Book of Proceedings I PetFeeding

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of life. Antibodies can be provided by cross-matched serum from vaccinated adult orally within
24 hours, or subcutaneously thereafter, at 15 ml per kitten or 22 ml/kg for puppies, split in
boluses every 12 hours (Levy, 2001). Some manufacturers add bovine or avian colostrum to
the milk replacer to bridge the period until immune system maturation.
Feeding –what and how much
For suckling neonates, the optimum nutrition is provided by the mother of the same species
who herself is consuming adequate amounts of a balanced diet fulfilling her needs. The milk
replacers have to match closely the milk composition of the respective species. Complete milk
analysis have been investigated for domestic cat and dog (Adkins, 1997; Jacobsen, 2004;
Debraekeleer, 1998).
The minimum requirements and the recommended allowances for protein and amino acids
are available for puppies from 4 weeks of age (NRC). For fats, vitamins, and minerals, the NRC
makes recommendations only for growing puppies > 14 weeks of age.
Although, cow and goat milk are too high in lactose compared to bitch’s milk, the
homemade formulas can be used in emergency until a commercial diet is acquired. Commercial
diets offer more balanced nutrition, but are still being improved by the manufacturers. A 2014
study comparing 15 commercial milk replacers to nutrient concentration in 5 samples of dog
milk, found that none of the milk replacers were close match to dog milk (Heinze, 2014). Out
of 21 essential nutrients analyzed, 11 to 18 were outside the range for dog milk, while over half
of all nutrients did not match the dog milk ranges. Out of 3 milk replacers with the closest
match, excess linoleic acid, low energy density, inappropriate Ca to P ratio and no measurable
DHA were of concern. The feeding instructions did not match the necessary energy intake. So,
adherence to feeding directions could easily lead to substantial over- or underfeeding. The study
of the milk replacers use in large breed dogs, also showed that the protein and fat content was
lower than dog milk and vitamin D was threefold higher (Corbee, 2012). Nutrient deficiency
can result in significant abnormalities. For example, shortages in tryptophan, niacin, or taurine
lead to cataract development (Frankel, 2001; Ranz D, 2002; Lange, 2017).
In other words, while commercial diets strive to match the dog milk composition and
provide the feeding recommendations, the progress of each animal should be monitored closely
individually and the intake adjusted accordingly. Nutritional assessment of the orphan pup and
kitten is based on weight gain, physical examination, and age appropriate activity levels as there
are no standardized growth charts or body condition scoring available for nursing neonates.
Nutrients requirements guidelines are guidelines are limited due to limitations in available
research, but various formulas available for determining neonate’s energy requirements (e.g.
20-26 kcal/100g BW/day for pups and 15-25 kcal/100g BW/day for kittens).
The period from birth to weaning is the time of anatomical, microbial and functional
development of the feline and canine gastrointestinal tract. Sterile gastrointestinal tract is
colonized right after birth and approximately 15% of foster kittens die before 8 weeks of age due
to enteritis. Out of numerous infectious agents that can be the cause, the role of commensals and