FAQ列表
Why do some animals prefer canned food to kibbles?
The appeal of canned foods is linked to their moisture content, which reinforces their smell and is particularly pleasing to cats. For cats, the texture of canned food is more similar to that of prey. This attraction to canned food can be used to make kibbles more acceptable, by mixing with a little canned food.
Should kibbles be different for young animals and adults?
Yes, first in response to different nutritional needs, but also because palatability factors change with age. Thus, the kibble is smaller and softer for puppies and kittens than for adults.
hat environmental problems may reduce dietary intake?
Cats may be perturbed if there is rearrangement of their dwelling, a change in the location of their bowl or if their living space is too cramped (as in the case of hospitalisation). If the bowl is not separate enough from other areas (litter tray…), cats may refuse to eat.
Are there drawbacks to the appeal of new food?
Yes, since it generally leads to over consumption, it is best to monitor and, if necessary, limit the amounts given in the first month.
How can you help a cat overcome its rejection of new food?
·Offer the food for three days in a row, renewing it each time
·Place a small amount of food in the cat’s mouth so it can experience the taste - not just the smel
·For canned food, spread a little on a paw, so it eats some while licking itself during grooming
NB: The efficacy of these different methods varies among cats. It is absolutely necessary to take a cat to the vet if it refuses to eat for over 3 days.
·Place a small amount of food in the cat’s mouth so it can experience the taste - not just the smel
·For canned food, spread a little on a paw, so it eats some while licking itself during grooming
NB: The efficacy of these different methods varies among cats. It is absolutely necessary to take a cat to the vet if it refuses to eat for over 3 days.
Is it advisable to warm up food from a can kept in the refrigerator?
Yes, especially for cats, which prefer their food as close as possible to body temperature (38°C). NB: this is a “warm” temperature, far lower than that at which we are used to heating our own food.
Can hospitalisation cause an aversion to the food served?
Yes, particularly through an association of smell and stress. This is why it is advisable to prepare food in a separate place from the kennel. Moreover, hospitalisation in itself is a major cause of stress that may trigger rejection of new food. This makes it preferable to serve the usual food, unless contraindicated for medical reasons.
Why do dogs reject food after having appeared to like it?
Check first that the dog is not overfed. With a new food, especially if this behaviour occurs after the first mouthfuls, the dog may not appreciate the taste or consistency of food it had first found appealing for its smell. If it is food eaten for several weeks, the dog may actually be seeking foods with high social value, like food obtained by begging from the table. In this case, it is best not to give in.
Should oil be added to prepared pet food to make it more palatable?
No, adding fat may increase palatability, but it alters the balance of nutrients and increases calorie content, exposing the animal to weight gain (especially cats and small dogs). Moreover, cooked fat contains harmful peroxides.
Does the colour of kibbles influence palatability?
No, adding fat may increase palatability, but it alters the balance of nutrients and increases calorie content, exposing the animal to weight gain (especially cats and small dogs). Moreover, cooked fat contains harmful peroxides.
If an animal prefers a new food, is this a sign that the food the previous diet?
Not necessarily. Food that is less palatable than the usual food may be preferred simply because of the “novelty effect”, but this preference lasts only a few days.
Conversely, it will be lasting if the new food is really more palatable. In cats, new food may be preferred simply because it is dispensed sparingly.
Conversely, it will be lasting if the new food is really more palatable. In cats, new food may be preferred simply because it is dispensed sparingly.
If an animal refuses new food, does this mean it is not palatable?
Not necessarily. Such refusal may be a reaction conditioned by previous eating habits and a period of adaptation may often be necessary, especially in cats.
Is there a difference in palatability for the same food between dogs and cats?
Yes, palatability factors in cats differ greatly from those identified in dogs. In addition to not perceiving flavour in the same way, dogs are strongly influenced by the social function of food.
Is the quality of raw materials enough to guarantee good palatability?
This is very important but not the sole condition for palatability: for kibbles, in particular, other factors come into play, such as shape, texture, coating (a technique that makes it possible to deposit concentrated flavouring on the surface).
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