It’s important to analyze your ancestors
Dogs and cats are part of the same biological order, the Carnivora. They have similarities and also differences in the way they eat. One common point is that these two species are very similar in the anatomy of their digestive systems. For example, when we analyze the mouth, we can identify well-developed canine teeth used to seize prey and strong molars suitable for tearing flesh and breaking bones. Unlike us humans, they don’t have certain salivary enzymes or intestines adapted to absorbing carbohydrates. However, their stomachs have an acidic pH which is ideal for breaking down the proteins present in meat. Despite their similarities, the differences in their eating habits are striking. That’s why it’s important to analyze their ancestors. Or, currently, those individuals who have returned to a ravaged state (ferals). In this way, it will be possible to notice that the menu and strategies for acquiring food are different between feral cats and dogs. It’s worth remembering that the industrialized dog and cat food we offer, despite being balanced, has a much higher amount of carbohydrates than proteins.
Canine feeding strategies
Feral dogs forage (explore) the environment for any type of food, prioritizing proteins (meat) when they find them. In this way, we can divide the process into three basic stages: search; identification; selection. In this context, the sense of smell (10x more powerful than ours) is dogs’ main ally in the search for food. In other words, dogs are carnivores by definition and omnivores by convenience, making them non-strict carnivores and the species best adapted to living with humans. But make no mistake, dogs, like cats, are excellent hunters and unlike cats they can hunt in groups. However, in urban environments, street dogs often rummage through garbage and surround restaurants in search of human scraps.
Feline feeding strategies
Feral cats hunt small and medium-sized prey. They don’t usually share meals except with their offspring, in the case of mothers. Unlike dogs, cats are considered strict carnivores. In other words, they are not accustomed to eating carbohydrate-rich foods, with the exception of outdoor cats, which can make use of human food scraps with various ingredients in their composition. Some researchers consider cats to be a semi-domesticated species. As such, most domestic cats are excellent predators. When there is an opportunity for the cat to hunt in the environment, many owners are surprised and presented with prey such as birds, rodents and lizards.
Pet welfare
Animal welfare can be considered a physical, psychological and natural state linked to an individual’s quality of life. It is an adaptation to the environment in which one lives. Therefore, when we trust animals, we have an obligation to provide all the necessary elements so that the pet can behave in the way expected of its species. As guardians and caretakers, our obligations are guided by the needs of the animals we care for. Generally speaking, these are: providing a balanced and sufficient diet, fresh drinking water. Receiving essential vaccinations against infectious agents. Provision of shelter with a resting place that allows ample movement and access to a clean and adequate bathroom. Thermal comfort with access to sunlight and the possibility of shelter from the rain. We should promote management that doesn’t cause anxiety, fear or pain and allows for harmonious inter- and intra-specific play and social interaction. One way of stimulating our pets is through food enrichment. Dogs like to sniff, so an excellent environmental enrichment strategy is to hide food in different places to motivate them at mealtimes. Cats, on the other hand, are natural-born hunters, so stimulating them with hunting games by throwing food for them to catch in the air or run after it as if it were prey, will certainly make them feel satisfied with the end result of all their efforts.
Influence of food on behavior
In order for pets to maintain the basic functions and functioning of their bodies, together with good physical condition, they need to have a balanced diet and the chance to exercise on a daily basis with walks, runs and games. As well as physical exercise, healthy eating plays a fundamental role in achieving physical and mental well-being. On the other hand, a lack of nutrients can cause depression, anxiety and lead the body to collapse with characteristic symptoms such as tiredness, muscle fatigue, lethargy and apathy present in various behavioral disorders.
Food heals
Food plays a medicinal role when the food or elements in it bring benefits for the prevention or treatment of illnesses. When foods have therapeutic properties, they are known as nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are used to supplement the diet with biologically active ingredients obtained from food. They can help pets with behavioral disorders because they act on neurotransmitters and neurological receptors. These actions block the reuptake or release of hormones such as serotonin and noradrenaline, causing antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in the body. These hormones help in the functioning and balance of various brain regions involved in different behavioral responses. These include memory, mood, emotions and feelings. Some examples of nutraceuticals are: L-carnitine, Beta-glucans, triglycerides, fatty acids (omega-3), beta-carotene, antioxidants and probiotics (live micro-organisms). They are present as a bridge in the communication between the brain and the gut. Since the intestinal microbiota harbors and absorbs these compounds present in the enriched diet, they act to regulate the central nervous system. This pathway is fundamental for the proper functioning of the body and for the treatment of behavioral disorders when an imbalance is present.
