methods in lifestages (8 hours)
Formulation methods in main metabolic diseases (6 hours)
Software formulation (6 hours)
Seminars with industry professionals (4 hours)
Visiting petfood industry (6 hours)
Nutrient utilization in dogs and cats (1 hour)
Basic nutrient requirements of healthy dogs and cats (2 hours)
Nutrition and Feeding in lifestage (5 hours)
Petfood types (1 hour)
Dry petfood: ingredients, formulation, processing, characteristics (2 hours)
Wet petfood: ingredients, formulation, processing, characteristics (2 hours)
Ensuring nutritional adequacy (2 hours)
Quality and safety assessment (2 hours)
Additives and functional foods for petfood (3 hours)
Dietary foods (2 hours)
Palatability: factors affecting, testing, packaging (1 hour)
Labelling and communication (1 hour)
Practical activity
Evaluation of the nutritional status of dogs and cats (2 hours)
Formulation methods in lifestages (8 hours)
Formulation methods in main metabolic diseases (6 hours)
Software formulation (6 hours)
Seminars with industry professionals (4 hours)
Visiting petfood industry (6 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
Preliminary knowledge to deal with the contents of the course are biochemistry, physiology and animal nutrition
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures and exercises aimed at developing home and commercial diets for pets. There are also visits to farms and industrial plants for the production of pet food as well as meetings with professional experts in the sector.
Teaching Resources
Didactic material provided by the teacher
We also recommend consulting the following texts:
Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, The National Academies Press, 2006.
Nutritional Guidelines For Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs - Fediaf December 2018
Guide to Good Practice for the Manifacture of Safe Pet Food - February 2018
We also recommend consulting the following texts:
Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, The National Academies Press, 2006.
Nutritional Guidelines For Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs - Fediaf December 2018
Guide to Good Practice for the Manifacture of Safe Pet Food - February 2018
Assessment methods and Criteria
Verifications of ongoing learning are foreseen through practical tests to control the learning process and a final written exam to verify the skills acquired at the end of the teaching units through a written test with open and closed (multiple choise) questions both theoretical and practical.
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 5
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professors:
Bontempo Valentino, Fusi Eleonora
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)