Effects of Nutrition Choices and Lifestyle Changes on the...

â€Å"Effects of nutrition choices and lifestyle changes on the well-being of cats, a Carnivore that has moved indoors† Debra L. Zoran and C.A. Tony Buffington Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 239, No. 5, September 1, 2011 Genevieve Ball Animal Nutrition 505, Dr. Shapiro October 13, 2011 Main Summary The domestication of cats can be perilous as their nutritional changes in dietary protein and caloric intake effects their metabolism, muscle mass, water intake, urine acidity levels, and immunity against diseases, all of which effect their overall feeding behavior, well-being, and physical health. 70% protein intake is considered adequate in a cat’s daily diet, however studies show that a more accurate†¦show more content†¦597). However, when studying the effect of protein intake on an obese cat, it was discovered that increased protein intakes of greater than 3.3g of protein/kg resulted in greater loss in fat mass versus decreased protein intakes (Zoran, 2011, p. 598). Other studies prove that a protein dominant (verus carbohydrate dominant) diet is a necessity with benefits for felines as it promotes optimum immunity against the development of urolithiasis in the urinary tract, inflammatory bowel disease in the gastrointestinal tract, and diabetes mellitus in domes tic cats. While the feline species have changed from a feral to domesticated environment, it is important that their diets remain properly balanced and protein dominant in order for cats to efficiently function and thrive. Blended Summary The domesticated feline, an obligate carnivore, continues to be challenged by the genetically required diet versus owner (human) preferred diet. While cats require a diet that is higher in proteins and lower in carbohydrates, owners are feeding diets that are adversely low in protein and high in carbohydrates, thus resulting in excess calories and obesity and nutritional deficiencies (â€Å"Cats Need High Protein, Low-Carb Diet,† 2011, p. 22). Cats are adapted to eating 10-20 small meals throughout the course of a 24 hour period, and flavor, scent, temperature, and texture are all factors thatShow MoreRelatedLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 PagesBelmont, California USA in 1993 with ISBN number 0-534-17688-7. When Wadsworth decided no longer to print the book, they returned their publishing rights to the original author, Bradley Dowden. The current version has been significantly revised. If you would like to suggest changes to the text, the author would appreciate your writing to him at dowden@csus.edu. iv Praise Comments on the earlier 1993 edition, published by Wadsworth Publishing Company, which is owned by Cengage Learning: