CPD article: Puppy nutrition: weaning and beyond

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 237-242
Author(s):  
Susanna Clark

In 2019 and 2020, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of households owning dogs increased considerably, and many of these pets were new puppies acquired during the lockdowns in the UK. With such a rise in puppy ownership, it has never been more important to ensure that these puppies receive adequate nutrition throughout their weaning and growth periods, and beyond. In this article, the nutritional considerations of growing puppies will be discussed, along with current pet food trends and how to ensure puppies are receiving a complete and balanced diet.

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 394-398
Author(s):  
Laura Warrilow ◽  
Roshni Dave ◽  
Sheridan McDonald

Dental decay is one of the most common conditions affecting children in the UK; but it can be prevented with a balanced diet and good oral hygiene. Often, this advice comes too late, with many families only registering with a dentist when problems have occurred. Research has shown that health visitors who provide appropriate dental advice can have a huge impact on children's dental and overall health. This article aims to provide evidence-based preventive advice to support health visitors with dental interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 226-232
Author(s):  
Linda Nazarko

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of public health in the UK and globally. The UK's death rates and obesity rates are related; many people in the UK experience poor health because they are overweight or obese ( Lobstein, 2021 ; Mohammad et al, 2021 ). This article, the second in a series, explores how readers can remain healthy and well by eating a healthy, balanced diet.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1563-1568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Hampson ◽  
Julia Martin ◽  
Jenel Jorgensen ◽  
Mary Barker

AbstractObjectiveTo identify approaches for interventions to improve the nutrition of low-income women and children.DesignSeven focus groups were conducted with low-income women caring for young children in their households. They discussed shopping, eating at home, eating out and healthy eating. The discussions were recorded and subjected to qualitative thematic analysis.SettingA semi-rural community in Oregon, USA.SubjectsThere were seventy-four women (74 % White), most of whom were 18–29 years old.ResultsFour broad themes were identified, i.e. cost-consciousness, convenience, social influences and health issues.ConclusionsThe target population would benefit from improved understanding of what constitutes a balanced diet, with a greater emphasis on a more central role for fruit and vegetables. To persuade this population to change their eating habits, it will be necessary to convince them that healthful food can be low-cost, convenient and palatable for children. Comparing findings from the present study with a similar one in the UK suggests that the US women faced many of the same barriers to healthy eating but displayed less helplessness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Kathleen Wells ◽  
Andrew Butterworth ◽  
Ngaio Richards

Sodium pentobarbital is a veterinary drug commonly employed to euthanize different animal species humanely. Cases of secondary pentobarbital poisoning have been documented in scavenging wildlife, companion animals and captive carnivores. Since the extent of such poisonings remains mostly unknown, a review was undertaken to consolidate cases published, recorded, only locally reported or shared anecdotally. A questionnaire was distributed to veterinary surgery and wildlife rehabilitation centers, and zoos. About 125 cases affecting 432 animals across the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and France were collated, with 76.8% obtained outside the published literature. Our findings support that pentobarbital poisoning affects a range of wild species (e.g., griffon vultures, canids) and companion animals (especially dogs and captive carnivores), and although a known source of toxicosis, pentobarbital-related poisonings continue to present day. Carcass disposal methods were considered in regard to associated incidents of secondary poisoning. Wild scavengers and companion animals were mainly affected after feeding on livestock carcasses that were insufficiently buried or left uncovered. Captive carnivores were accidentally poisoned after being fed pentobarbital-euthanized animals. Euthanized carcasses of stranded whales, provision of euthanized carcasses to dogs at hunt kennels, sourcing of meat from fisheries and laboratories, and use of barbiturates in baits to deliberately harm wildlife emerged as noteworthy sources of risk or exposure. The ongoing presence of pentobarbital residues in pet food as a threat to companion animals was incidentally considered. Additional recommendations for follow-up research, to increase awareness of this issue and prevent exposure, were suggested.


2017 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid Gibson ◽  
Margaret Ashwell ◽  
Jenny Arthur ◽  
Lindsey Bagley ◽  
Alison Lennox ◽  
...  

Aims: To contribute evidence and make recommendations to assist in achieving free sugars reduction, with due consideration to the broader picture of weight management and dietary quality. Methods: An expert workshop in July 2016 addressed options outlined in the Public Health England report ‘Sugar reduction: The evidence for action’ that related directly to the food industry. Panel members contributed expertise in food technology, public heath nutrition, marketing, communications, psychology and behaviour. Recommendations were directed towards reformulation, reduced portion sizes, labelling and consumer education. These were evaluated based on their feasibility, likely consumer acceptability, efficacy and cost. Results: The panel agreed that the 5% target for energy from free sugars is unlikely to be achievable by the UK population in the near future, but a gradual reduction from average current level of intake is feasible. Progress requires collaborations between government, food industry, non-government organisations, health professionals, educators and consumers. Reformulation should start with the main contributors of free sugars in the diet, prioritising those products high in free sugars and relatively low in micronutrients. There is most potential for replacing free sugars in beverages using high-potency sweeteners and possibly via gradual reduction in sweetness levels. However, reformulation alone, with its inherent practical difficulties, will not achieve the desired reduction in free sugars. Food manufacturers and the out-of-home sector can help consumers by providing smaller portions. Labelling of free sugars would extend choice and encourage reformulation; however, government needs to assist industry by addressing current analytical and regulatory problems. There are also opportunities for multi-agency collaboration to develop tools/communications based on the Eatwell Guide, to help consumers understand the principles of a varied, healthy, balanced diet. Conclusion: Multiple strategies will be required to achieve a reduction in free sugars intake to attain the 5% energy target. The panel produced consensus statements with recommendations as to how this might be achieved.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davies M. ◽  
Jones L. ◽  
Alborough R. ◽  
Davis C. ◽  
Williams C. ◽  
...  

