CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A newly revised comprehensive book on cat and dog nutrition contains more than just a cosmetic makeover. It looks at current nutritional fads and fallacies, and provides a road map for choosing food. It also considers the nutrient needs of neonatal puppies and kittens and such issues as diet and dental health and nutritional needs of pets with cancer.
"Living with companion animals has become a national pastime, and taking care of dogs and cats is of great interest and concern to the many pet owners and professionals who work with these animals," said co-author Linda P. Case. "Along with proper health and medical attention, nutrition is an important component in the care of all dogs and pets."
The second edition of "Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals" was published in August by Mosby, a Harcourt Health Sciences company. The 592-page book was co-written with Daniel P. Carey and Leighann Daristotle, who are veterinarians for the Iams Co., and Diane A. Hirakawa, vice president for Iams research and development.
Case is a lecturer in the University of Illinois animal sciences department, where she teaches courses on companion animals. She is a nationally recognized expert in pet behavior and nutrition, and also is the author of "The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition and Health," published in 1999.
The new Mosby book is organized into six sections: nutrient requirements of dogs and cats; pet-food production and selection; feeding management throughout all stages of life; feeding problems; fads and fallacies; and dietary management of nutritionally responsive diseases. Each section contains extensive updates based on new research. The section on pet food covers labeling, regulations, a close-up look at the different types of foods, including homemade and special veterinary diets, and an evaluation of commercial pet foods.
The book, Case said, should be of particular value to veterinarians, animal scientists, nutritionists, breeders, exhibitors, pet-show judges, trainers and hobbyists. A new entry in the book covers the nutritional needs and feeding of geriatric dogs and cats, as well as the feeding of hard-working animals. It also provides the newest information to adapt feeding schedules to account for the different growth rates and energy needs of large and small breeds of dogs. A chapter is devoted to obesity, a growing problem for companion animals. The authors tackle the causes, effects, development, diagnosis, management and prevention of the disorder.
"The book reviews current research and gives balanced discussions of controversial issues of dietary management," Case said. "It can complement general animal nutrition textbooks by providing current and comprehensive information about the two most popular companion animal species - the dog and the cat," she said.