Dietary Interventions in Companion Animals and Prevention of Nutrition Disorders
A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2024) | Viewed by 6266
Special Issue Editors
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Obesity and nutritional disorders are not just limited to humans, they also affect animals. The prevalence of overweight and obese companion animals has been increasing over the years, and the health risks associated with excess weight can have serious consequences for pets. Excess weight can cause numerous health problems, including diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, respiratory issues, skin problems, urinary tract disorders, liver disease, and cancer, all leading to a decreased life expectancy. For example, short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs are more prone to respiratory problems, especially if they are overweight. Apart from obesity, several other nutritional disorders can adversely affect the health of animals. Malnutrition, for instance, can arise due to inadequate intake of essential nutrients or poor absorption of nutrients, leading to weakened immune systems, stunted growth, weight loss, and other related health problems. In addition, animals may suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause skin and coat problems, anemia, and weakened bones. Overconsumption of specific nutrients, like salt, can also result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The health of the animals can also be harmed by the intake of potentially toxic substances and contaminants. Furthermore, gastrointestinal disorders can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition. It is crucial to provide a well-balanced diet to prevent these disorders from occurring. Owners and experts must address this issue with effective interventions and prevention strategies.
To fight the following diseases, it is often necessary to implement several strategies. Portion control is one of the most effective ways to manage weight, with recommended feeding guidelines and measuring cups ensuring pets are not overfed. A balanced diet, providing the right proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, is essential to prevent malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies. For pets with specific health conditions, alternative diets, such as low-fat or high-fiber diets, can be effective. Regular exercise, nutritional supplements, and veterinary check-ups are also crucial in preventing obesity and other health issues.
By increasing the awareness and understanding of the risks associated with being overweight, and providing strategies for preventing and treating nutritional disorders, this Special Issue aims to publish original articles or reviews that will help pet owners, veterinarians, and animal health professionals with new valuable insights about this important issue. We call on researchers to contribute their recent findings, especially focusing on dietary strategies, prevention methods against obesity, alternative feedstuffs, owners’ perception, and nutritional disorders.
Prof. Dr. Leonardo Leonardi
Dr. Eleonora Calzoni
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- dietary strategies
- prevention of nutrition disorders
- owners’ perception
- alternative feedstuff
- nutritional dis-orders
- obesity
- malnutrition
- vitamin deficiencies
- mineral deficiencies
- overconsumption
- gastrointestinal disorders
- feeding strategy
- companion animal health
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