AbstractThe mineral content of complete pet food is regulated to ensure health of the companion animal population. A comprehensive analysis of adherence to these regulatory guidelines has not been conducted. We measured mineral composition of a range of complete wet (n=97) and dry (n=80) canine and feline pet food sold in the UK to assess compliance with EU guidelines. While a majority of foods complied with ≥8 of 11 guidelines (99% and 83% for dry and wet food, respectively), many failed to provide nutritional minimum (e.g. Cu, 20 % of wet food) or exceeded nutritional maximum (e.g. Se, 76% of wet food). Only 6% (6/97) of wet and 39% (34/80) of dry food were fully compliant. Some foods (20-30% of all analysed) had mineral imbalances such as not having the recommended balance of Ca:P (between 1:1 to 2:1). Foods with high fish content had high levels of undesirable metal elements such as arsenic. The study highlights broad non-compliance of a range of popular pet foods sold in the UK with EU guidelines (95% and 61% of wet and dry foods, respectively). If fed exclusively and over an extended period, a number of these pet foods could impact the general health of companion animals.


Author(s):  
Veronika Bulochova ◽  
Ellen W. Evans

Feeding raw meat to domestic pets is a popular practice. Because of the potential food safety implications associated with handling raw meat, concerns about pet owner health have increased. For this study, a netnographic content analysis approach was used to analyze posts from ‘PetForums Community’ online archives, relating to ‘raw meat-based feeding’ and ‘food safety’ ( n =308). UK manufacturer/supplier websites ( n =33) were reviewed for provision of food safety information relating to raw meat-based pet feeding. The data were analyzed using qualitative thematic approach and quantitative methods. Pet owner forum comments indicated potential malpractices and indifference towards the possible food safety hazards when preparing raw meat-based pet food. Many were risk aware but indicated confusion regarding appropriate food safety practices. Although emotional concern about the safety of the pets and children was expressed, contracting a foodborne disease was not perceived as a personal risk. Additionally, the review identified that the majority (61%) of manufacturer/supplier websites failed to provide any food safety instructions or warnings to pet owners regarding raw meat-based pet food. Information was inconsistent and varied between sources. The most comprehensive sources of information were provided by manufacturers approved by the UK Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association. This is the first netnography study to explore pet owner online reports and the provision of food safety information, related to raw pet feeding. Findings suggest pet owners may not fully appreciate the potential risks associated with raw meat-based pet feeding. Consequently, there is a need for credible and consistent strategies to inform the pet owners about potential implications associated with feeding raw meat to pets, as well as about safe food handling practices.


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 795-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilma S Leslie ◽  
Fiona Comrie ◽  
Michael EJ Lean ◽  
Catherine R Hankey

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a menu and resource to illustrate to consumers and health professionals what a healthy balanced diet looks like over the course of a week.DesignDevelopment and analysis of an illustrative 7 d ‘eatwell week’ menu to meet current UK recommendations for nutrients with a Dietary Reference Value, with a daily energy base of 8368 kJ (2000 kcal). Foods were selected using market research data on meals and snacks commonly consumed by UK adults. Analysis used the food composition data set from year 1 (2008) of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme. The eatwell week menu was developed using an iterative process of nutritional analysis with adjustments made to portion sizes and the inclusion/exclusion of foods in order to achieve the target macronutrient composition.ResultsThree main meals and two snacks were presented as interchangeable within the weekdays and two weekend days to achieve adult food and nutrient recommendations. Main meals were based on potatoes, rice or pasta with fish (two meals; one oily), red meat (two meals), poultry or vegetarian accompaniments. The 5-a-day target for fruit and vegetables (range 5–6·7 portions) was achieved daily. Mean salt content was below recommended maximum levels (<6 g/d). All key macro- and micronutrient values were achieved.ConclusionsAffordable foods, and those widely consumed by British adults, can be incorporated within a 7 d healthy balanced menu. Future research should investigate the effect of using the eatwell week on adults’ dietary habits and health-related outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Kwon Namgung ◽  
Tae-Hwan Kim ◽  
Youn-Sik Hong

A well-balanced diet habit of a wide variety of foods and adequate nutrition can help to maintain proper growth and healthy life for young children. In Korea, young children aged 3 to 6 years use their own plates to eat lunch served in the kindergarten or childcare facilities. In this paper, we propose a smart plate that can easily measure how much food children have eaten. The smart plate has five load cell sensors to measure the weight of five places. Using them, the amount of food intake can be determined by measuring the weight of food before and after meals, respectively. This helps to know which foods young children prefer and which foods they do not prefer and identifies nutritional deficiencies in them. In addition, long-term accumulated data can be used to predict the growth index of young children. Finally, menus are recommended based on the nutrition facts consumed on a monthly basis by analyzing nutrition ingredients that were insufficient or excessive for children.


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