Statement
The BSAVA strongly recommends that all companion animals are fed a nutritionally complete and balanced diet suitable to their nutritional needs, in accordance with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Acts and relevant welfare codes.
The BSAVA recognises obesity as a disease that can cause health and welfare problems for all companion animals and, therefore, strongly recommends that bodyweight and body condition score are monitored regularly and diets modified to maintain a healthy weight and body condition score.
The BSAVA recommends that veterinary professionals conduct a nutritional assessment on all animals presented for routine health checks (including regular recording of weight and body condition score), and provide nutritional advice to maintain health and welfare.
Since disease can alter nutritional needs and the ability to absorb and utilise nutrients, nutritional assessments should also be undertaken on all sick animals at regular intervals.
The BSAVA strongly recommends that, where home prepared diets are fed, appropriate advice is obtained from veterinary professionals to ensure that these are nutritionally complete and balanced and meet the needs of the animal.
Where a raw-meat-based diet (RMBD) is fed, the BSAVA strongly recommends the implementation of strict hygiene measures to minimise the risk of communicable disease transmission between pets and humans. Where there are children or immune compromised adults in the household, it is advisable that medical advice is sought, before considering whether to prepare, handle and store raw food intended for pets.
Background information
The nutrient requirements for different animals will vary with the species, size, life-stage and activity. Nutrient requirements can also be significantly affected by various diseases, and the addition or restriction of certain nutrients may be required in their management.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) suggests a two-stage approach to nutritional assessment: all animals should receive a screening evaluation, as part of every consultation, involving taking a brief nutritional history, recording of body condition score and bodyweight. An extended evaluation (comprising an analysis of animal, diet, feeding management and environment factors) is then indicated for patients identified to be at risk of any nutrition-related problem identified during the screening evaluation.
Further Information
Provenance
Scientific Committee 2014 – ratified BSAVA Council November 2014
FEDIAF and UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA) information added November 2017
PFMA name change updated 2023
Reviewed by members of BSAVA Scientific Committee (Rachel Casey, Gillian Diesel, Ben Garland, Melanie Hezzell, Michael Rampersad, James Warland, Macauly Gatenby) 2024
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